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Vaccination

Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Nearly 30 percent of US pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021, according to a new study in the health-policy publication Health Affairs. The research, led by University of California Berkeley assistant professor Jenny S. Guadamuz and colleagues, analyzed data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, county health statistics, and ZIP Code demographic surveys.  Of the 88,930 retail pharmacies operating in 2010, almost one-third shuttered by 2021, with those in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods disproportionately affected, Independent pharmacies were hit ha…
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns
Whooping Cough Cases Are Spiking, CDC Warns Cases of whooping cough are five times higher than at this time a year ago, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning. Officially known as pertussis, those infected have persistent, chronic fits of coughing followed by a “whoop” sound. "Reports of pertussis cases were lower than usual over the past few years, during and following the COVID-19 pandemic.," the CDC said in a new advisory. "However, the United States is beginning to return to pre-pandemic patterns where more than 10,000 cases are typically reported each year. It's likely mitigation measures used during the…
Family Dog Kills Rabid Skunk In Camden County, Health Officials Say Family Dog Kills Rabid Skunk In Camden County, Health Officials Say
Family Dog Kills Rabid Skunk In Camden County, Health Officials Say A family dog was being monitored after killing a rabid skunk in a Gloucester Township backyard, officials said. The Camden County Health Department announced the skunk tested positive for the disease in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Health officials said the dog "recently" killed a skunk in their owners' backyard. A Gloucester Township animal control officer picked up the skunk and brought it for testing at the state Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) in Trenton. PHEL notified the county's health department on October 9 that the skunk tested posit…
Dog Who Encountered Rabid Skunk Quarantining In South Jersey Town Dog Who Encountered Rabid Skunk Quarantining In South Jersey Town
Dog Who Encountered Rabid Skunk Quarantining In South Jersey Town An encounter with a rabid skunk has one South Jersey dog quarantining. An animal control officer responded to a Collingswood home on Thursday, Sept. 5, after a homeowner reported a skunk found in the backyard with the family dog, Camden County officials said in a release this week. Four days later, officials learned that the skunk had tested positive for rabies. "Rabies vaccination records for the dog were obtained and the dog received a rabies booster vaccine and will be under confinement and observation for 45 days," officials said. Officials urged residents to keep pet vaccination…
Rabid Skunk Found In Camden County Rabid Skunk Found In Camden County
Rabid Skunk Found In Camden County A skunk removed from a neighborhood in Gloucester Township has tested positive for rabies, authorities said. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, a Gloucester Township resident observed their dogs with a skunk in their neighborhood.  The Animal Control Officer for Gloucester Township picked up the animal and it was submitted for rabies testing at the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton (PHEL). There were no human exposures observed. The only exposures were the dogs. The Camden County Health Department was notified this week by the DHSS that the animal was rabid. The dogs …
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets COVID-19 Again Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets COVID-19 Again
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets Covid-19 Again Despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 — again, White House officials announced on Wednesday, July 17. The 81-year-old Biden has tested positive for COVID while in Las Vegas, Nevada ahead of the DNC, officials with the White House explained. His symptoms are mild. His doctor noted that he presented with upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, a non-productive cough, and "general malaise," as stated in the release.  Since his condition did not improve throughout the day, a COVID test was conducted on Wednesda…
COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC
