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.
SNF residents could go to front of a booster shot line, but clinic approach needs to change, expert says
By
Danielle Brown
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
COVID-19 booster shots are being fast-tracked for approval by federal health officials, and residents in nursing homes could be among the first to receive them.
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...
Providers hesitant to require staff vaccinations due to worker shortages
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 06, 2021
Ongoing staffing struggles in the long-term care industry are preventing some providers from making the COVID-19 vaccine a condition of employment for their workers.
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.
New Jersey, Montana go opposite directions on mandatory COVID vaccines for long-term care workers
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 04, 2021
The state of New Jersey is now requiring long-term care workers and employees in other congregate settings to be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19, while Montana officials have forbidden operators from...