Page 10 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – FRiDAy, SEpTEmbER 23, 2022 BEACON | FROM PAGE 9 CLEANUP – The Baker Administration announced the kickoff of the 2022 COASTSWEEP beach cleanup program which runs through from September 17 to early November. Since 1987, thousands of volunteers have participated and removed hundreds of tons of marine debris and other trash from Massachusetts beaches, lakes, rivers and the seafloor. COASTSWEEP is part of the International Coastal Cleanup initiative that is organized by Ocean Conservancy and draws hundreds of thousands of volunteers to coastal cleanups in more than 150 countries worldwide. Volunteers also record data about what they find into Ocean Conservancy’s international marine debris database, where it helps researchers and policymakers better understand the sources of global marine debris and develop solutions for its prevention. “Throughout the commonwealth are incredible beaches, waterfronts and shorelines that are enjoyed and appreciated by so many, and the COASTSWEEP program offers a great way for everyone to give back to these treasured natural resources,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “The Baker-Polito Administration encourages everyone to get out and get involved with a cleanup or gather some friends and organize your own this fall season.” Volunteers can organize their own cleanup or volunteer at a scheduled cleanup. All supplies, including bags, gloves, data cards and pencils are provided free of charge. To join an existing cleanup or to organize one, go to https://www.mass. gov/service-details/coastsweep-cleanup-list or email coastsweep@mass.gov POLYCYSTIC OVARY SYNDROME AWARENESS (H 3735) – The House approved and sent to the Senate a bill making September Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness (POSA) Month. According to the Mayo Clinic website, POSA is a problem with hormones that happens during the reproductive years. “The exact cause of PCOS is unknown,” notes the website. “Early diagnosis and treatment along with weight loss may lower the risk of longterm complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease.” The bill was approved by the House on September 15, 2022, when half the month of September was already over. It still needs the initial approval of the Senate and another round of approval in both branches, as well as the governor’s signature as the month of September continues to roll on. It was originally filed 16 months ago on May 6, 2021 but September 2021 went by without passage of the bill. Rep. Nika Elugardo (D-Boston), the sponsor of the bill, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on her bill and explain why it has been stalled in the House for 18 months. U.S. LABOR SECRETARY MART Y WALSH TALKS UNIONS AND THE FUTURE - The momentum of labor, including the growth of unions and the increased leverage of workers, is reshaping the traditional workplace dynamic In Massachusetts and beyond. Join BEACON | SEE PAGE 11 Say nir Sa a y Senior Seni by Jim Miller Flu Vaccines That Are Recommended for Older Adults Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 65 and would like to learn more about the stronger flu shots I see advertised for older adults. What can you tell me about them and how are they covered by Medicare? Senior Novice Dear Novice, There are actually three different types of senior-specific flu shots (you only need one) that the CDC is now recommending to people age 65 and older. These FDA-approved annual vaccines are designed to off er extra protection beyond what a standard fl u shot provides, which is important for older adults who have weaker immune defenses and have a greater risk of developing dangerous fl u complications. Here’s more information on these three vaccines. Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent: Approved for U.S. use in 2009, the Fluzone High-Dose is a high-potency vaccine that contains four times the amount of antigen as a regular fl u shot does, which creates a stronger immune response for better protection. According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, this vaccine was proven 24 percent more eff ective than the regular dose shot at preventing fl u in seniors. Fluad Quadrivalent: First available in the U.S. in 2016, this adjuvanted vaccine contains an added ingredient called adjuvant MF59 that also helps create a stronger immune response. In a 2013 observational study, Fluad was found 51 percent more eff ective in preventing flu-related hospitalizations for older patients than a standard fl u shot. You also need to be aware that both the Fluzone High-Dose and Fluad vaccines can cause more of the mild side effects that can occur with a standard-dose fl u shot, like pain or tenderness where you got the shot, muscle aches, headache or fatigue. And neither vaccine is recommended for seniors who are allergic to chicken eggs, or those who have had a severe reaction to a fl u vaccine in the past. Also note that the CDC does not recommend one vaccination over the other. FluBlok Quadrivalent: For older adults that are allergic to eggs, FluBlok, which is a recombinant vaccine that does not use chicken eggs in their manufacturing process is your best option. This vaccine is proven to be 30 percent more eff ective than a standard-dose infl uenza vaccine in preventing fl u in people age 50 and older. All of these vaccines are covered 100 percent by Medicare Part B as long as your doctor, health clinic or pharmacy agrees not to charge you more than Medicare pays. Pneumonia Vaccines Another important vaccination the CDC recommends to seniors, especially this time of year, are the pneumococcal vaccines for pneumonia. Around 1.5 million Americans visit medical emergency departments each year because of pneumonia, and about 50,000 people die from it. The CDC recently updatSENIOR | SEE PAGE 23 nior ior
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