Infectious diseases expert Dr. John Zurlo joins The Health Nexus Podcast once again to provide the latest information on COVID-19, including how he would time getting the Omicron BA.5 bivalent vaccine and the flu shot if you’re trying to avoid feeling potentially crummy. Also on the docket of topics: masking recommendations this flu season, whether we’ll see a surge this fall/winter and much more on that new bivalent vaccine.

We also get an update on the monkeypox virus affecting our region and Dr. Zurlo breaks down the recent polio outbreak. A top recommendation? Be sure your vaccine records are up to date.

On COVID

Is COVID-19 over? –  01:13 Is anyone still a COVID virgin? –  03:30 On bivalent COVID-19 vaccines – 04:18 Why you need the primary COVID vaccine –  05:10 Who is eligible for this booster? – 06:06 Was the bivalent booster tested on humans? – 06:35 What is the best time to get the booster? – 08:22 How long does immunity last? – 09:11 Do you need the booster if you already got the Omicron variant of COVID? – 10:03 Should we get the COVID booster and flu shot together? – 11:01 How long until immunity from the booster kicks in? –  11:46 Will we face a COVID surge this fall/winter? – 12:02 Tips on spacing out COVID booster and flu shot – 12:46 Should we be masking up this flu season? – 13:27

On Monkeypox

Update on outbreak affecting the region – 15:26 Who should receive the monkeypox vaccine? (And its side effects) – 18:15 Best ways to protect yourself and community – 19:43

On Polio

Dr. Zurlo on the recent polio outbreak and what caused it – 20:18 History of polio – 21:28 Getting the polio vaccine and if it’s harmful to get it twice – 24:32

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