(NewsUSA) – The viruses that cause COVID-19 and flu continuously change or “mutate” to escape our natural immune responses and the protection provided by vaccines. As a result, for both flu and COVID-19, vaccination is not a “one and done” proposition.

Fortunately, as these viruses change, flu and COVID-19 vaccines are updated to protect the public against the variants that are currently circulating. Experts at Champions for Vaccine Education, Equity, and Progress (CVEEP)—a coalition dedicated to educating the public about vaccines and promoting equity and access—emphasize that the best way to reduce the risk of severe illness from both flu and COVID-19 is to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations.

Some viruses, such as those that cause measles and polio, change infrequently. This means that the vaccines for these viruses can provide immunity that is longer-lasting. By contrast, frequent changes in the viruses that cause COVID-19 and flu mean the protection provided by these vaccines will wane as new variants emerge. Continue reading →

By Dr. David Sugerman

(NAPSI)—As a parent, I know that preparing for international travel with kids is more than just packing a suitcase. Whether we are visiting relatives we haven’t seen for a long time or helping our children see the world, we all can agree that protecting our family’s health is the top priority. As a doctor, I know that beyond sorting out missing socks and packing suitcases, there is another important step to prepare for international travel: measles vaccination. Your whole family needs to be protected by measles vaccination, including babies as young as six months old.

While the risk for measles in the U.S. remains thankfully low due to high rates of immunization, measles can occur anywhere in the world, and you can be exposed during international travel. Every year, U.S. residents who are unvaccinated get measles while traveling internationally and get sick after they come home, often spreading it to others. Measles is more than just a little rash; it’s a serious disease that can cause severe complications, especially in young children. Measles is also highly contagious. If one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby can become infected if they are not vaccinated.  Continue reading →

(NAPSI)—If you’re like most homeowners, there’s probably a laundry list of major upgrades you’d like to make to improve the efficiency, performance, and functionality of your house. However, high upfront costs and project complexity can keep you from taking action, especially when projects involve expensive but essential systems, such as heating and cooling, water heater, and home envelope. Now, though, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act (2022), there are numerous financial incentives that can significantly reduce the cost of these upgrades, making them more affordable and accessible, even for low- and middle-income households.

To help Americans take advantage of these financial opportunities and make these projects easier, ENERGY STAR recently launched a home improvement savings web tool. This handy online tool is a one-stop shop that lets you enter your ZIP code and find information on incentives available to you. Currently, it features generous tax credits and utility rebates that can help you substantially lower costs on qualifying products. Over time, it will include additional information on state energy efficiency rebates for low- and moderate-income households as they come online. Find the tool at: energystar.gov/homesavings. Continue reading →