Cervical cancer 101 with Houston Moms January 29, 2024 • 9:00 a.m. From screening measures to treatment options and prevention methods, Dr. Marisol Carpio-Solis shared everything she knows about cervical cancer during a recent conversation with our partners with Houston Moms. RSV immunizations - a chat with Houston Moms November 14, 2023 • 10:39 a.m. From what babies are eligible for the monoclonal antibody immunization, to how it differs from the option for pregnant women, Dr. Manuela Murray shares all the information about the recently approved RSV injections. A breakdown of the newly approved RSV immunizations November 10, 2023 • 5:43 p.m. Throughout 2023, three injections offering protection against RSV were approved. Learn more about each type and what, if any, might be right for you and your loved ones. The cumulative effect of annual flu shots October 4, 2023 • 9:29 a.m. Did you know annual flu shots can have a cumulative effect that can protect you beyond the current flu season? Pediatrician Dr. Manuela Murray shares her first-hand experience with the proven theory. Respiratory viruses and back-to-school August 29, 2023 • 4:30 p.m. Communities in the area are seeing an uptick in individuals with COVID-19, and with that experts are reminding it's not too soon to think about other respiratory illnesses like the flu and RSV. Back-to-school immunizations August 9, 2023 • 11:48 a.m. Pediatrician Dr. Lee Elam offers a high-level breakdown of some of the typical vaccinations needed throughout childhood. COVID vaccine can decrease chances of developing long COVID February 16, 2023 • 3:36 p.m. by By Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp There is a myriad of symptoms people describe following COVID. Many complain of brain fog and fatigue. Other common symptoms include chronic cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast heart rate, diarrhea, lightheadedness, depression and persistent loss of taste or smell. This list is far from comprehensive, as many experiences other symptoms as well. Researchers working on effective CMV vaccine January 25, 2023 • 9:31 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp Developing a vaccine against cytomegalovirus (CMV) is right at the top of researchers’ priority list. However, most people have never heard of the virus. Now Medicare Part D covers vaccines at no cost January 17, 2023 • 10:17 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp The new year is starting strong with the news that those with Medicare Part D may receive all recommended vaccines without paying a dime. Odds are your holiday meal was vaccinated January 10, 2023 • 11:14 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp Unless you are vegan, odds are that your holiday meal was vaccinated. Whether you had prime rib, a Christmas ham or a turkey with all its fixings, vaccination was involved. Even the whipped cream on the pumpkin pie came from a vaccinated dairy cow. While most of us appreciate the role vaccines play in keeping us and our pets healthy, few recognize the major role vaccines play in our food supply. Doctors get personal about getting flu and COVID vaccinations for their own children December 22, 2022 • 8:36 a.m. In this video, these UTMB doctors and providers share that they got their own children vaccinated for flu and COVID. Be aware: COVID is not done with us yet December 15, 2022 • 8:44 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp People are sick of hearing about COVID. So are we! But the truth is, the virus is not sick of us, and it’s not going anywhere. There has been nearly a 30 percent increase in COVID hospitalizations among elderly adults in the past two weeks. You should be aware of new information. Buckle up: Flu season fast approaching October 27, 2022 • 4:50 p.m. by Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp This winter, we may have a "twin-demic” of both COVID and flu filling hospital beds and clinics. It is important that people receive their influenza vaccination to keep this from happening. Yes, you can get bivalent COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time October 27, 2022 • 4:47 p.m. by Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp The FDA recently authorized COVID-19 bivalent boosters and the CDC recommended them for everyone 12 years and older. Vaccine Smarts answers some common questions. Certain flu shots can better protect older adults October 27, 2022 • 4:44 p.m. by Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp Flu is ripping through our community. Now is the time to get vaccinated! If you are an older adult, you should know that some flu vaccines offer you better protection than others. Third dose booster offers many benefits for children October 27, 2022 • 4:40 p.m. by Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp Like many common vaccines, the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines should have been a three-dose series. The first two injections prime the immune system, and the third boosts it to provide a higher antibody response. In 5 to 11 year olds, the booster more than doubles the antibody levels found following the second dose. Additionally, boosting has been shown in other age groups to further improve the antibodies so that they better bind the virus and provide more protection against variants. Covid Vaccine and Kids 5+ December 7, 2021 • 11:11 a.m. Dr. Elizabeth Rodriguez Lien shares what parents need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine and the 5+ population. 5 Myths About the Flu Vaccine December 6, 2021 • 9:00 a.m. This week (Dec. 5-11) is National Influenza Vaccination Week, which is an annual observance to remind everyone six months of age and older to get their annual flu vaccine. We hear many myths about the flu vaccine, and we’re here to bust them. The Flu and Vaccines October 29, 2021 • 11:44 a.m. What you should know for the flu season Get the Flu Shot and Fight Flu October 13, 2021 • 9:26 a.m. It’s that time of year again—flu season. Getting the annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu. Stay on Track with Your Kid’s Vaccs August 19, 2021 • 9:00 a.m. Know when your child's next routine vaccination is due to help prevent disease. Back to School Wellness July 12, 2021 • 9:00 a.m. Dr. Manuela Murray joined Meagan Clanahan of the Houston Moms Blog to discuss the COVID-19 vaccine, back-to-school well-checks and more. The best memories are made in person. July 1, 2021 • 8:00 a.m. Approved for individuals 12 years of age and older, the two-dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is now available at all UTMB Health primary care clinics—just in time for back to school check-ups and physicals. COVID-19 vaccine odds on favorite May 6, 2021 • 2:00 p.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp We Americans are not good at calculating risk. Some feel that if something bad is going to happen, it will happen to them. Understanding COVID-19 variants April 22, 2021 • 3:00 p.