Rx4Prevention

11/29/2025

It's Science Friday at Rx4Prevention. Today's topic: mRNA flu vaccine shows promise, but…

Although a quadrivalent modified mRNA flu vaccine proved to work better than the standard inactivated flu vaccine, don’t anticipate a cutting-edge flu shot any time soon.

Here’s the backstory. Researchers compared two groups: one received the common quadrivalent flu vaccine, while the other got the mRNA counterpart. Scientists convincingly found that the mRNA vaccine gave 34.5 percent better protection against H1N1 and H3N2 influenza.

In addition to being more effective, the mRNA vaccine can be developed rapidly. The current method of choosing flu vaccine strains months ahead and producing them in eggs can cause mismatches with circulating viruses. In contrast, mRNA flu vaccines could be made in 6-8 weeks, as shown with COVID-19.

Unfortunately, the study's results coincide with the federal government's choice to end mRNA vaccine research funding.

One researcher observed that pharmaceutical companies might be worried that there's no path forward to FDA approval because it's an mRNA-based vaccine. “They're not going to invest additional millions of dollars just to be told, 'You started with the wrong material, and it's not going to be approved.'"

11/28/2025

We are grateful for amazing staff members in senior centers who facilitate Rx4Prevention's on-site vaccine clinics. Your efforts keep the elderly safe from preventable illnesses!

11/27/2025

We're incredibly thankful for our community partners, such as the Coralville Community Food Pantry and Johnson County Health and Human Services. Our relationships help make sure EVERYONE gets the vaccines they need to stay safe.

11/26/2025

We're thankful for our clients. And sometimes -- even though vaccinations are a serious business -- they make us laugh. Love that totebag!

11/25/2025

The holiday season is quickly approaching, bringing loved ones together to celebrate. And as families gather, it’s easier for contagious viruses to spread, putting vulnerable groups at risk. Thankfully, widespread vaccination prevents these diseases from spreading and keeps everyone healthy.

Learn more about the importance of staying up to date on immunizations and community immunity this holiday season by visiting our website.
https://bit.ly/3XcrS7d

11/22/2025

Today's Science Friday explores titer tests

Suppose a titer test is recommended to you; what does it mean?

In short, a titer test uses a small blood sample to check for antibodies linked to a specific disease. Antibodies are proteins your immune system creates to fight off viruses and bacteria.

The antibody level shows whether you’ve been successfully vaccinated or had the illness in the past, and thus, have acquired immunity. This test can also give your healthcare provider an overview of how well your immune system is working.

A positive titer test result signals immunity, whereas a negative result indicates your immunity is below the threshold and likely signals the need for a vaccination or booster shot.

Knowing your immunity status is particularly helpful when childhood vaccine records are unavailable or sketchy, a new job involves exposure risk, or during a disease outbreak.

11/21/2025

Protect the lungs of our seniors with RSV vaccines.

RSV can be serious for adults. In fact, each year an estimated 110,000–180,000 adults ages 50 and older in the US are hospitalized due to RSV.

The CDC recommends RSV vaccination for all adults 75+ and adults 50–74 who are at increased risk for severe illness.

Talk to your healthcare provider to see if the RSV vaccination is right for you. Learn more at lung.org/rsv.

11/19/2025

The Rx4Prevention squad (with Kate shown here) vaccinated residents for Covid at last week's Green Hills Independent Living on-site clinic.

Terrific folks!

11/19/2025

We will be vaccinating adults and kiddos too!

Free vaccine clinic for adults and children THIS WEDNESDAY! Go to Johnson County Social Services between 10am-2pm! No insurance required.

11/15/2025

Today's Science Friday: What’s the Forecast for Flu?

This year’s flu season could be one turbulent ride.

Scientists who continuously track viral mutations say the "shift and drift" viral patterns creates challenging adjustments in developing seasonal influenza vaccines.

Last June, scientists observed an abrupt mutation, resulting in seven changes to a strain of H3N2 seasonal flu. This led to a tougher form of the virus that: might bypass some immune defenses, has already started the flu season over a month early, and is historically known to be more severe.

Experts worry this perfect storm may lead to the worst flu season in a decade and have broadcast a "flu jab SOS” alarm.

Is Iowa ready? As of November 7, Iowa Health & Human Services reported that more than 600,000 people—about 20% of the state's population—have received a flu shot. Some counties are better protected than others: while roughly 25% of Johnson County residents are vaccinated, Davis County has a vaccination rate below 10%.

11/08/2025

Today's Science Friday: Immunity patterns under the microscope

Imagine this scenario: you and your partner get vaccinations on the same day. While both of you show strong immune responses at first, six months later one of you stays healthy while the other contracts COVID.

Why the difference?

To solve immunity puzzles like this one, scientists in Japan studied more than 2,500 individuals who received the COVID vaccine, measuring their antibodies along the way. With the aid of computer analysis, they discovered four distinct patterns in response to vaccines.

Interestingly, they learned about 20 percent are "rapid-decliners." These individuals started with high antibody levels that quickly dropped, while others' kept high immunity. Investigators believe the difference is linked to unique biological mechanisms, which they plan to investigate next.

"Identifying the rapid-decliner pattern is especially important -- it helps explain why some people may need boosters sooner than others that could potentially contribute to better, more personalized vaccination strategies,” said the lead author.

11/06/2025

Did an on-site flu / COVID vaccination day fall off the radar for your organization?

Rx4Prevention has great news: it's not too late to schedule on-site delivery of the 2025-26 flu and COVID vaccines.

Connect with us: https://rx4prevention.com/