Third COVID shots ready for LTC by Sept. 20; vaccine efficacy declines in nursing homes
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 19, 2021
The U.S. government is prepared to offer COVID-19 booster shots to vaccinated Americans beginning on Sept. 20, including direct delivery to long-term care facility residents, officials announced Wednesday.
No stopping them: Pandemics and misinformation don’t care about your borders
By
Kimberly Marselas
Aug 11, 2021
If diseases recognized borders, we might never have been in this mess.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, July 28
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 28, 2021
Vaccine reporting requirements overwhelm providers during COVID-19 outbreaks … Delta variant’s spread prompts CDC to re-up indoor mask-wearing recommendation … VA becomes first federal department...
Stay on guard: Vaccinated residents remain susceptible to outbreaks, French nursing home studies reveal
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 13, 2021
Vaccinations and infection control measures may not entirely protect nursing homes from COVID-19 outbreaks — especially when staff members are unvaccinated, according to two new studies from France.
CDC says COVID-19 vaccine boosters not yet necessary, while Pfizer seeks approval for third dose
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 12, 2021
Fully vaccinated Americans do not need a COVID-19 booster shot at this time, according to federal health officials. But Pfizer has asked to offer a third dose of its current vaccine and is developing an...
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, July 7
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 07, 2021
One year of aerobic exercise may stave off decline in mild cognitive impairment … Benefits of mRNA vaccine outweigh adverse heart event risks, CDC researchers conclude … Alzheimer’s Association pushes...
J&J vaccine effective against COVID Delta variant, drugmaker says
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 06, 2021
Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine prompts a “strong neutralizing antibody response” that lasts at least eight months, the drugmaker has announced.
Only 4 states have hit 75 percent LTC staff vaccination goal, new CMS data reveal
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 30, 2021
States that have achieved the industry’s June 30 goal are Hawaii, Vermont, Alaska and California, with staff member vaccination rates ranging from 83% to 75%. By contrast, the lowest-ranked state...
Rare blood clots more likely after COVID infection than from vaccine: AHA/ASA special report
By
Alicia Lasek
May 03, 2021
Although “extremely rare” in each case, the likelihood of a dangerous blood clot condition is eight to 10 times higher following a COVID-19 infection than it is after receiving the J&J vaccine, the...
Older adults who have received J&J need not be concerned: expert
By
Amy Novotney
Apr 20, 2021
Joshua Sharfstein, M.D., vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at Johns Hopkins University, has a message for older adults who have received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine:...