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...
New CDC data: Vaccinated older adults have low chance of COVID hospitalization
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
The three FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in keeping the oldest adults out of the hospital, according to federal data released Friday.
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...
CDC safety panel: J&J vaccine benefits outweigh rare neuro risks seen in older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 26, 2021
The benefits of the shot — including reduced hospitalization, intensive care unit admission and death — outweigh the risk of contracting Guillain-Barre syndrome, the Advisory Committee on Immunization...
CDC: Portable air cleaners cut exposure to COVID-19 virus by 65 percent
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 06, 2021
In a simulated meeting with infected and uninfected participants, properly placed portable air cleaners with HEPA air filters slashed virus transmission. Adding masks was even more effective — cutting...
Long-term care residents, staff may top list for COVID boosters: CDC advisers
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 28, 2021
Most residents were vaccinated early, and time from vaccination plays into waning effectiveness, CDC advisers say. What’s more, this population already requires special considerations for other vaccines....
COVID deaths now ‘entirely preventable’ due to vaccines, CDC director says
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 24, 2021
High vaccine efficacy in the United States means that “every death due to COVID-19 is particularly tragic because nearly every death, especially among adults … [is] entirely preventable,”...
CDC issues clinical guidance for treating post-COVID conditions
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 17, 2021
Many cases can be managed by primary care providers, federal health officials say. A lack of lab or imaging abnormalities does not invalidate the existence or severity of a patient’s symptoms or conditions,...
An analysis of more than 7,000 IPC surveys finds that nursing homes have made “substantial” progress in taking up core elements of antibiotic stewardship as recommended by the agency.
CDC: More than 10,000 contract COVID after vaccination
By
Alicia Lasek
May 26, 2021
New data offer a glimpse into how breakthrough infections may affect the health of U.S. adults who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.