Novavax is a COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in adults 18 years and older. It is currently being used in more than 40 countries and was authorized by the FDA on July 13, 2022, for emergency use in the United States. Here’s everything you need to know about Novavax and the latest data about its safety and efficacy.  What Is Novavax?  Novavax is a vaccine for adults 18 and older that may prevent COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It is a two-dose vaccine that requires each dose to be given three weeks apart.  According to the FDA, Novavax contains...

Even though many state-run COVID-19 testing clinics are closing, the SARS-CoV-2 virus has far from disappeared. New Omicron variants infect thousands of people daily across the nation, and the need for reliable and readily-accessible tests remains high. One of the most efficient ways to keep up with COVID-19 detection and surveillance for yourself and your family is to use a home testing kit. However, the availability of home testing runs the gamut, and many people have questions about this alternate testing option.  Here’s what you need to know about home COVID-19 tests, including whether...

National Breastfeeding Week is recognized and celebrated every year during the first week of August. Here’s more about the significance of this yearly observance and where to get donor milk and support if you and your baby are affected by the 2022 Infant Formula Shortage.  What Is National Breastfeeding Week?  National Breastfeeding Week originated in 1992 and is celebrated every year from August 1 to August 7. It was created to generate public awareness and support for breastfeeding, and to promote breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for a baby during their first year of life. Another...

Over-the-counter (OTC) birth control medication is available in more than 100 countries except for the United States. On July 11, 2022, a pharmaceutical company based in France called HRA Pharma asked the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to approve an OTC birth control pill. If approved, the pill will be the first oral contraceptive available in the U.S. without requiring a prescription.  Here’s everything you need to know about OTC birth control medication and other commonly used OTC birth control methods.  What Is OTC Birth Control Medication?  The OTC birth control pill currently...

When school lets out for the summer, it’s not the only routine that gets kicked to the curb. Without the mandatory morning alarms that children and parents become accustomed to during the school year, wake times and bedtimes tend to slide later, and sleep consistency can suffer. Summer vacations — with changing time zones and altered sleep arrangements — can also further distort a healthy sleep routine. Even without travel, longer daylight hours can interrupt your body’s normal sleep cues.  It’s important to enjoy a more relaxed schedule in the summertime, but it’s also important to stay on...