CDC says COVID-19 vaccine boosters not yet necessary, while Pfizer seeks approval for third dose
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 12, 2021
Fully vaccinated Americans do not need a COVID-19 booster shot at this time, according to federal health officials. But Pfizer has asked to offer a third dose of its current vaccine and is developing an...
Tai chi: a trend worth pursuing?
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Jun 19, 2014
I was recently watching one of the news channels and they talked about a study that was conducted that showed that men who performed tai chi exercises lived longer. While I’m not a male, sign me...
Diabetes indicators improve with use of health incentives, CDC study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 10, 2022
Incentivizing patients to follow a lifestyle modification program helps them to improve a full range of diabetes-related health measures, according to a new meta-analysis.
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.
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.
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.
Flu season isn’t over: 7 tips to help prevent the spread
By
Megan J. DiGiorgio MSN, RN, CIC, FAPIC
Mar 27, 2017
If a resident in a long-term care facility is suspected to have the flu, it’s important to test, isolate and provide antiviral therapy.
Provider groups develop heat map to aid coronavirus response; FEMA to deliver PPE
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 29, 2020
A newly-developed heat map of coronavirus cases in U.S. nursing homes and assisted living facilities will help to prioritize much-needed personal protective equipment and testing supplies for hard-hit...