Season 2 Episode 6: Bivalent Vaccines & Addressing Mental Health

Season 2, Episode 6, Sep 30, 2022, 03:00 PM

Headliner

(Part 1) Bivalent Vaccine Key Facts:

The Moderna and Pfizer updated boosters each contain an mRNA component that targets the currently circulating subvariants (BA.4 and BA.5) and an mRNA component that targets the original COVID-19 virus strain.
The FDA concluded the vaccines are safe and effective based on the totality of available evidence.
The Pfizer/Moderna mRNA vaccines went through extensive clinical trials before they updated their formulas for the bivalent booster, similar to the way the flu vaccine gets updated every year.
You do not need to have had previous boosters to receive the new updated booster.
The updated booster, like all COVID-19 vaccines, is free, and no insurance or proof of residency is required.
Common side effects are similar to those felt after more than 7 million monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in Oregon.
Pfizer’s updated bivalent booster is a single booster dose for people age 12 and older available at least two months after completing an initial vaccine series or at least two months after their most recent booster dose.
Moderna’s updated bivalent booster is a single booster dose for people age 18 and older available at least two months after completing a primary vaccine series or at least two months after their most recent booster dose.

(Part 2) Addressing Behavioral & Mental Health during COVID-19:

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, offering people compassionate care and support from trained crisis counselors.
988 is available to help people who are having a range of behavioral health crises, including: thoughts of suicide, self-harm, substance use or any other kind of behavioral health crisis.
People can also contact 988 if they are worried about a loved one.
Some people may have heard that 988 is like 911 – there’s some misinformation out there
There is a vision that 988 will become as well-known as 911, and make it easier for anyone to access behavioral health services
While 911’s focus is on dispatching in-person responders, 988 provides emotional support over call, text or chat in the moments people most need it, in a compassionate, one-on-one conversation
988’s vision to provide a behavioral health response to behavioral health crises. It’s understandable that some people may be hesitant to call an emergency or crisis number, especially if they have experienced an emotional or mental health crisis in the past, have been adversely impacted by systemic and historical social injustice, or have experienced harm or mistreatment by police or healthcare systems.
For serious and life-threatening situations, 988 call centers will work with local mental health providers to support appropriate interventions.