Reading Room
The reading room includes articles and videos of potential interest to consumers and medical professionals. The opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the NC Medical Board, its members, and staff. Note: Some links may require registration or subscription.
Large Review Backs Safety, Effectiveness of COVID, Flu, and RSV Shots
Medpage Today
October 30, 2025
Immunization against COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and influenza effectively and safely reduced the risk of severe outcomes in people of all ages, according to a systematic review of 511 studies. Among adults who received mRNA COVID vaccines against the XBB.1.5 variant during the 2025-2026 season, the pooled vaccine effectiveness against hospitalization was 46% across three cohort studies and 50% across four case-control studies, while a case-control study of children showed a vaccine effectiveness of 65% against hospitalization, reported Jake Scott, MD, of Stanford University School of Medicine in California, and colleagues.
Public health policies: What are they and how do they shape health?
Medical News Today
October 25, 2025
Public health policies are laws, regulations, and decisions undertaken by governments and health organizations to promote and protect people’s health. Public health policies refer to the decisions and actions that society implements in order to improve wellness and prevent disease. It involves translating public health research into practical solutions by establishing rules to achieve health goals. Examples can vary from vaccination campaigns to food safety regulations.
4,000 steps 1 or 2 days a week may help reduce heart disease risk in older women
Medical News Today
October 22, 2025
A new study recently published in The British Journal of Sports Medicine reports that older women who took 4,000 steps on only one or two days during the week reduced their risk for cardiovascular disease and death compared to those who took fewer steps.