CMS Open Door Forum to clarify use of H1N1 waivers
Nov 09, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will host an Open Door Forum Tuesday to clarify the use of Section 1135 waivers under the H1N1 national emergency declaration.
CDC releases guidance for long-term care on swine flu infection
May 01, 2009
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released interim guidance for healthcare facilities, including long-term care, for care of residents with confirmed or suspected swine flu, also known...
New MDS flu guidance for nursing facilities
Sep 11, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued new MDS coding guidance for skilled nursing facilities for the upcoming flu season.
AMA stresses importance of flu shots for doctors, patients
Oct 08, 2008
To help stop the spread of flu this season, doctors should talk to their patients about getting vaccinated–and get shots themselves, according to the American Medical Association’s news service.
Early-season flu jab could reduce heart attack risk, study finds
Sep 21, 2010
Receiving a vaccination in the late summer or fall could help reduce the risk of a first heart attack by an average of 19%, according to a new study.
Leavitt: Successor should continue pandemic flu preparations
Oct 31, 2008
Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt in a speech Wednesday said continued preparation for a global flu pandemic should be a priority of his successor.
Seniors benefit from high-dose flu vaccine, study finds
May 12, 2008
A higher dose of a flu vaccine has been shown to significantly improve the immune system’s response to the actual virus, especially among the elderly, researchers told the American Geriatrics Society...
Record amount of flu vaccine expected for next season
May 13, 2008
After last season’s flu vaccine struggles, the top five vaccine manufacturers have announced plans to produce a record number of doses – more than 143 million for the 2008-2009 season.
WHO issues guidelines on hand hygiene for healthcare workers
May 08, 2009
The World Health Organization has released a new report, “Guidelines on Hand Hygiene in Health Care,” which target administrators, public health officials and healthcare workers.
Medicare to pay same rate for administering H1N1 vaccine as seasonal flu vaccine
Sep 08, 2009
Healthcare providers will receive the same Medicare payment rate to administer the H1N1 flu vaccine as the seasonal flu vaccine, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services said.