LTC residents with prior COVID-19 infection may have big immune advantage, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 13, 2022
Nursing home residents who have weathered a prior COVID-19 infection are more likely to show robust signs of immunity to SARS-CoV-2 six months after vaccination, a study across five facilities has found.
Clinical briefs for Thursday, Jan. 13
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 13, 2022
New spike in COVID-19 deaths likely tied to delta variant, CDC director says … Feds tap Johns Hopkins health security chief to lead national testing initiative as omicron rages … Pneumonia shot safe...
Long-term care providers who’ve been flummoxed about recent infection control guidance coming from federal health agencies are not alone.
Healthcare workers who receive booster shots found to have lower coronavirus infection rates
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 12, 2022
A new study from Israel in healthcare workers has found lower rates of SARS-CoV-2 infection among those who received a booster shot of the Pfizer vaccine.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Jan. 12
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 12, 2022
In absence of Supreme Court ruling, work toward compliance with OSHA rule, experts advise … $80.5 million grant meant to help providers address lingering pandemic effects … Immunocompromised are eligible...
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...
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,...