Initial COVID-19 vaccine booster rollout will affect 3 percent of U.S. population, officials say
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 13, 2021
The FDA is working with drugmakers Pfizer and Moderna to allow fully vaccinated immunocompromised people to receive an extra shot. Long-term care residents are not yet included in the booster campaign,...
California nursing home visitors must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2021
The state is requiring that all indoor visitors to skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare settings prove full vaccination or negative SARS-CoV-2 test results. Facility operators must have a plan...
Americans’ high trust in doctors, nurses could strengthen vaccination push, pollsters say
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2021
Fully 7 in 10 Americans trust their doctors, nurses and pharmacists to “do what’s right for them and their families either most or all of the time,” the researchers say. The findings cut across political...
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...
Residents’ lack of energy may signal malnutrition; full assessment advised
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2021
In a study of 13 nursing homes, fully 43% of residents reported that they lacked energy, and 12% were malnourished. The two problems were significantly linked, investigators say.
Show us the data: COVID vaccine boosters may get go-ahead, but LTC docs remain wary
By
Alicia Lasek
Danielle Brown
Aug 09, 2021
Booster shots for the most vulnerable appear to be on a fast track to federal authorization. But clinicians want information about necessity, safety, dosing and more to justify prescribing an extra dose...
All nursing home staff in Massachusetts must get COVID-19 shots
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 05, 2021
The state is requiring staff and contract employees in all of its 378 facilities to receive a vaccination, Gov. Charlie Baker announced Wednesday.
FDA may grant Pfizer vaccine full approval by Labor Day: report
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 05, 2021
The nationwide rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the highly transmissible delta strain has spurred the agency move quickly, sources told The New York Times.
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.
Screen older adults for pandemic-related mental health concerns, researchers say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 29, 2021
Twenty percent of older poll respondents reported worse mental health, including sleep troubles, depression and anxiety. Screening for symptoms and ensuring accessible treatment will help prevent long-term...