Grandparents Urged to Vaccinate Against Multiple Viruses Before Visiting Newborns Amid U.S. Outbreaks
Healthcare professionals in the U.S. are strongly recommending that grandparents and other caregivers receive several key vaccinations before interacting with newborns. This advice comes amidst the current respiratory virus season and the nation's most significant measles outbreak in decades. Dr. Dhaval Desai, an internal medicine and pediatrics physician, emphasized the vulnerability of infants aged zero to six months, who rely heavily on antibodies passed from their mothers and the immunity of those around them. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that anyone around a newborn should be up-to-date on routine vaccines, particularly the Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis/whooping cough) and the seasonal flu vaccine. Additionally, doctors are recommending the RSV vaccine for older adults, with specific age and health condition guidelines. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended for all adults to reduce the risk of hospitalization and transmission to vulner...
