Docs push for new COVID-19 funding as signs point to rebound in U.S. omicron cases
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 17, 2022
The alternative is to risk leaving patients without access to needed vaccines, treatments and testing, the American College of Physicians has told Congress.
Pfizer, BioNTech to pursue 2nd booster shot authorization for older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2022
A second booster — or fourth dose — will be necessary to improve the vaccine’s waning protection in the face of omicron, Pfizer’s CEO has stated. Whether the FDA will find the evidence compelling...
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, March 9
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 09, 2022
AHCA requests sit-down with Biden and top officials on nursing home reform plans … CDC director says COVID-19 will ‘probably’ become seasonal … Despite FDA efforts, fewer than 20% of drugs have...
Omicron sub-variants cut potency of monoclonal antibodies, mRNA vaccines: study
Mar 04, 2022
Eli Lilly’s bebtelovimab is the only authorized monoclonal antibody that can neutralize all three dominant sub-variants, investigators say.
One-size-fits-all blood pressure cuff approach may lead to inaccurate diagnoses
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 02, 2022
Overestimation of blood pressure due to a too-small cuff size misclassified 39% of study participants as hypertensive, investigators report.
New COVID-19 test kits promised as LTC operators contend with shortages, slow PCR results
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 03, 2022
Five million Celltion brand rapid tests will be shipped over a five-week period to facilities as they contend with testing supply shortages and slow lab turnaround times.
CDC: Prior infection plus vaccination tied to lower COVID-19 case rates
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 20, 2022
A new public health study suggests not only that vaccination protects against developing severe illness, but that surviving a bout with COVID-19 prevents reinfection, investigators say.
AMDA releases COVID-19 vaccine medical exemption request forms, guidance
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 18, 2022
Now that the Supreme Court has ruled in favor of a federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate, a leading industry advocate is offering guidance and templates to assist long-term care medical directors in handling...
Becerra orders CMS to rethink $22 Medicare Part B premium price hike tied to Aduhelm
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 11, 2022
With the 50% price drop of Aduhelm on January 1, there is good reason for CMS to reassess a hefty proposed premium hike for 2022, the U.S. health secretary said. On Wednesday, CMS is expected to announce...
CDC: Boosted nursing home residents 10 times less likely to be infected with COVID-19
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 17, 2021
The news, delivered by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, is a bit of cheer amidst other new evidence that COVID-19 cases are increasing among fully vaccinated long-term care residents.