FDA advisers vote unanimously to endorse Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jun 08, 2022
Independent advisers have voted 21 to 0 to recommend the authorization of Novavax’s COVID-19 protein-based vaccine for pandemic emergency use.
FDA approves pill to treat deadly C. difficile infections
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 28, 2023
The first-of-its-kind fecal microbiota pill treats recurrent infections caused by Clostridium difficile, an antibiotic-resistant bacterium that’s a danger to nursing home residents.
Best bet against omicron? Prior infection or a booster shot, early research suggests
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 09, 2021
A two-dose course of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine may not be enough to effectively combat the new omicron coronavirus variant, but a booster shot may do the trick, two early lab studies suggest....
Increases in non-COVID infections ‘wipe out’ decade of progress
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 03, 2021
The CDC’s new report of a spike in healthcare associated infections is alarming, says the nation’s leading infection control group. One bright spot for nursing homes: CDC found no increase in Clostridium...
New wave of flu cases, COVID-19 hospitalizations hits U.S., impacting seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 06, 2022
Flu activity was the highest in a decade last week and hospitalizations for three respiratory viruses are straining healthcare systems, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said on Monday.
Two years into pandemic, we’re better prepared to fight off virus variants
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 02, 2021
Despite the threat of the quickly spreading and highly mutated omicron coronavirus variant — which has just landed in the U.S. — we are safer than we were before the pandemic, some experts say.
Driven by pandemic lessons, CDC advisers mull endorsing high-dose flu vaccines for seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 15, 2022
A decision to recommend high-dose influenza shots over standard-dose vaccines would be a welcome change, long-term care stakeholders say.
CDC: Two booster shots cut severe COVID risk in nursing home residents by 74 percent
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 03, 2022
Nursing home residents who received a second mRNA booster shot during omicron were much less likely to suffer severe COVID-19 outcomes than their peers who received only one dose, a new study shows.
SNF physicians’ unique skill set requires more definition and support, industry docs say
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 15, 2022
Insights into these doctors’ contributions and constraints are highlighted in interviews with medical directors and attending physicians.