In this episode, we discuss the 2024-2025 fall vaccine lineup, covering everything you need to know to stay protected this season. We start with updates on the latest COVID and flu vaccines, and Zoe shares her personal experience getting these shots. We then dive into the recent approval of self-administered FluMist, exploring how it compares to the traditional injectable flu vaccine in terms of effectiveness and convenience. Plus, we provide a brief update on RSV.

Among the highlights in this episode:

00:36: Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF, discusses the CDC’s updated COVID vaccine recommendations, emphasizing that everyone aged six months and older should receive the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine

00:48: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, addresses common questions from the immunocompromised community, highlighting the CDC's guidance on additional COVID doses and the importance of consulting with health care providers

01:13: Steven and Zoe explain the distinction between updated vaccines and boosters, noting that updated vaccines target new strains and are expected to be revised annually

02:24: Steven shares data from 2023, pointing out that most people hospitalized for COVID had not received the updated vaccine, underlining its importance

02:46: Zoe highlights the concern of long COVID and how getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of developing this condition

03:16: Zoe shares her personal experience of getting both the flu and COVID shots together, and gives tips on how to coordinate vaccination plans with a doctor

04:23: Steven introduces the FDA approval of FluMist for self or caregiver administration, explaining how it provides an alternative to the traditional flu shot

06:02: Zoe explains that FluMist is not recommended for the immunocompromised

07:10: Steven discusses the benefits of having options like FluMist, stating that it's good to have more ways to get vaccinated

08:09: Zoe shares insights on managing treatments around vaccine schedules, emphasizing the importance of personalizing health care decisions

09:39: Zoe provides information on the RSV vaccine, mentioning its availability for older adults, pregnant women, and the benefits for newborns

10:09: Steven reminds listeners about the availability of free rapid COVID tests from the federal government, encouraging people to have them on hand during the respiratory virus season

11:04: Zoe announces the launch of the second season of GHLF’s Informed Immunity podcast, which covers topics around vaccines, immunization equity, and debunking myths

To listen to all the Informed Immunity episodes, visit: https://ghlf.org/informed-immunity/ or search for the series on your favorite podcast platform

11:28: What our hosts learned from this episode

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special World Sight Day episode, Steven and Zoe are joined by Caroline Casey, President of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB), and Seth Ginsberg, President of the Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF). Together, they explore the critical importance of eye health, especially for those living with chronic diseases like thyroid eye disease and diabetes. Caroline and Seth discuss global initiatives, innovative campaigns like "Love Your Eyes," and how advocating for better eye health can transform lives.

Tune in as we raise awareness for blindness prevention, highlight the need for regular eye checkups, and share valuable insights on how chronic conditions can impact vision.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:17: Caroline Casey introduces herself, sharing her story as an advocate for eye health and her role as President of IAPB

01:51: Seth Ginsberg gives a brief overview of GHLF, explaining how the organization supports patients with chronic illnesses, including those facing vision impairment due to chronic conditions

02:37: Caroline explains the mission of World Sight Day, highlighting the global attention it brings to blindness, eye health, and vision impairment

03:45: Seth discusses the connection between chronic diseases and eye health, emphasizing how conditions like thyroid disorders and diabetes can affect vision

05:47: Caroline describes IAPB's initiatives, including the "Love Your Eyes" campaign and efforts to provide eye care to children and workers globally

09:51: Seth highlights GHLF’s work on thyroid eye disease, detailing GHLF’s resource hub in Australia and how they aim to empower patients to manage their condition

To find all of GHLF’s resources on thyroid eye disease, visit: https://ghlf.org.au/thyroideyedisease/

12:44: Caroline underscores the importance of regular eye checkups, especially for those using devices that strain the eyes, and encourages listeners to take action on World Sight Day

15:40: Seth shares how advocacy empowers patients, explaining the importance of speaking up about symptoms and advocating for better treatments and health care access

18:47: Caroline explains the challenges in making eye health a global priority, highlighting the importance of integrating eye care into primary health care systems

21:32: Seth offers final thoughts, urging listeners to take care of their vision and seek regular eye checkups, especially if they have chronic health conditions

23:38: Caroline and Seth encourage listeners to make a pledge to prioritize eye health, reiterating the importance of advocacy and self-care for both eye health and chronic conditions

24:12: What our hosts learned from this episode

To learn more about IAPB, visit: https://www.iapb.org/

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we are joined by Estela Mata, President and CEO of Looms for Lupus, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for those living with lupus, and other chronic conditions. Estela shares her personal and family journey with lupus and the profound impact of advocacy. She highlights the importance of community, the need for increased awareness, and the power of sharing personal stories, especially within the Hispanic community. Estela’s message of hope and resilience is a reminder of the strength found in community and the critical role of advocacy in chronic illness management.

Among the highlights in this episode:

01:13: Estela shares the personal story of her sister Juana’s battle with lupus, including the challenges of diagnosis and the importance of persistence in seeking medical care

02:46: Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF, and Estela, discuss the critical role of advocacy in chronic illness, with Estela explaining how she and her family became advocates to support others facing similar struggles

04:01: Estela reflects on the powerful connections formed through advocacy, emphasizing how community support can provide strength and hope

05:56: Estela recounts the origins of Looms for Lupus, explaining how it was founded by her and her sisters to provide support, education, and advocacy for those affected by lupus and other chronic conditions

07:07: Estela discusses her involvement in clinical trials, highlighting the importance of being informed and the role of clinical trials in offering hope for new treatment options

08:52: Zoe and Estela discuss the therapeutic value of creative activities like loom knitting and crocheting, particularly as coping mechanisms during challenging times

10:44: Estela talks about expanding Looms for Lupus to support individuals with other chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of overall awareness and education

11:35: Estela shares insights on the health disparities faced by the Hispanic community and the critical need for culturally competent care and early diagnosis

13:10: Estela discusses the impact of advocacy within the Hispanic community and highlights the importance of using one's voice to demand equitable health care and reduce stigma

16:59: Estela concludes by encouraging listeners to get involved in advocacy, sharing her sister's empowering slogan: “Never give in, never give up, never let go. Just keep fighting”

20:10: What our hosts learned from this episode

If you want to subscribe to our email newsletter to learn more about clinical trials, especially for lupus patients, please send your contact information via this form: https://bit.ly/LupusHelpCenter

Contact Our Hosts

Steven Newmark, Chief of Policy at GHLF: snewmark@ghlf.org

Zoe Rothblatt, Director of Community Outreach at GHLF: zrothblatt@ghlf.org

A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.

We want to hear what you think. Send your comments in the form of an email, video, or audio clip of yourself to podcasts@ghlf.org

Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.