Covid-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC New isolation guidelines for those infected with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections have just been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency said there is no longer a need to isolate for five days before returning to work or school in a statement issued Friday, March 1. The CDC said it's making updates to the recommendations now because the US is seeing "far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV." Three "core prevention tips" were also detaile…
COVID-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US COVID-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US
Covid-19: This Key Factor Could Indicate Whether Stealth Omicron Will Cause New Surge In US With the new “stealth” COVID-19 sub-variant emerging from the shadows in the US and overseas, researchers are concerned that one subset of Americans could potentially lead to a possible new surge of infections. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Omicron, which is known as B.1.1.529, has three sub-variants: the original BA.1 that remains the dominant strain, the “stealth” BA.2, which is picking up steam, and the more elusive BA.3. The new “stealth” variant - named for its difficulty to identify due to a lack of certain genetic characteristics - has been becoming more of a co…
Murphy To Lift Mask Mandate For NJ Schools: Report Murphy To Lift Mask Mandate For NJ Schools: Report
Murphy To Lift Mask Mandate For NJ Schools: Report New Jersey students will soon no longer be required to wear face masks in the classroom, according to a new report by NorthJersey.com. Gov. Phil Murphy is expected to make the announcement lifting the mask mandate on Monday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m., the outlet said citing his administration. School officials could opt to keep mask mandates in place if they so desire. The New Jersey Education Association released the following statement: “We are encouraged by the data showing a rapid decline of COVID transmission in New Jersey. Because of that, we are cautiously optimistic that the current statew…
Triple-Vaxxed NJ Dad, Rutgers Grad Dies Of COVID-19 Complications Triple-Vaxxed NJ Dad, Rutgers Grad Dies Of COVID-19 Complications
Triple-Vaxxed NJ Dad, Rutgers Grad Dies Of Covid-19 Complications Timothy Helck took all the precautions he could to protect himself and others from contracting COVID-19 since the onset of the pandemic.  He got his first vaccine shot, then the second, and finally the booster. Unfortunately, none of them stopped the Plainsboro, New Jersey dad of six from contracting the virus. He got it just before Christmas and developed COVID-19-related sepsis, according to a GoFundMe page launched by his daughter, Miranda Helck. Then, he suffered a heart attack and died on Dec. 29 -- hours after being admitted to the hospital. He was 64 years old. "For nearly two ye…
COVID-19: CDC Shortens Isolation Time For Asymptomatic Americans COVID-19: CDC Shortens Isolation Time For Asymptomatic Americans
Covid-19: CDC Shortens Isolation Time For Asymptomatic Americans The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has halved the number of days that those who test positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic have to isolate for. Instead of spending 10 days in quarantine, those who test positive for COVID-19 are looking at just five, health officials announced Monday, Dec. 27. The change was made due to growing evidence that the most infectious period is the two days before and three days after symptoms develop, the CDC said. So too, close contacts only have to quarantine for five days followed by strict mask use for an additional five days for th…
Free COVID Tests Being Mailed To NJ Residents Free COVID Tests Being Mailed To NJ Residents
Free COVID Tests Being Mailed To NJ Residents Residents of New Jersey can now receive free COVID-19 tests in the mail. The state has partnered with Vault Medical Services to send tests to residents via expedited shipping, the health provider’s website says. To receive a test free of charge, order the test and log in to Vault’s virtual waiting room for next steps. The test must be taken during a supervised Zoom meeting with one of Vault’s healthcare professionals. Once the test is taken, ship the sample to the lab with the prepaid UPS package and receive results within 24 to 48 hours. FREE, AT-HOME, SALIVA-BASED COVID-19 TESTS A…
