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...
Blood thinner reduces acute-care stays of COVID-19 patients: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2021
Moderately ill hospitalized COVID-19 patients who receive a full dose of heparin have less need for mechanical ventilation, and improved chances of leaving the hospital, a new trial has found.
One of two pneumonia drugs offers longer-term protection for COPD patients, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2021
The two available pneumonia vaccines recommended for older adults are equally good at safeguarding the health of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. But Prevnar13 appears to offer longer-term...
Clinical briefs for Friday, Aug. 6
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2021
Behavioral nudges increase COVID-19 vaccination … Older adults with prostate cancer often die from cardiac diseases, COPD … Level of amyloid beta in mid-life blood test may forecast Alzheimer’s risk...
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.
FDA may grant Pfizer vaccine full approval by Labor Day: report
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 05, 2021
The nationwide rise in COVID-19 cases driven by the highly transmissible delta strain has spurred the agency move quickly, sources told The New York Times.
Post-acute provider launches comprehensive kidney disease program
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 05, 2021
Services and therapies will include diabetes management, a full-time respiratory therapist and health coaching with the aim to preserve remaining kidney function. Dialysis will be added as well.
Clinical briefs for Thursday, Aug. 5
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 05, 2021
Long-term care presents ‘unified coalition’ to prevent raid on Provider Relief Fund … Alzheimer’s patients wait as hospitals, insurers mull whether to offer Aduhelm … San Francisco OKs Pfizer,...
Seniors more fearful of falling after months of low physical activity
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2021
More than a quarter of older adults say they are in worse physical condition now than before the pandemic, and nearly half age 65 and older have become more afraid of falling, a new poll finds.
Osteoporosis a growing threat: more DXA scans needed, bone health expert says
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 04, 2021
Increased Medicare reimbursement for bone scans is a key part the solution to the growing health burden of osteoporosis in the United States, an expert in fracture prevention says.