FDA panel recommends second J&J coronavirus vaccine dose for adult recipients
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 18, 2021
Independent experts have unanimously agreed that a full second dose of the drugmaker’s COVID-19 vaccine be offered to adults aged 18 years and older at least two months after receipt of the first...
Strong clinical workforce protects against functional decline in nursing homes, review finds
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jun 17, 2022
“Dramatic” yearly functional decline up to 51% among nursing home residents may be alleviated by a strong workforce and the onsite presence of geriatricians, a new study finds.
Stroke survivors double functional improvement rate with vagus nerve stimulation: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 27, 2021
Vagus nerve stimulation during post-stroke rehabilitation can significantly boost the improvement rate of arm and hand function, a new study finds.
Vetting COVID-19 vaccine in bariatric population is essential, investigator says
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 17, 2020
Judging from the performance of other vaccines, some experts are concerned that a COVID-19 inoculation will be less effective in people with obesity than for those with a lower body mass.
Coronavirus vaccines must take elders’ weaker immune systems into account: report
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 23, 2020
Residents’ weaker immune systems could dilute the effectiveness of future coronavirus vaccines. Solutions are in the works, finds a new report.
Nearly all high-touch surfaces in LTC are contaminated, study finds
By
Amy Novotney
Feb 18, 2022
More than 90% of “high-touch” surfaces in long-term care facilities, including handrails and equipment controls, are contaminated with fecal matter and other potential sources of infectious...
Panel on non-invasive ventilation seeks to simplify ‘maze’ of regulation for device coverage
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 20, 2021
Recommendations aimed at expediting CMS coverage determinations for non-invasive ventilation devices could help ensure that LTCF residents and others get quick access to lifesaving treatments.
FDA may authorize half-dose booster of Moderna’s coronavirus vaccine
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 30, 2021
A 50-microgram dose appears to be effective enough to increase waning vaccine protection, and may reduce the risk of side effects, sources tell investigators.
New data show high excess mortality from RSV, reduced threat from flu among older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 02, 2022
The first such study in 13 years finds nuanced changes in the risk that flu and respiratory syncytial virus pose to seniors, and underscores the impact of the 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic on infections and deaths...
COVID shot boosters for all adults will help to reduce confusion, FDA says
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 22, 2021
The FDA “heard loud and clear” that a simpler booster strategy was needed, its vaccine chief says. But the action may be too late to head off a winter virus surge, observers say.