Are you tired of me yet?

Well, I have great news for you: this fall, we’ll be peppering in some fantastic guest posts from Ammis and friends from the ammi.ai community. They may be about Ammi-ing, AI, or both, and will always be fresh and nourishing.

If you’re interested in writing a guest post for ammi.ai, please respond to this email and let me know 🙏 

At a recent doctor's appointment, I asked the doctor if I could have a particular vaccine because I knew I fell in the narrow eligibility window. The doctor was impressed that I was so informed and on top of things.

She was heaping on the praise, thick. And I loved it.

But I had to give credit where it was due. I am always in the know about the latest and greatest in vaccine schedules and eligibility for myself and my family thanks to my sister, Zainab. She is a Public Health Consultant for ZRF Group, an Ammi, and, like many of us, is curious about how AI can help or hurt us.

Zainab behn, as I call her, kindly agreed to share with the ammi.ai community a timely Public Service Announcement (PSA) on vaccines.

🌿 Let’s grow!

'Tis the Season: Vaccines, AI, and Your Family's Health

It's September, and along with the promise of cooler weather and pumpkin patches on the horizon, we also have something else in the air—unfortunately, respiratory viruses. So, along with all the exciting things about fall, we want to ensure we stay up-to-date on our vaccines, like for the flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

Ammis have many questions about vaccines. Understandably, vaccines are putting something in your or your child's body, and you want to ensure their safety.

ChatGPT, Public Health Professional?

Many people turn to the internet and possibly AI chatbots for answers. While AI chatbots can be helpful, they might not always be the most reliable source of health information.

One reason is that you don't know what sources chatbots are getting information from; some may be more credible than others.

Even if the sources are reputable, the information might be outdated because vaccine recommendations can change yearly and be specific to different populations and situations.

The Human Touch: Where to Get Your Vaccine 411

So, what can we do if we have questions about vaccines? Ideally, your first place to go is a healthcare professional you trust, such as your child's pediatrician or a pharmacist. If you don't have easy access to a health professional, trusted sources like the CDC in the United States have the most up-to-date vaccine information.* A fellow Ammi and epidemiologist, Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, also made a helpful summary of the main vaccines for Fall 2024.

Calling all Expecting Ammis

One important vaccine for pregnant people to learn more about is the one for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Although mild forms of RSV are like a cold, it can be dangerous when severe and is the leading cause of hospitalization for infants.

Getting vaccinated during pregnancy can help protect babies from birth to 6 months from severe disease. Pregnant people can get the vaccine from 32 through 36 weeks of pregnancy during the RSV season, which is from September through January in most areas of the US. 

Babies can also get an immunization for RSV once they are born. In most cases, if you received the vaccine during pregnancy, your baby won’t need the RSV immunization after birth.

Leveraging AI to Keep Tabs on Vaccines

Since this is an artificial intelligence newsletter, you might wonder how AI or tech tools can help you keep up with vaccines. One idea is to use AI to help you find time to make a vaccine appointment or remind you to send a message to your doctor with your vaccine questions. Tools like reclaim.ai can help schedule time in your calendar for these tasks. You can also set annual reminders to get your fall vaccines so you don't forget each year.

AI can make our lives easier in many ways, so we have time to stay informed and get vaccinated. Informed Ammis and their allies are vital in helping to protect everyone--from babies to grandparents--from severe respiratory diseases this fall.

*Note: Check with your local health agencies for information on vaccine recommendations in your area!

Zainab Shipchandler, MPH, MCHES
Ammi & Public Health Consultant @ ZRF Group

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Ruqaiya
Ammi by day, Ammi by night