Week of: Monday Oct. 13, 2025
Courtesy of:
John H. Keefe III, D.C.
(918) 663-1111
IN THE NEWS: The Honest Truth About Vaccine Effectiveness When a vaccine is said to be “95% effective,” it sounds like 95% of people are protected—but that’s not exactly how those numbers are measured. How It’s Calculated Effectiveness comes from comparing infection rates in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated groups: If 2% of unvaccinated people catch a disease and only 0.1% of vaccinated people do, the vaccine is said to be 95% effective. That’s a statistical comparison, not a direct measure of immunity. What’s Often Overlooked -Natural immunity: Many “unvaccinated” participants already have protection from prior infection.-Population bias: Differences in age, health, or exposure risk affect results.-Waning immunity: Effectiveness drops over time—sometimes within a few years. -Case definitions & testing rates: How “infection” is defined or tested varies widely. -Behavioral factors: Those who vaccinate often differ in habits and exposure. What It Really Means Vaccine effectiveness reflects short-term relative risk reduction, not absolute or lifelong protection. It’s useful for public health planning but limited as a measure of true biological immunity. Honest science means acknowledging those limits and communicating them clearly. CDC: Pertussis Vaccine Effectiveness and Duration of Protection — cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/dtap-tdap-td--Witt MA et al., Clin Infect Dis, 2012 – Waning immunity in California outbreaks.--Sheridan SL et al., PLOS ONE, 2014 – Acellular pertussis vaccine efficacy over time.--Domenech de Cellès M et al., PLoS Pathog, 2016 – Natural immune boosting and pertussis dynamics.--Klein NP et al., Pediatrics, 2019 – Effectiveness and duration of DTaP vaccine protection.
CHIROPRACTIC MONTH: American Chiropractic Association (ACA) has announced a national health care observance--October is
National Chiropractic Month
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WITH A HEALTH PROBLEM OR IN PAIN? INVITE YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS TO THE PARTY Who do you know who is hurting? Who do you know that you have been trying to get started at Keefe Clinic? Now is the time to get your spouse or child started on the road to good health.
Complimentary DIAGNOSTIC WORK UP DURING OCTOBER Complimentary initial exam and one X-ray. Tell someone today
WELLNESS: Get Ready for Winter: Strengthen Your Immunity Naturally As the temperatures drop and indoor heating begins, your body faces a double challenge—cold, damp outdoor air and dry, recycled indoor air. Both can stress the immune system and make it easier for seasonal illnesses to take hold. Now is the perfect time to support your health through nutrition, hydration, and chiropractic care. Hydration: Your First Line of Defense Dry indoor air and heated environments draw moisture from your body. Even mild dehydration reduces circulation, slows lymphatic flow, and weakens the immune response. Use this simple hydration formula: Half your body weight (in pounds) = ounces of water daily. For example, a 160-lb person should drink about 80 ounces daily. For optimal flushing, aim for up to 80% of that amount minimum each day. If you’re drinking coffee or tea, add extra water to offset their dehydrating effects. Proper hydration also keeps mucous membranes moist—your natural barrier against viruses and bacteria. Feed Your Immunity A nutrient-dense diet helps your immune cells perform at their best. Protect Your Neck and Maintain Healthy Indoor Air Chilly drafts across the neck and upper back can tighten muscles, reduce circulation, and make you more susceptible to sinus and upper respiratory problems. Keep your neck warm when outdoors, especially in wind or damp conditions. Indoor humidity should be maintained between 40–60% to keep mucous membranes and nasal passages from drying out. Use a humidifier if your home air feels overly dry. The Role of Chiropractic Care Regular chiropractic adjustments help your nervous system function optimally.. Check Your Immune Readiness with Vega Testing Each person’s immune system has unique strengths and weaknesses. Vega testing can help evaluate your immune balance, detect stress points, and identify nutritional needs before symptoms appear. It’s an effective way to make sure your body is ready for the changing season. Doctor’s Tip “True prevention begins before the first frost. Stay hydrated, eat clean, keep your spine aligned, and guard against cold drafts. Your immune system will thank you.”
FUNNY BONE: When a cold, a sore throat, and the flu walk into a bar, the bartender says, "What is this, some kind of sick joke?"@@ A woman called her doctor and said, "I think I have the flu." The doctor said, "Well, take two aspirin and call me in the morning." The woman said, "I don't have two aspirin." The doctor said, "Well, take one and call me in the morning." The woman said, "I don't have one." The doctor said, "Well, just call me in the morning."@@ I once caught the flu... ...at the Airport. Think it was a Terminal Disease