Health News

Whooping Cough Risks Among Kids Increase
Vaccines save lives by preventing a person from getting a disease or dramatically lowering their risks for the disease. But vaccines are not perfect. Their protection can wear off.
A Tiny Risk for Narcolepsy?
One of the best ways to reduce risk of catching the flu is getting a flu shot. However, all vaccines carry some small risks. Researchers continue to look for possible evidence of these risks.
New Flu Shot – Without Eggs
One drawback of the seasonal flu vaccine is that it's made with egg proteins – a possible problem for people with egg allergies. But next year, they will have a new egg-free option.
Flu Shot Protects Mom and Unborn Baby
With a flu pandemic going on, public health authorities are encouraging everyone to get flu shots. But pregnant women may worry – will the shot hurt my baby?
Whooping Cough's Comeback in 2012
Whooping cough sounds like a thing of the past, an archaic disease that has been banished to the history books. But history tends to repeat itself, and whooping cough is coming back.
FDA expands Tamiflu’s use to treat children younger than 1 year
The US Food and Drug Administration today expanded the approved use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) to treat children as young as 2 weeks old who have shown symptoms of flu for no longer than two days.
Pertussis Vaccine Fades Over Time
Rates of whooping cough (pertussis) have increased in recent years. One concern has been that the vaccine for pertussis becomes weaker over time. A recent study found this to be the case. During a California outbreak of pertussis, many of the grade school children had received their DTaP vaccine for pertussis.
FDA approves first seasonal influenza vaccine manufactured using cell culture technology
The US Food and Drug Administration announced today the approval of Flucelvax, the first seasonal influenza vaccine licensed in the United States produced using cultured animal cells, instead of fertilized chicken eggs.
Can Flu Shots Help Hearts?
Getting a jab for the flu might do more than protect you from coming down with it. It might actually lower your risk of a heart attack. Two recent studies have found a possible benefit for your heart from the flu vaccine.
Create a "Vaccine Cocoon" for Babies
The cases of whooping cough in the U.S. this year are the highest they have been since 1959. And the best way to protect the ones you love is to get the vaccine.