More than 25 infants under 8 months old and 128 pregnant women received the incorrect respiratory syncytial virus vaccines, the CDC warned clinicians via email Jan. 22.
Category: Public Health
Medicare Advantage Is Popular, but Some Beneficiaries Feel Buyer’s Remorse
Medicare Advantage plans are booming — 30.8 million of the 60 million Americans with Medicare are now enrolled in the private plans rather than the traditional government-run program. But a little-known fact: Once you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan, you may not be able to get out. Traditional Medicare usually requires beneficiaries to pay 20 […]
What’s Indoor Air Quality Like in Long-Term Care Facilities During Wildfires? Worse Than You’d Think.
As climate change-driven wildfires increasingly choke large parts of the United States with smoke each summer, new research shows residents in long-term care facilities are being exposed to dangerously poor air, even those who don’t set foot outside during smoke events.
Experts call for more focus on preparing for Disease X
Global leaders are trying to get ahead of Disease X — the name used by the World Health Organization to “indicate an unknown pathogen that could cause a serious international epidemic.” Preparing now for the next global pandemic is vital, accordi…
Watch: Older Americans Say They Feel Stuck in Medicare Advantage Plans
You’ve probably seen advertising about Medicare Advantage plans. KFF Health News’ Sarah Jane Tribble explains the pros and cons of this insurance option as enrollment in these plans increases.
Rising Suicide Rate Among Hispanics Worries Community Leaders
The suicide rate for Hispanics in the United States has increased significantly over the past decade. The reasons are varied, say community leaders and mental health experts, citing factors such as language barriers, poverty, and a lack of bilingual mental health professionals.
COVID, flu admissions fall: 4 virus updates
Respiratory virus season’s burden on the healthcare system may begin to ease after weeks of crowded emergency departments and hospital strain, the latest data suggests.
Columbia U virus database aims to improve illness severity research
Researchers from Columbia University in New York City built an open-access viral database to “to longitudinally explore respiratory viral infections, their interactions with other pathogens and host transcriptomic changes” per the project’s description…
Montana’s Effort to Expand Religious Exemptions to Vaccines Prompts Political Standoff
The dispute between state lawmakers and health department officials could delay a broader package of child care licensing changes until 2025.
New research sets path forward for long COVID tests, treatments
Persistent research into understanding the condition known as “long COVID” is finally clearing up clinical confusion and is also paving the way for the development of tests and treatments.
