Dear Member,

We hope you all had a very healthy and enjoyable summer. As we start back to our usual programming, we want to go over some updates with you as well as some potential advice and medical news.

COVID-19 vaccines- There has been a lot of confusion regarding the Fall 2025 2026 COVID-19 vaccination as to who is eligible. The new recommendations are that it is exclusive to those over 65 or those with “health” issues. The qualifications are quite broad including being sedentary as a reason. In previous years, it was available for everyone six months of age and older, regardless of your health status. This is a huge difference, which will make a large part of our population vulnerable and those who no longer qualify, anxious to get the vaccine.

As health care providers, we can give anyone we deem “qualified” the COVID vaccination. This is considered as “off label”. Pharmacists cannot administer the vaccine out of the documented guidelines. The main issue is if it is not recommended, then insurance may decide not to cover the cost of it (we expect it will cost around $200). Recently, Governor Hochul said that she was mandating all vaccinations would be covered. We are not sure if that is true or not. We expect stock of the COVID vaccines in the next 2-3 weeks. We will send out notice when we obtain them. FYI, there is a current slight uptick of COVID-19 infections we are seeing, so remain vigilant, especially if traveling or have a special upcoming occasion or are immunocompromised. We expect this winter to have a surge given so few will be vaccinated. We have ordered both Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines. We will not have the Novavax this year as they have not updated their formulation from last year.

Influenza Vaccines - We currently have stock of the 2025/26 influenza vaccinations with the exception of Flu mist. The Flu mist is a weakened live nasal spray vaccine approved for ages 2-49 for those without any lung health issues (asthma, copd, etc) or who are immunocompromised. We will send out notice when we obtain these. Currently we have Fluzone in individual doses (ie preservative free) for those 6 months and older and high dose Fluzone for those over 65 years of age. We also have Flublok. Flublok is made differently than other influenza vaccines and is 3 times stronger than a regular flu vaccine and this year approved for ages 9 and above (previous years was for 18+). This vaccine is usually NOT available in pharmacies and is highly recommended by us if you qualify.

New Pneumonia vaccine recommendations - Pneumonia vaccines were always being recommended for those over 65 and those who are high risk (asthma, copd, etc) but recently it has been changed to the current guideline of being recommended for all adults over the age of 50. If interested, reach out to your provider.

*Graphic generously donated by the incredible graphic artist Sandra DiPasqua - hoping to help save a life

Fentanyl - Fentanyl is a drug that is 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. 1 pill can kill and does. Unfortunately, it is often laced with other drugs that people purchase through illicit means. We recommend that all kids going off to university and others at risk have two things on them: 1) Fentanyl test strips which can test to see if the product they/you are purchasing is laced with Fentanyl and 2) Narcan in every backpack/briefcase/purse, etc. Narcan is available without a prescription at any pharmacy (or we can send a prescription – email Kristina@flatironfamily.com if interested). Also both the test strips and the Narcan can be obtained at FREE FENTANYL TEST STRIPS & NARCAN for free. Make sure to let the people around you know you have it on you to be safe if ever needed. Narcan is a nasal spray that is easy to use and can reverse the lethal effects of fentanyl (or other opioid) accidental overdoses and save lives. How to use Naloxone -signs of opioid overdose are breathing problems, extreme sleepiness, slow heartbeat, or not being able to respond, a very small (pinpoint) pupil in a person who is difficult to awaken. If ever in doubt if someone needs it or not, err on the side of caution and give it. Always call 911 if you have given this medication as the reversal is temporary and needs to be followed up in an emergency room.

New PrEP medication- There is exciting news for those of you who are on PrEP or thinking of going on PrEP (pre-exposure prophylactic medication against HIV infection). Gilead science has now received approval for “Yeztugo” a twice a year injection that is given in a doctor’s office. Not only is it much more convenient than a daily pill or an every 2 month injection currently on the market, it is much more efficacious. We are now just waiting for insurance to consider it a preferred medication and slowly that is occurring. Ask your provider for more details if you’re interested.

Parent child interaction tips - We have been lucky to have had multiple conversations with Jane Romeo, a NYC based parent child interaction specialist and below is a recent newsletter of hers on how to try to combat screen time with your kids. This year is the first year there is a bell to bell no phone policy at school which should help. Jane’s tips should help as well. Hope you find it interesting! For those of your interested in reaching out to her for private consultations, we have arranged for her to give a 20% discount to our patients. If interested, reach out to her directly. Click on the photo below to read her newsletter:

Just a reminder of some of the other perks of FFM members: Reach out to our office to schedule or discuss with your provider at next visit:

Genetic testing - We offer a genetic risk test of the 64 most common genetically predisposed cancer markers (cost is $250 if not covered by insurance). https://www.invitae.com/us/providers/test-catalog/test-17001

Sollis health care - a 24 hour private emergency room - FFM patients get a 20% discount off the yearly fee. They have multiple locations in NYC, 1 in the Hamptons, and 2 each in LA, SF and South Florida. Membership entitles you to access all locations as needed. https://sollishealth.com

Prenuvo full body MRI scan - For those interested, please reach out to us to contact them on your behalf to obtain a $400 discount on their full body scans. https://prenuvo.com

Galleri blood tests - This is a blood test that checks for early detection for cancer DNA in the blood. It's a test that should be done every 1- 2 years as it tests if you have cancer now - not your genetic predisposition. It states it's good for 50+ types of cancers but really is best for the top 12 (which is still great!). We obtained a $200 discount for this test however our sources tell us that it is awaiting insurance approval in the new year. https://www.galleri.com/

Wishing you a great fall season!

Stay well!

Flatiron Family Medical

@flatironfamily

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