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp The development of SARS-CoV-2 variants isn’t a surprise. The shocking thing, based on what we thought we knew about coronaviruses, is the speed at which variants developed and spread. The question remains: Should we be worried? COVID-19 Vaccine & Pregnancy Safety March 25, 2021 • 9:00 a.m. Learn more about COVID-19 vaccine & pregnancy safety with Dr. Elizabeth Cloninger. Here are 3 reasons to be excited about the Johnson & Johnson vaccine March 3, 2021 • 10:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp The medical community is ecstatic about the Food and Drug Administration approval of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the third vaccine to be used for the prevention of COVID-19. What to know about pregnancy and COVID-19 vaccines February 17, 2021 • 11:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp Much more is known about COVID-19 and pregnancy now that we’re a year into the pandemic. Fortunately, in the majority of cases, SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy turns out well. COVID-19 can be worsened, however, by the extra work of breathing and stress on the heart that occur with pregnancy. Sore lymph nodes and itchy splotches — is this normal? February 10, 2021 • 11:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp We’ve received many questions from readers anxious about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Several questioned reactions they experienced after receiving their shot. I hope our responses help answer the questions you may have as well. Here are answers to a few of your questions about the COVID-19 vaccine February 3, 2021 • 11:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp We’ve received many questions from readers anxious about receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Several questioned if they should be vaccinated at all while others wondered if they need to continue wearing masks once vaccinated. I hope our responses help answer the questions you may have as well. Benefits outweigh risks of COVID-19 vaccines January 25, 2021 • 4:00 p.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp Texans are lining up to receive their COVID-19 vaccine and many more are patiently waiting their turn. The good news is that while COVID-19 can be life-threatening, the only medical risk to vaccination is for those with a history of allergic reactions to these vaccines or their ingredients. Which COVID-19 vaccine should you get? January 15, 2021 • 11:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp In front of the press, President-elect Joe Biden rolled up his sleeve for the Pfizer vaccine and Dr. Anthony Fauci for the Moderna vaccine. While some tried to read something into their choices, these vaccination events were likely arranged to instill public trust in both vaccines. Regardless, the public wants to know which vaccine is best. When will it be my turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine? January 6, 2021 • 8:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp It’s music to many physicians’ ears to hear people clamoring for their COVID-19 vaccine. The virus has damaged the economy and taken far too many lives. A year ago, it was unbelievable that effective, safe vaccines could be delivered in less than a year from the first identification of a new pathogen. Here are some answers about new COVID-19 vaccines December 23, 2020 • 8:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp Two COVID-19 vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization in the United States. They’re commonly referred to as the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. Both are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines and use a technology developed over the last decade. 'Immunity passport' might be our ticket back to normal December 9, 2020 • 8:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp The fantastic news about the safety and effectiveness of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines has led many to ask when things will return to normal. Volunteers to purposefully get COVID-19 to help you November 25, 2020 • 8:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp It may seem crazy, but in some clinical trials volunteers are purposely infected with diseases like the flu, cholera and malaria. These types of trials are referred to as challenge studies. When will a COVID-19 vaccine be ready for children? November 11, 2020 • 8:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp A frequent question we get is when will children be able to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Yes, you should get the flu vaccine annually October 28, 2020 • 8:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp The current flu vaccines aren’t similar to the swine flu vaccine of 1976; you should absolutely get your flu vaccine (and this cannot be emphasized enough with the current pandemic); and the best vaccine for you depends on your age. Volunteers vital in finding effective COVID-19 vaccine August 19, 2020 • 11:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp Several vaccine candidates against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, have entered the final clinical trials required for licensure. The primary goal of the trials is to test the vaccine candidates’ effectiveness and gather further information on safety. COVID-19 vaccine research moves to fast lane July 21, 2020 • 11:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp The excitement is palpable as the first two SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates enter the homestretch for Food and Drug Administration licensure. Vaccines can keep your liver healthy July 7, 2020 • 8:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp In this week’s column, doctors Megan Berman and Richard Rupp talk about the important role a person’s liver plays in keeping them healthy. They also discuss the causes of hepatitis, the term for inflammation of the liver, and the vaccines that can prevent hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Well-designed studies filter truth from hype June 23, 2020 • 8:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp In this installment of their popular column, Drs. Megan Berman and Richard Rupp explain why high quality studies are necessary when researching drugs and their usage. The highest quality are randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies, according to the doctors. Understanding roles vaccination, immunization play in our lives June 9, 2020 • 8:00 a.m. by Drs. Megan Berman & Richard Rupp In this column, Megan Berman and Richard Rupp discuss the meaning of the terms vaccination and immunization. All Stories, News & Events