COVID Boosters Are Key In Protecting Against Omicron Variant, Experts Say COVID Boosters Are Key In Protecting Against Omicron Variant, Experts Say
COVID Boosters Are Key In Protecting Against Omicron Variant, Experts Say So you had COVID-19. Then you got vaccinated. But now you're feeling sick and you're wondering if it's the Omicron variant. It very well could be -- if you don't have your booster shot, new research finds. The new, highly-contagious variant is expected to "rip right through the population" and will be worse for those who are vaccinated and not boosted, world-renowned virologist and Columbia University professor Dr. David Ho said in an interview with CNBC. Ho said that those who have booster shots are far less likely to experience COVID-19 symptoms. Moderna said Monday citing lab find…
Omicron: Highly Transmissible Variant Expected To Cause 'Viral Blizzard,' Experts Say Omicron: Highly Transmissible Variant Expected To Cause 'Viral Blizzard,' Experts Say
Omicron: Highly Transmissible Variant Expected To Cause 'Viral Blizzard,' Experts Say Just when you think you've dodged the coronavirus, up pops a new variant: Omicron.  The good news is that the new COVID-19 variant is milder than the Delta variant, but chances of reinfection are nearly five times higher, according to a recent study by the Imperial College London. Experts say that a "viral blizzard" could be upon us in the coming weeks, all thanks to Omicron. That means that Omicron might actually be helpful in achieving herd immunity faster. Officials are still urging everyone to get vaccinated, which can prevent life-threatening symptoms of the COVID-…
COVID-19 Cases Surge In NJ Schools As Omicron Presents New Threat COVID-19 Cases Surge In NJ Schools As Omicron Presents New Threat
Covid-19 Cases Surge In NJ Schools As Omicron Presents New Threat New Jersey schools could quickly have to change plans this winter as COVID-19 cases surge among students and staff to the highest levels seen since September, according to the state’s COVID-19 dashboard. For the week ending Nov. 28, schools reported 3,024 new positive cases among students and 858 new positive cases reported among teachers and school staff. That is 2.66 cases among every 1,000 students and 4.41 cases among every 1,000 school staff members. Bergen County has the highest number of new cases of students infected with COVID-19 (319). Cape May has the lowest number of reported n…
COVID-19: Record Highs Reported In PA, Delta Comprising 99.9% Of US Cases COVID-19: Record Highs Reported In PA, Delta Comprising 99.9% Of US Cases
Covid-19: Record Highs Reported In PA, Delta Comprising 99.9% Of US Cases COVID-19 cases are on the rise in Pennsylvania, where the number of daily cases surpassed 10,000 last Friday for the first time since last winter, according to a recent report by ABC News. Pennsylvania has some of the highest hospitalization rates due to the virus in the US, the outlet said. According to the state's vaccine dashboard, 35 percent of residents are not fully vaccinated and comprise the majority of hospitalized COVID patients (90 percent from Jan. 1 to Nov. 2), according to state and hospital data. Of the 86,000 COVID cases in the US, 99.9 percent are the delta variant, CDC d…
COVID-19: Philadelphia Resident Tests Positive For Omicron Variant COVID-19: Philadelphia Resident Tests Positive For Omicron Variant
Covid-19: Philadelphia Resident Tests Positive For Omicron Variant UPDATE (8:30 p.m.):  New Jersey officials announced the first detection of the Omicron variant in the state just hours after this report was published. CLICK HERE to read "COVID-19: First Case Of Omicron Variant Reported In New Jersey" *** (4:55 p.m.): A day after the first case of the new COVID-19 variant was identified in a Minnesota man who traveled to New York City, a Philadelphia resident has tested positive for the Omicron COVID-19 strain. The person is a man in his 30’s from Northwest Philadelphia, the city's health department announced Friday. It was unclear when he tes…
COVID-19: Omicron, Flu Have Health Officials In One South Jersey County On High Alert COVID-19: Omicron, Flu Have Health Officials In One South Jersey County On High Alert
Covid-19: Omicron, Flu Have Health Officials In One South Jersey County On High Alert Camden County health officials in an official Town Hall meeting say there is mounting concern that South Jersey could face a brutal flu season made worse by the new COVID-19 Omicron variant. Commissioner Melinda Kane said there are 262 people in area hospitals being treated for COVID-19, and 9 more deaths were reported last week. “Over the last seven days, we are averaging 115 new cases of COVID each day, and that’s an increase,” Kane said. “Unfortunately residents are still being hospitalized and dying of COVID." Kane, along with several health officials said the best protection against…
