Vaccines
Vaccine Access
With the increase in anti vaxers the concern overall is that it will be harder to access to vaccines. While RFK and the MAHA/MAGA supporters are advocating against them, the larger health industry will still be fighting to retain an easy source of capital for them.
The big players
- The CDC:Center for Disease Control under the leadership of Secretary of Health Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
- The ACIP: The Advisory Committe on Immunization Policy, underneath the CDC. It shapes most of the U.S. vaccine policy such as who can recieve vaccines. All 17 of them have been fired and replaced by 7 of RFK Jr's anti-vax chronies. They aim to sew public distrust in vaccines and the overall vaccine approval process. They can only give recommendations to the FDA
- FDA: Food and Drug Administration, provides the final approval on vaccines and usage. Current commissioner is Marty Makary, a Trump appointee with anti-vax sentiments, anti abortion stances, and critical of federal health agencies. He also still believes in the food pyramid lol.
- APhA: American PHarmacists Association, an independent organization for pharmacists, they take guidance often from the CDC
- Drug Companies: The businesses who manufacture and produce vaccines. They make money by selling these vaccines to pharmacies and doctors. They are incentivized to make money. They have already begun production for the 2025-2026 Flu Season.
- Pharmacies/Doc Offices: These are the locations that provide immunization for patients typically between the months of late August through March. Individually these companies decided what boards (ACIP, FDA, etc.) Will have the final say on what vaccines they can distribute
With an anti-vax leadership at the federal level, some companies are preparing to change their policies to get independent boards to approve their vaccine plans over federal agencies. Realistically patients should expect there to be both delays and shortages for the flu vaccine this season.
Be sure to respect any distribution hierarchy in place (preference to vaccinate elderly people, immunocompromised, etc.) But if you are given the opportunity to get vaccinated for flu or covid don't pass up the shot.
Sources
- Key Characteristics of Federal Vaccine Advisory Committees
- APhA withholds endorsement of ACIP Adult Immunization Schedule
- Could flu shot supply fall short this year? FDA’s canceled meeting sparks worries
- Authority and Scope of Vaccination: How States Differ
- RFK Jr.’s new vaccine advisors signal big changes to come
Get your Vaccines and Boosters
If you’ve got a case of needle-phobia you undoubtly understand the importance of getting shots. But the mental challenge of braving the doctor’s office and get the shot is a legitimate challenge. It is more vital than ever to get vaccines if they are available to you. Here are tips if you’re just one of those people who struggle with needles.
How to Survive Shots When You’re Scared of Needles
- Be Compassionate Fear of needles may seem trivial from other perspectives. “Just get the shot you’ll be fine” may work on others, but for people with a genuine phobia just the topic can illict a phisological response. It’s more than just “distracting yourself” or “looking away”. Take small steps, like just reading these tips!
- Iontophoresis A iontophoresis machine sends a small electrical current through a conductive pad on the body. It will numb an area about 5 mm deep, enough to help avoid the needle sensation. Learn more
- Ice Simple, low cost and easy to use! Press directly against the skin if using a commercial ice pack (other methods be careful of frostbite risks) for 5-10 minutes. Be sure skin doesn’t get to the point of holding wrinkles (if after pinching skin the skin keeps a ripple shape you have burned yourself).
- Anti anxiety Medication This method is not available for everyone and may not produce the same results. Additionally certain medications may last for several hours, preventing you from going to work/events. Valium, lorazepam, or propranolol are potentially good suggestions to ask your doc for.
- Lie Down This method is especially useful for getting blood drawn. Tell the nurse you get light headed easily and they won’t hesitate to let you lie down on a bed. This helps your body relax, decreases likelihood of passing out, and sometimes extra empathetic staff will fan you!
- Shot Blocker This is a method fo dealing with the pain/physical sensation. This device can be placed over the injection site and shields the brain from recieving pain signals in the area. It results in a minimized sensation and is reusable. Product Site