High blood pressure plus COVID doubles risk of hospital stay: study
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jul 25, 2022
Even after three COVID-19 vaccine doses, high blood pressure more than doubles the risk for hospitalization with an omicron variant infection, researchers report.
Repeat positive COVID tests in nursing home residents tied to excess deaths: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 30, 2021
The prevalence of repeat positive tests suggests true reinfections in residents — and more quickly waning immunity, according to a study across all Connecticut facilities.
LTC residents have detectable antibodies 6 months after COVID vaccination
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 12, 2021
All residents tested in University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Senior Communities were found to have antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 after full vaccination. The findings are “cautious good news,”...
Require COVID-19 vaccination of all healthcare workers, seven clinical groups say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 14, 2021
Their evidence-based verdict: healthcare institutions and facilities — including long-term care facilities — should require that their personnel be vaccinated as a condition of employment.
Variant-adapted COVID shot approved in U.K.; Novavax requests U.S. booster nod
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 16, 2022
Novavax wants its U.S. vaccine authorization to extend to a booster shot, and the U.K. has approved a two-component vaccine that directly tackles the omicron variant.
FDA greenlights Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine, adding unique option to U.S. arsenal
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jul 14, 2022
The FDA late Wednesday authorized Novavax’s adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in adults aged 18 years and older.
Dietary protein often too high in seniors with kidney disease, nephrologists say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 26, 2022
Study results underscore the need for a thorough nutritional review and intervention in this population, investigators say.
Pandemic persists in nursing homes with low vax rates; case counts rising, NIC analyst says
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 23, 2021
Half of the U.S. skilled nursing facilities with newly confirmed COVID-19 cases in early August had staff vaccination rates 12% below the national average, new data show. At the same time, overall per-resident...
Key CDC advisers set to scrutinize evidence for vaccine booster shots
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 11, 2021
The question of whether a COVID-19 booster shot will be helpful and safe may receive an answer Friday. That is when the CDC’s top vaccine advisers will meet to review updated evidence for recommending...
Osteoporosis a growing threat: more DXA scans needed, bone health expert says
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2021
Increased Medicare reimbursement for bone scans is a key part the solution to the growing health burden of osteoporosis in the United States, an expert in fracture prevention says.