CDC advisers: Long-term care workers, residents should receive first COVID-19 vaccinations
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 02, 2020
An influential committee on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to recommend that healthcare personnel and residents in long-term care should be the very first recipients of COVID-19 vaccinations. The vote reflects...
Doctors seek more prescribing guidance on Paxlovid
By
Liza Berger
Jul 12, 2022
As access to Pfizer’s Paxlovid pill widens, doctors remain concerned about how to prescribe it for high-risk patients.
Feds mull shortened COVID-19 quarantine period
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 30, 2020
There is “a preponderance of evidence” that a shorter quarantine period, complemented by a COVID-19 test, could effectively prevent transmission of the disease, according to Adm. Brett Giroir, assistant...
Classic COVID-19 symptoms not always apparent in elderly residents
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 01, 2020
Fever may be blunted or absent entirely, and respiratory symptoms may also be masked or exacerbated by co-occurring disease.
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...
Despite outsider-driven COVID outbreaks, providers face continued demand for risky visits
By
Kimberly Marselas
Alicia Lasek
Jan 07, 2022
Multiple providers have said that they are irritated that attempts to strengthen infection control measures are sometimes being undermined by facility visitors. “Nursing homes must be allowed to...
As AstraZeneca puts its COVID-19 vaccine study on hold, experts say don’t worry, just wait
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 09, 2020
A vaccine participant in the United Kingdom developed a rare inflammatory disease, causing AstraZeneca to pause its Phase 3 COVID-19 trials.
Communicating through a mask with elders: 3 things to remember
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 13, 2020
Geriatric experts say a simple memory tool can help clinicians convey sincerity and meaning to elders and dementia patients – despite COVID-19 challenges.
Treating rare blood clots related to J&J COVID vaccine following usage suspension: new guidance
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 28, 2021
Advisers to the CDC have released new clinical guidance and education regarding a rare blood clotting condition reported after vaccination.
Tests conducted in a Chicago skilled nursing facility found that patients who harbor the candida auris fungus shed it, likely contaminating their surroundings.