More than 2 million COVID-19 vaccine doses await use in long-term care
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 05, 2021
Two weeks after nearly 2.6 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were distributed to U.S. states for use in long-term care, approximately 280,000 residents and staff members have been vaccinated.
‘Out in the cold’: LTC pharmacies ask to be matched with vaccination sites, relief funds
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2020
As their businesses groan under the weight of COVID-19-related expenses, long-term care pharmacists are pressing federal officials for relief funds and asking for a bigger role in coronavirus vaccinations.
The vaccine was most protective — at 90% efficacy — when participants received an initial half dose and then a full dose a month apart, the U.K. drugmaker says.
Moderna’s COVID vaccine tops 90% efficacy, can be refrigerated for 1 month
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 17, 2020
Moderna’s trial vaccine will have big distribution advantages over Pfizer’s similarly successful candidate if both drugs are approved by the FDA.
PharMerica’s T.J. Griffin: Walgreens partnership will support LTC coronavirus vaccine delivery
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 28, 2020
The collaboration will add manpower, reporting and other key capabilities to future COVID vaccine delivery in LTC facilities and communities, says Griffin, an Operation Warp Speed adviser.
LTC, community pharmacies vie for role in federal COVID vaccine initiative
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 23, 2020
Nursing home and assisted living operators should talk with their existing pharmacy provider about their capability to participate in the federal government’s new COVID-19 vaccine delivery program,...
CDC briefing: Top officials talk up vaccine plans, focus on long-term care
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 22, 2020
Federal health officials touted transparency and nationwide distribution plans while keeping their eye on Phase 1 vaccine recipients, including LTC residents and workers.
Resident poll reveals pandemic’s emotional toll: Frail elders need ‘something to live for’
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 02, 2020
A direct poll of nursing home residents in 36 states reveals a “drastic” reduction in social activities and a steep increase in reported loneliness. “Innovative distance socializing” may help address...
Thunderstorms linked to spike in respiratory emergencies for Medicare beneficiaries
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2020
Emergency respiratory care visits increase among older Medicare patients in the days surrounding a thunderstorm, according to a new study from Harvard Medical School.
Use of elastomeric respirators could reduce providers’ need for N95 masks
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 15, 2020
The flexible masks are cost effective, reusable, and could solve the problem of ongoing N95 mask shortages, finds a study set in an academic medical center.