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Never mind that we're still sweltering and that the start of fall is a month away. It’s time to start thinking about fall virus protection, the CDC and FDA said this week.

That means planning to get vaccinated against COVID-19, influenza and, for some, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Among the recent developments:

● On Thursday, the FDA granted emergency use authorization for updated mRNA COVID-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer.

● At a CDC briefing Friday, director Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH, said: “Make a plan now to get your updated vaccine [for COVID and flu] in September or October, ahead of the expected increases in both viruses this winter.”

● Officials also announced the return of free at-home COVID tests, with that program set to reopen in late September.

● To increase uptake of the vaccines, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a public education campaign, “Risk Less, Do More.”

● For those fearing the side effects from vaccines, a new Stanford University study found that having a positive mindset before getting jabbed can actually reduce the side effects and boost immunity.

Head over to WebMD to read the full story.