Shot targeting omicron may be ready by March, Pfizer predicts
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 11, 2022
The company says it is working with partner BioNTech to develop a shot that will combine its original vaccine with a drug that helps build immunity to the highly transmissible omicron variant.
Study: ‘Cognitive frailty’ may be result of aging — not the brain changes found in dementia
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 11, 2022
Reduced cognitive function without substantial memory complaints may be a normal part of aging and not an early sign of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias, investigators say.
HHS to LTC operators: Step up your booster clinic timelines before year ends
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2021
Long-term care operators should speed up plans to help residents boost their immunity before an expected COVID-19 surge hits, a federal official told virtual town hall attendees Tuesday.
U.S. may reduce 10-day isolation period in bid to keep healthcare workers on the job
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2021
Healthcare facilities will need all hands on deck to respond to expected COVID-19 surges, and a shortened isolation period for those who test positive but are symptomless and fully vaccinated could help,...
FDA set to approve two COVID-19 antiviral pills this week
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2021
FDA is expected to grant emergency use authorization to two antiviral COVID-19 pills this week, possibly as early as today, according to Bloomberg News, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Dec. 22
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2021
Resolve to nominate someone for the McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards by Jan. 5 … U.S. ships out last supplies of only COVID-19 treatment shown to work against omicron … Alzheimer’s...
Moderna’s booster neutralizes omicron; protection will last through winter, drugmaker says
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 21, 2021
At 50 micrograms, a booster of Moderna’s vaccine increases antibody levels by 37-fold against the SARS-CoV-2 omicron variant, the company reported Monday.
Study pinpoints risk factors for extreme skin fragility in older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 21, 2021
More than a quarter of older patients examined in a rehab facility were found to have dermatoporosis, or dangerously fragile skin. Four key factors were associated with higher odds of having the condition,...
Environment may play a big role in Alzheimer’s risk, twins study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 21, 2021
The risk of developing Alzheimer’s-associated brain plaques is only partly due to heredity, a new study of twins finds. The results suggest a role for modifiable factors as well, according to investigators.
Clinical briefs for Tuesday, Dec. 21
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 21, 2021
Healthcare worker, OSHA vaccine mandates headed to Supreme Court … Stroke rates dip, N. America’s mortality among lowest … Omicron is spreading fast, infecting the vaccinated, WHO reports … Widely...