COVID vaccines lost some effectiveness in delta surge, ongoing CDC study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 25, 2021
The three federally sanctioned COVID vaccines have lost a “moderate” amount of effectiveness against SARS-CoV-19 ever since the delta gene variant became the predominant U.S. strain, the agency reports.
Boosters on the way: LTC residents, healthcare workers may top fed’s list after CDC approves 3rd shot
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 16, 2021
The Biden administration has secured 100 million COVID-19 vaccine doses as part of a strategy to provide additional shots to already vaccinated priority groups this fall, investigators have been told....
As Fauci warns of letting virus run rampant, new variant causes 7 long-term care facility deaths in Belgium
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2021
Unchecked COVID-19 transmission among the unvaccinated could cause problems for the vaccinated, a top federal health official says. In Belgium, a new variant has caused severe illness in residents who...
Genesis facilities resolve allegations in connection with denying admission to opioid-dependent seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
Prospective residents were taking either buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorder. Twelve SNFs must pay civil penalties, adopt non-discrimination policy and provide training on civil rights laws...
Clinical briefs for Monday, Aug. 9
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
Feds weigh withholding Medicare funding for LTCFs that don’t mandate vaccines … Physicians report 20% increase in burnout, new survey finds … Treatment of tenacious stomach bug that troubles elderly...
Fauci: U.S. to quickly prioritize the most vulnerable for COVID-19 booster shots
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2021
With this week’s COVID-19 cases up 43% and deaths rising, the United States is working to swiftly approve vaccine booster shots for people with weakened immune systems, federal health officials said...
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.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 4
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2021
Genesis HealthCare requires shots for all: Employees, care partners, onsite vendors must be vaccinated … More than half of U.S. outpatient antibiotics prescriptions not tied to visit or infection …...
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, Aug. 3
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 03, 2021
SNF recovery threatened by spread of delta variant: LTC exec … Nursing home COVID-19 outbreaks rising again in hot spots … Massachusetts outbreak prompts CDC to suggest re-upped pandemic mitigation...
FDA OKs new insulin biosimilar for type 2 diabetes
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 30, 2021
Semglee is a safe and more cost-effective alternative to the drug Lantus (insulin glargine), the agency announced Wednesday. Semglee does not need a prescriber’s input to be substituted at the pharmacy.