>> New meningitis vaccine with extra protection
>> FDA warns against product in premies
>> Futility of vitamin therapy in COVID
The Med & Mic™ 10.27.23
A medical news blog post
from the author of “Scoop, MD”
New Meningitis Vaccine Broadens Protection
A new pentavalent meningococcal vaccine protects against five types of bacterial meningitis, including meningitis B. Earlier this month, the FDA approved the two-dose immunization for healthy people 16 to 23, or for those at high risk 10 years and up. The new schedule simplifies vaccination; equivalent coverage with previous vaccines would require four or five shots. Only 30% of 17-year-olds are getting even one dose of meningitis vaccine. One in ten cases of bacterial meningitis is fatal. (Source: J. Christensen, 10.26.23)
No Probiotics for Premies
Because of at least one death and two dozen reports of injuries, the FDA is warning against the use of probiotic products to supplement feedings. The supplements contain live bacteria or yeast and are not approved as a drug or treatment for babies. The probiotic products have been used in the hospital setting with the intent to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis, a dangerous infection affecting premature infants. One manufacturer has voluntarily recalled and discontinued the product. (Source: AP, M. Perrone, 10.26.23)
High Dose Vitamin C a Bust for Severe COVID
In two clinical trials, intravenous vitamin C did not help critically ill patients with COVID come off of medical interventions to support body functions. In fact, survival to discharge in critically ill patients was 62% in the vitamin C group compared to 65% in the control group. For critically ill patients, the probability of futility of vitamin C therapy was 99.9%. The researchers were surprised by the results, since a meta-analysis of nine smaller trials suggested that vitamin C might reduce hospital COVID mortality. (Source: MedPage Today, S. Putka, 10.25.23)
Click the follow button to keep up on the medical news of the day.
For more about preparing for media interviews, read “Scoop, MD: the Doctor’s Guide to Media Interviews and Opportunities” on Amazon Kindle Vella.
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis, or the advice of your own physician. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.