COVID-19: Man Who Went To NY Conference Tests Positive For Omicron Variant COVID-19: Man Who Went To NY Conference Tests Positive For Omicron Variant
Covid-19: Man Who Went To NY Conference Tests Positive For Omicron Variant A day after the first case of the new COVID-19 variant was identified in the United States, a man from the Midwest who attended a conference in New York City has tested positive for the Omicron COVID-19 strain. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Thursday, Dec. 2 that the Department of Health in Minnesota alerted her that a constituent tested positive for the variant after spending time at the conference held at the Javits Center in Manhattan. Earlier story - COVID-19: First Case Of New Omicron Variant Identified In United States Hochul noted that the person who contracted th…
NYC Health Chief Reinstates Indoor Public Mask Advisory As Omicron Concerns Grow NYC Health Chief Reinstates Indoor Public Mask Advisory As Omicron Concerns Grow
NYC Health Chief Reinstates Indoor Public Mask Advisory As Omicron Concerns Grow New York City's health chief "strongly" recommended Monday that everyone wear masks in indoor public settings at all times -- regardless of their vax status -- as concerns grows over the newest mutated strain of COVID. "Like at your grocery or in building lobbies, offices and retail stores,” Dr. David Chokshi, commissioner of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, told reporters. “When you’re indoors, regardless of whether you’re fully vaccinated or not, everyone should be wearing a mask." It's not a mandate -- just an advisory at this point. Theaters, restaurants, clu…
Unvaccinated Students Must Quarantine After Thanksgiving Travel, NJ School District Says Unvaccinated Students Must Quarantine After Thanksgiving Travel, NJ School District Says
Unvaccinated Students Must Quarantine After Thanksgiving Travel, NJ School District Says Non-vaccinated students in one New Jersey school district will be required to quarantine after traveling over Thanksgiving break, officials announced. The South Orange-Maplewood School District confirmed the decision in a Nov. 16 letter to the community on its website. “The District will collect information from parents/guardians of unvaccinated students who plan on traveling either domestically (outside of PA, NJ, NY, CT, DE) or outside of the United States during the Thanksgiving break,” reads the letter. “To keep our students, staff and community safe, unvaccinated students will need t…
South Jersey Starbucks Worker Exposed Customers To Hepatitis A: Health Department South Jersey Starbucks Worker Exposed Customers To Hepatitis A: Health Department
South Jersey Starbucks Worker Exposed Customers To Hepatitis A: Health Department Camden County officials officials will begin administering vaccines for Hepatitis A after a Starbucks employee tested positive and worked through the infectious period. The employee handled food at the 1490 Blackwood Clementon Road Starbucks in Gloucester Township, health officials said. Officials were notified on Nov 17 and an investigation was instantly launched, the Health Department said.  "Members of the Food Surveillance Unit visited the store on Wednesday and conducted an inspection, which showed no evidence of food safety violations," according to the health department. …
COVID-19: 8 Dead, 89 Infected In Outbreak At Connecticut Nursing Home COVID-19: 8 Dead, 89 Infected In Outbreak At Connecticut Nursing Home
Covid-19: 8 Dead, 89 Infected In Outbreak At Connecticut Nursing Home Eight residents of a Connecticut nursing home have died during a COVID-19 outbreak that has lasted nearly six weeks. A total of 89 employees and residents have tested positive since the outbreak began at the Geer Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, located in Litchfield County, in the Town of Canaan, on Thursday, Sept. 30. "Despite seeing significant numbers of residents recovering from Covid," the facility's chief executive Kevin O’Connell and nursing director Cady Bloodgood said in a statement. "testing has resulted in one additional positive case among fully vaccinated resi…
These States Have Highest COVID Rates To Start November These States Have Highest COVID Rates To Start November
