TL;DR: The FDA has narrowed COVID-19 vaccine approval to adults 65+ and anyone with a high-risk condition, but major medical groups still recommend broader use. That means guidance is confusing and access may vary. 

COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, but the way we protect ourselves from it is shifting.

In late August, the FDA made a surprising move: it narrowed the official approval for this fall’s COVID-19 vaccines to just two groups — adults 65 and older, and anyone six months and up with a high-risk condition. That’s a major change from previous years, when nearly everyone over six months old was encouraged to get vaccinated.

So what does that mean for families, workplaces, and everyday life?

In short: there’s a lot of confusion.

While the FDA narrowed its label, trusted medical groups like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) continue to recommend broader use — including for pregnant women and young children. Pharmacies, doctors, and insurers are still sorting out what this all means in practice.

Here’s the bottom line: the COVID-19 vaccine is still safe, effective, and a smart choice for many people. The difference now is that the rules feel a bit murkier. That’s why we’re unpacking the latest changes and what they mean for COVID-19 clinics at TotalWellness.

“Everybody’s replaceable.”

That headline from a recent Wall Street Journal article may sound like a warning, but it’s also a wake-up call. It signals a clear shift in how some corporate leaders are talking about work, employees, and the role of human connection.

In short, Corporate America’s long-running war for talent is sounding more like a war on talent.

Leaders are increasingly blunt, bottom-line focused, and less people-centric. The message? If you’re not performing at peak productivity, you’re expendable. Meanwhile:

• AI is being hailed as a reason to shrink headcount.

• Employee benefits are quietly being rolled back.

• Mental health support and DEI efforts are losing visibility and funding.

For many, it feels like we’re heading backwards — away from empathy, wellness, and purpose, and toward a colder, performance-at-all-costs culture.

But here’s the good news:we don’t have to follow that path.

This moment? It’s not a dead end. It’s a chance to reset.

A chance to re-center on what truly drives performance, loyalty, and growth: wellbeing, belonging, and trust.

It’s no secret that employee wellness is more important than ever.

Healthcare costs are out of control, chronic diseases are stacking up like a bad game of Jenga, and mental health? Yeah, let’s just say people are struggling.

A new survey from Emory University and Gallup basically confirmed what we already knew — people are worried about healthcare access, chronic disease, food and water safety, and the general state of the world. Fun times!

Now, you might be thinking, Okay, but isn’t this a government problem? Sure, but guess what? Employers (that’s you) have a huge opportunity to step up. And no, that doesn’t mean throwing a fruit basket in the breakroom and calling it a wellness initiative. It means stepping up in ways that actually make employees’ lives better.

Let’s break it down.

Birds, cows, people. 

You've likely seen recent headlines about bird flu, and if you're unsure about your level of concern, you're not alone. It’s natural to feel unsettled when health news hits close to home.

On the one hand, we’ve heard about viruses like MERS, Ebola, and Zika over the years — scary-sounding illnesses that didn’t end up having a big impact in the U.S. But then there’s another side of the coin: the Covid pandemic, which showed us how quickly a virus can change everything.

Now, H5N1, also known as avian influenza or the H5N1 bird flu, is making waves. It’s spreading to mammals and even causing a handful of human cases in the U.S. and Canada, with concerns about possible human-to-human transmission. While it’s not time to panic, it’s definitely worth paying attention.

Understanding the risks and staying prepared can be crucial for HR and other leaders in supporting their teams.

Ah, fall! That magical season that sweeps in on a gust of pumpkin spice and cable-knit coziness. But just as the leaves start to drop, so does our collective immunity. Meet fall's less charming cousins: respiratory viruses that aim to turn our sniffles into something more sinister. 

Once upon a pre-COVID time, armoring up for the season was as simple as rolling up a sleeve for a flu shot. Fast-forward to the pandemic plot twist, and we've got a new heavyweight contender in the vaccine ring: the COVID-19 jab.

Now, a third shot is available for specific groups for the first time: a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This respiratory disease poses a significant threat to infants and older individuals.

While the whirlwind of news leaves many confused and overwhelmed, the approach for 2023 is crystal clear: think broader and act wisely. As we enter this new season, it is essential to stay informed and take proactive measures to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Learn all the critical details about these three vaccines that you should know for this fall.

Is it time to cut back on caffeine? 

A good cup of coffee is a great way to start the day. Or, if you prefer caffeinated waters, bars, mints, gums, etc. you know how it feels to have just a bit more pep in your step.

 Within five minutes, you can be energized. Amazing, isn’t it?

 There are some health conditions that can arise from too much caffeine throughout the day, though. Mayo Clinic states that up to 400 milligrams daily appears to be safe. But if you have health issues like anxiety or heart conditions, it may be time to closely consider how it impacts you.

Here’s a look at five reasons you may want to reduce your caffeine intake sooner rather than later.

Are you and your team ready for the upcoming flu season?

While Covid-19 stole the limelight for the last few years, health experts warn that the flu is still out there, too. Flu season begins in October and runs through May.

A recently released 2021-22 influenza season report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  indicated that while last year’s activity was considered low for the season, the flu cases also extended well beyond the normal flu “season.” CDC reports show flu cases increased to between eight million and 13 million between October 2021 and June 2022. That’s up from just over 2,000 cases reported for September 2020 to April 2021.

Wondering what will happen this year?

Here’s a look at what to expect for the upcoming flu season, how to prepare, and insight from two naturopathic physicians on prevention steps to take.

While the monkeypox virus has been declared a public health emergency, it’s important for workers and employers not to panic.

What’s helpful is learning how the virus is contracted, ways to avoid it, and what to do if an employee does contract the virus. Luckily, the symptoms tend to be mild and the virus is rarely fatal, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

 Below, we take a look at the virus and offer tips for employers on handling another public health concern with ease and confidence. Here’s what you need to know about the monkeypox virus.

Most employers know they can place a COVID vaccine mandate on their team.

In early September, President Biden announced he was taking steps to get more Americans vaccinated and turn the tide on COVID-19.

On November 4, the administration rolled out two of those steps — two different vaccine rules covering more than 100 million workers.

The first rule, issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, covers companies with 100 or more employees. Companies must ensure that their workers are either fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by Jan. 4, 2022 or that they test negative for COVID-19 at least once a week. The rule does not require employers to pay for or provide testing to workers who decline the vaccine.

A second rule issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services requires some 17 million health care workers to be vaccinated by the same deadline, Jan. 4, but with no option for weekly testing in lieu of vaccination. The rule covers all employees — clinical and non-clinical — at about 76,000 health care facilities that receive federal funding from Medicare or Medicaid.

National Walking Day is right around the corner.  

On April 7, walkers everywhere will hit their local sidewalks in stride.   

That makes this time of year the ideal time to start discussing the benefits of walking for health. The quarantine weight eventually has to come off — no excuses even if gyms are still closed — and walking is the perfect way to do it. It may also be the very easiest way to get fit.

Given that over 40% of Americans are obese, talking about physical activity needs to be a priority sooner rather than later. For some workplaces, this may include extending walking programs beyond National Walking Day.

Ready to share with employees the benefits of walking?

Read on to learn more and discover how to host your own walking event for National Walking Day in five simple steps!