Should you get the new COVID booster?

The latest on which boosters are available, who should get boosted, and what to consider before getting your shot.

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IN a nutshell These days, COVID vaccines seem to be dropping like albums. You might be sick of hearing about them, but the fact remains we're still living through a pandemic, and it's our job to keep in the know. Which is why today we're digging into the latest COVID-19 booster, who should get it, and what considerations to make before scheduling your shot. We're also talking about: • a simple planner for better organization • the impact of sweet food and drinks on our health • more health stories you need Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota September 26, 2022 • 5 min read

what's got us buzzing What to know about the new COVID booster Earlier this month, Pfizer-BioNTech updated its COVID-19 booster to better protect folks from new virus strains. In addition to the OG formula, these boosters now feature Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike proteins, which will work to reduce the death and illness rates of these highly contagious variants. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) already approved both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to be used as boosters, but this is the first COVID-19 booster shot that's available and approved by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So, who should get boosted? The CDC now recommends people aged 12+ get the updated Pfizer booster and people aged 18+ get their next Moderna shot. If you got a different brand of vax for your first two doses, don't worry: The FDA recently authorized the use of mix-and-match booster doses for all currently available COVID vaccines after National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)'s new study found them to be effective. "If you are eligible, there is no bad time to get your COVID-19 booster, and I strongly encourage you to receive it," CDC Director Dr. Walensky said in a public statement. Remember that COVID-19 isn't the only thing you can get sick with this fall or winter – the common cold and flu are circulating, too. The good news: You can get your flu shot at the same time as your COVID booster. Before you run to your local pharmacy to get jabbed, though, consider talking to your healthcare professional to make sure it's right for you and your health needs. tl;dr: Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 booster is now boosted with Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 spike proteins to better protect people from these newer variants. The CDC recommends getting boosted with any available vaccine as soon as you're eligible so you, your loved ones, and your community can stay as safe and healthy as possible.

great finds Products we love       2023 AT-A-GLANCE Weekly and Monthly Simplified Planner It's officially fall, which means that the new year is basically already here. (Sorry.) Staying organized can boost your focus and help you get things done. If you want to better manage your tasks or improve your organization game from now through 2023, the AT-A-GLANCE Simplified Planner might become your new best friend. You can use this aesthetically pleasing, super functional agenda created by designer Emily Ley for school, work, or your personal calendar. Need more pages than it offers? You can buy daily, weekly, or monthly "refills." This planner also makes a great gift for your loved ones who could use a dose of organization. *raises hand* I've been using this for the last two years, and it drastically helps my forgetful ADHD brain manage my entire life. 10/10, highly recommend. Shop now

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Monday Kickstart Food and drinks are getting sweeter and our health is at risk Ice cream, sodas, and baked goods might taste great, but eating "too much" sugar (9+ teaspoons per day for men vs. 6+ for women) has been linked to health conditions like type 2 diabetes and tooth decay. Well, new research has found that food and drinks across the world have more added sugar now compared to the last decade – 30-50% sweeter to be exact, depending on the location. Given the concerns associated with eating too much sugar, the risks of eating ultra-processed foods, and the fact that humans (including kids) are designed to crave more sweets after eating them, this is a global health problem. A big part of the solution is systemic: Food companies need to produce less sweetened products with less artificial sugar. But control is also in our hands as consumers! Try opting for water and naturally sweet treats like fruit over sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks like gummy worms. Wondering how else to cut down your sugar intake? Try any (or all!) of these 13 simple ways to stop eating lots of sugar.

Health Hype True or False: Flossing can prevent Alzheimer's (Find the answer at the end of this email)

health stories you need What we're reading next Dietician-backed multivitamins for women's health. Calling women of all ages looking to try a new multi! From gluten-free to tummy-friendly, we list the best ones for you to consider taking. Which are the most effective drugs for diabetes? Out of the four popular drugs tested in a new clinical trial on type 2 diabetes treatments, two worked "modestly" better than the others. Can probiotics ease depression? Probiotics are known to help with digestion and immunity. Research says they can improve your mental health and reduce depression symptoms, too.

Health Hype Answer True or False: Flossing can prevent Alzheimer's True! Flossing doesn't just keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh. A new study found that people who keep up with their oral health (with regular flossing and brushing!) can decrease their risk of dementia and cognitive decline. In fact, people with poor dental hygiene are 21% more likely to develop Alzheimer's down the line. So yes, flossing can boost oral *and* brain health, including Alzheimer's prevention. To learn more about this study's findings and how to maintain better dental health, read our new article here.

Thanks for reading! How did you like today's stories? Did you learn something new? Tell us what you think at wellnesswire@healthline.com. See you on Wednesday!

Until next time, Take care of yourself, and we'll see you again soon!     This edition was powered by the super sweet latte I drank while writing this. Oops.   View in browser Did a friend send you this email? Subscribe here. To see all newsletters, click here. Privacy    |    Unsubscribe © 2022 Healthline Media 1423 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707