Study confirms effectiveness of bivalent COVID booster; AHCA helps spread word
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2022
New data and support materials are available for clinicians who want to encourage more residents and staff to get the updated COVID-19 booster shot.
Feds gauging threat to vaccine, test and treatment efficacy in face of omicron variant
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 01, 2021
The United States is prepared to address any potential threat to the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments posed by the new variant, according to the White House and federal health officials.
Vaccine to protect seniors from RSV ready for FDA review, drugmaker says
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jun 13, 2022
A vaccine to help prevent a leading cause of pneumonia in the elderly has been found effective in late-stage clinical trials.
Seniors are absent — but necessary — in COVID-19 vaccine trials, experts say
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 29, 2020
With older adults frequently excluded in COVID-19 clinical trials, investigators are concerned that they will ultimately be denied treatments and vaccines due to safety concerns.
COVID vaccine protects elderly; delivery program has buy-in from nearly all U.S. nursing homes
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 19, 2020
Fully 99% of skilled nursing facilities nationwide have signed on with the federal Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program vaccine delivery initiative, HHS says. The news arrived just as Pfizer...
The COVID race: Vaccines 90% effective in frontline workers, but variant cases rising
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 30, 2021
The pace of U.S. vaccinations must hold up against the effects of spreading virus variants to keep further outbreaks under control, according to the CDC and expert observers.
LTC pharmacies seek key role in COVID vaccine distribution
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 27, 2020
Long-term care pharmacies now have a voice in federal decisions about COVID vaccine delivery to nursing homes and assisted living communities, says the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.
Older adults who have received J&J need not be concerned: expert
By
Amy Novotney
Apr 20, 2021
Joshua Sharfstein, M.D., vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at Johns Hopkins University, has a message for older adults who have received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine:...
Only 4 states have hit 75 percent LTC staff vaccination goal, new CMS data reveal
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 30, 2021
States that have achieved the industry’s June 30 goal are Hawaii, Vermont, Alaska and California, with staff member vaccination rates ranging from 83% to 75%. By contrast, the lowest-ranked state...
What happens once Phase 1 vaccine clinics wrap up? Ensuring access to next doses
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Alicia Lasek
Feb 10, 2021
Industry advocates and the CDC answer key questions: How to facilitate a smooth transition to a new vaccine supplier; and how to guarantee second doses for staff and residents who receive their first dose...