Childhood Vaccines

On January 5th, 2026, the CDC changed its recommendations for childhood vaccines, reducing the number of vaccines that are recommended.  Suggested caption:CDC childhood vaccine guidelines have changed however, parents can still choose to give their child vaccines that are not universally recommended. Visit HealthyChildren.org to learn more from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). iHeardSTL # ChildhoodVaccines #AAP Print version

CDC changed vaccine recommendations for children

On January 5th, 2026, the CDC changed its recommendations for childhood vaccines, reducing the number of vaccines that are recommended. Only 40% of St. Louisans reported hearing about the changes in the last 7 days.   What’s changed?   The new guidelines reduce from 17 to 11 the number of vaccines recommended for all children. Of the six vaccines that were dropped from universal recommendations, some are now recommended only for high-risk groups and/or for “shared clinical decision making” between a child’s […]

Will flu season be bad this year?

The proportion of St. Louis adults surveyed who heard in the last 7 days that “flu season may be bad this year” reached its highest point in five weeks – 48%.  This is up from 29% in early December. Among those who had heard it, all believed it was true.  What’s the latest?  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease […]

“Very High” flu levels

The proportion of St. Louis adults surveyed who heard in the last 7 days that “flu season may be bad this year” reached its highest point in five weeks – 48%. Suggested CaptionFlu is spreading in St. Louis! It’s not too late to get a flu vaccine to lower your chances of severe symptoms.  #iHeardSTL #FluVaccine #FluSeason #FluShot Print version

Is this year’s flu season worse than usual?

Among St. Louis adults surveyed, 29% said that in the last 7 days they’ve heard that flu season may be bad this year. Among those who heard it, nearly all (96%) believed it was either definitely or likely true.  Here’s what we know.  This year’s flu vaccine may not match the strain of flu virus that is spreading  Each year, the flu vaccine used in the U.S. is based on the […]

Flu season

Is this year’s flu season worse than usual? Suggested CaptionHere’s what to know about flu season this year. 

 #iHeardSTL #FluSeason #Flu #FluShot #H3N2SubcladeK Print version

Trust in CDC

Trust in CDC on flu, vaccines drops sharply among St. Louisans     Suggested Caption St. Louisans may have questions about flu vaccines this season. Help start health conversations and share accurate information in your community.   #iHeardSTL  Print version

Trust in CDC on flu, vaccines drops sharply among St. Louisans

Compared to 11 weeks ago, fewer St. Louis adults trust the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) when it comes to flu vaccines, believe the CDC is prepared to respond to the flu, or feel that the CDC’s response to flu is in their best interests. The poll  The CDC recommends when and […]

Childhood vaccines

Missouri childhood vaccination rates drop  Suggested Caption Getting your child vaccinated before school starts is important to help keep them safe from illnesses that can be prevented with vaccines.   #iHeardSTL  Print version

Missouri childhood vaccination rates drop 

As schools resume from summer break, the CDC released new data showing that vaccination rates among kindergarteners in the U.S. continued to decline for the 2024–25 school year. Nearly 1 in 4 (24%) St. Louis adults heard in the last 7 days that “National childhood vaccination rates are lower this year.”  Child vaccination rates falling in Missouri, […]

Flu vaccines

St. Louis adults view flu vaccine as safe and effective Suggested caption: Flu season is coming—what’s your plan? Flu vaccines are safe, widely available starting in the fall, and help prevent severe illness. Plan ahead to know where and how you’ll get your vaccine this year. #iHeardSTL #FluVaccination #FluSeason #StayProtected Print version

St. Louis adults view flu vaccine as safe and effective

Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) St. Louis adults surveyed agreed or strongly agreed that the flu vaccine was safe, and 85% agreed or strongly agreed that the flu vaccine was effective.  Why would St. Louisans get the flu vaccine?  By a 2 to 1 margin, St. Louis adults were more likely to say that flu […]

COVID-19 Vaccine & Blood Donation

Can I give blood after getting vaccinated for COVID-19? Suggested Caption: Help spread the word: You can donate blood after getting a COVID vaccine. If the vaccine is FDA-approved and you don’t feel sick, you can give blood right away. If you don’t know which vaccine you got, wait 14 days after getting vaccinated. #iHeardSTL […]

Vaccine Conversations

It’s okay to have questions about vaccines Suggested Caption: It’s okay to want to find answers to questions you have about vaccines. Here are a few places we recommend going to for answers:   – Your doctor or child’s doctor – Trusted medical leaders like Mayo Clinic – Dedicated health websites like MedlinePlus from the National Library […]

RSV Vaccination

Why do older adults need the RSV vaccine? Suggested Caption: The rate of RSV infection is rising right now in MO. An RSV vaccine for older adults is available and could help protect against hospitalizations. Check local vaccination options today! #iHeardSTL #RSV #RSVVaccination #GetVaccinated #RespiratoryInfection Should infants get the RSV vaccine? Suggested Caption: The rate […]

Vaccine Knowledge

If you hear this…You can say: Suggested Caption: The claim that “if vaccines worked, we wouldn’t have diseases like flu, measles and mumps,” has been circulating as a meme on social media. That claim is NOT true. Vaccines reduce the risk or severity of an illness by training our immune system to fight the illness. […]

Updated COVID-19 Vaccines for Kids

Looking for a COVID vaccine for your child? Suggested Caption: Vaccinating kids can help protect family members and keep kids in daycare and school, allowing them to safely participate in sports, playdates, and other group activities. Use these tips to find and schedule a vaccine for your child today! To learn more about this and […]

Seasonal Vaccines

Can I get the flu, COVID and/or RSV vaccines at the same time? Suggested Caption: Yes, you CAN get the flu, COVID and/or RSV vaccines at the same time!  Talk to your healthcare provider to find out which vaccines are right for you.  To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, […]

COVID-19: Vaccines

Find COVID-19 vaccine locations at Vaccines.gov Suggested Caption: Need help finding a COVID‑19 vaccine near you? Visit Vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233. Call your local vaccine provider to check for vaccine availability and appointment times. To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, visit iHeardSTL.org or follow @iHeard_STL. #iHeardSTL #StayUpdatededAndProtected! #COVIDVaccine What you […]

RSV Vaccine

Version 1: Did you know? Version 2: Did you know? Suggested Caption: 1 in 5 St. Louisans say they’ve heard about the increase in RSV infections. A new RSV immunization for infants and vaccine for older adults and pregnant people is now available and could help protect against hospitalizations from RSV this year. To learn […]

COVID-19: Vaccines & Variants

Weekly alert: New variants. New vaccine. What are people hearing? Suggested Caption: The CDC has confirmed two new COVID variants: EG.5 (Eris) and BA.2.86 (Pirola). EG.5 is now the most common variant, accounting for about 20% of cases. To learn more about this and other health topics in St. Louis, visit iHeardSTL.org or follow @iHeard_STL. #iHeardSTL […]

COVID Vaccines & Young Athletes

Weekly alert: Are COVID vaccines safe for young athletes? Suggested Caption: Although only a few (9%) of surveyed STL adults have heard COVID-19 vaccines cause heart problems among young athletes, two-thirds (67%) of those who heard it believed it. Multiple scientific studies have found no evidence of an increased risk of cardiac arrest after COVID […]