CDC: New SNF data show COVID-19 booster improves omicron protection
By
Alicia Lasek
May 06, 2022
Data from thousands of U.S. skilled nursing facilities show that a COVID-19 booster shot is more protective against omicron than an initial series alone, investigators say.
COVID-19 linked to increased risk of shingles, pharma company finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 11, 2022
Older adults with a COVID-19 diagnosis are 15% more likely to develop shingles than their peers who have never been diagnosed with the disease, a study supported by vaccine-maker GlaxoSmithKline has found.
Unvaccinated have highest SARS-CoV-2 incidence, hospitalization
Feb 02, 2022
COVID-19 incidence and hospitalization rates are consistently higher for unvaccinated persons, and lowest for those fully vaccinated with a booster, according to research published Monday by the CDC.
BREAKING: CMS vaccine mandate upheld
By
Kimberly Marselas
James M. Berklan
Jan 13, 2022
A vaccine requirement for staff at all U.S. nursing homes and other federally funded healthcare facilities can proceed, the Supreme Court said in a 5-4 decision Thursday afternoon.
Risk of COVID-19 death rare in vaccinated, even among at-risk seniors with comorbidities: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 10, 2022
Investigators drew on data from 1.2 million U.S. patients who completed a primary vaccination series by October 2021. Severe COVID-19 outcomes, including respiratory failure, ICU admission, or death, were...
Feds shrink Pfizer booster interval to 5 months as omicron surges
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 05, 2022
The decision is part of an effort to increase the number of booster shot recipients and build up Americans’ immunity in response to skyrocketing COVID-19 cases, officials said.
Can you hear them now?
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 10, 2021
Researchers brought us to us directly this week: The longer that nursing home staff members keep COVID-19 vaccination numbers low, the more people they’re going to see unnecessarily die because of it.
Vaccinated people easily transmit COVID in close quarters, daily testing reveals
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 29, 2021
People who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are just as infectious as their unvaccinated counterparts, albeit for a shorter period of time, finds an unusual new household study from the United Kingdom.
‘Another layer of protection’: Senior care industry commends feds’ booster vaccine decision
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 27, 2021
Industry advocates are welcoming the decision to include residents of long-term care settings and healthcare workers in a new federal recommendation to offer COVID-19 booster shots to at-risk adults.
CDC issues new COVID infection prevention and control guidance for nursing homes
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 15, 2021
A CDC Project Firstline webinar will answer clinicians’ questions on the updates, which include alternative approaches to outbreak response;
expanded screening test recommendations for healthcare...