FDA expands COVID booster shot access; says vaccines can be mixed or matched
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 21, 2021
The agency has amended the emergency use authorizations for Moderna’s and Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccines to allow for the use of a single booster dose in certain eligible groups.
Poorly controlled pain linked to disruptive behaviors in residents with dementia
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 21, 2021
Residents with uncontrolled pain are more likely to exhibit depression and behavioral symptoms including signs of psychosis, rejection of care and physical and verbal aggression, investigators say.
Flu cases up 23 percent over 2020, Walgreens data show
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 21, 2021
Nevada tops the list and Southern communities overall are showing some of the highest and most widespread flu activity, according to an index based on antiviral prescriptions data.
Clinical briefs for Thursday, Oct. 21
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 21, 2021
Former SNF operator out $300,000 after failing to provide sign language services … 5-minute cognitive assessment for mobile phones, iPads receives FDA medical device clearance … Aduhelm’s makers...
FDA moves to discard hearing aid prescription rule in favor of OTC devices
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 20, 2021
Adults with mild to moderate hearing loss would be able to obtain certain air-conduction hearing aids without a prescription under a new proposed rule. Whether this change would benefit long-term care...
Federal health officials to OK mix-and-match booster vaccinations: report
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 20, 2021
Clinicians will be free to administer any of the three U.S.-approved COVID-19 vaccines to eligible recipients once Moderna and Johnson & Johnson booster shots are authorized, sources say.
Berries, mixed foods may raise Listeria risk for LTC facilities, outbreak analysis finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 19, 2021
Long-term care facilities may be susceptible to listeriosis outbreaks, investigators say. These infections tend to crop up as single but severe cases over a prolonged time period.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Oct. 20
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 20, 2021
Minnesota to train National Guard soldiers to help in long-term care facilities … Male sex, older age tied to failed treatment for community-acquired pneumonia … Women, individuals with more education...
FDA approves first nasal spray for chronic dry eyes
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 19, 2021
Sprayed twice daily into each nostril, Tyrvaya reduced eye dryness within four weeks in clinical trials. The medication will be available by prescription beginning in November, the developer says.
Low-dose aspirin does not reduce adverse heart, lung outcomes in stable COVID patients: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 19, 2021
Contrary to some clinical observations, aspirin and apixaban (Eliquis) do not reduce the rate of major adverse cardiovascular or pulmonary outcomes in stable outpatients with symptomatic COVID-19, researchers...