These States Have Highest COVID Rates To Start November The Northeast seems to be trending in the right direction when it comes to COVID cases to start out November. New data from the CDC shows the states with the highest COVID cases reported in the last 7 days. The 12 states with the highest number of new cases in the last week (per 100,000) are  New Hampshire: 622 North Dakota: 611 Montana: 866 Wyoming: 414 Alaska: 667 Minnesota: 2941 Maine: 1348 Idaho: 1244 Utah: 2152 Colorado: 2747 New Mexico: 1161 West Virginia 849 Hey Utah, once again we’re trending in the wrong direction. Utah now among top 10 states in nation with new COVID cas…
GET LOW: This NJ Community Has Some Of The Lowest COVID Transmission Rates In America, CDC Says GET LOW: This NJ Community Has Some Of The Lowest COVID Transmission Rates In America, CDC Says
GET LOW: This NJ Community Has Some Of The Lowest COVID Transmission Rates In America, CDC Says One New Jersey community is in a league of its own when it comes to COVID-19 transmission rates in the Garden State. Union County has gotten itself to the lowest tier for community transmission rates of the COVID-19 virus in the US, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. Of the thousands of counties examined by the CDC, Union was among the 52 in the "low" transmission rate category. The CDC currently designates 2,656 counties in the U.S. as high, 361 for substantial, and 148 for moderate community transmission. Its data tracker shows 72.3 percent of Union's el…
Chris Rock Says He's Got COVID-19: 'Trust Me You Don't Want This' Chris Rock Says He's Got COVID-19: 'Trust Me You Don't Want This'
Chris Rock Says He's Got Covid-19: 'Trust Me You Don't Want This' Chris Rock became the latest celebrity to announce that he has the coronavirus -- and after being vaccinated. “Hey guys I just found out I have COVID," Rock tweeted Sunday. "[T]rust me you don’t want this," he added. "Get vaccinated.” Rock, 56, who has a home in Alpine, joked with Jimmy Fallon on "The Tonight Show" in May that he'd skipped the line to get the COVID-19 vaccine. “I didn’t care. I used my celebrity, Jimmy," he said. "I didn’t care. I was like, ‘Hey, step aside, Betty White. Step aside, old people. Judge Judy, kiss my ass.' I was like Billy Zane on the Titanic.” Rock's infec…
Murphy Sets Vaccine Mandate For All NJ State Workers, School Employees Murphy Sets Vaccine Mandate For All NJ State Workers, School Employees
Murphy Sets Vaccine Mandate For All NJ State Workers, School Employees Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday announced a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all of the state's workers, teachers and school employees. Those who are not vaccinated will be subject to regular testing -- weekly, at minimum. NEW: All state employees – including those at state agencies, authorities, and public colleges and universities – are required to complete a full vaccination course or undergo regular testing at a minimum of once to twice each week. Full compliance is required by October 18th. pic.twitter.com/zgn7zFO5HO — Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) August 23, 2021 The vaccination deadl…
Bruce, Patti (Not That One) Washed Out At NYC 'Homecoming' Concert In Central Park Bruce, Patti (Not That One) Washed Out At NYC 'Homecoming' Concert In Central Park
Bruce, Patti (Not That One) Washed Out At NYC 'Homecoming' Concert In Central Park Bruce Springsteen and Patti Smith had a treat planned for the 60,000 or so attendees and countless TV viewers worldwide of the “We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert” in Central Park. Then rain and lightning ignited by Hurricane Henri crashed the party, stopping the show mid-Manilow. Barry Manilow was singing “Can’t Smile Without You” when a member of the stage crew rushed over and gave his bandmates the “cut it” sign. Notice the stage hand at the “0:07” mark: CNN just ended the #WeLoveNYCConcert due to the Hurricane Henri threat approachingRight in the middle of Barry Manilow's perform…
Report: Murphy To Announce NJ Teachers Must Be Vaccinated Report: Murphy To Announce NJ Teachers Must Be Vaccinated
Report: Murphy To Announce NJ Teachers Must Be Vaccinated A recent news report says that Gov. Phil Murphy is expected to announce that New Jersey teachers must be vaccinated against COVID-19. Two anonymous sources confirmed the pending announcement exclusively to NJ Advance Media. Washington and California are the only other two states to require teachers be COVID-19 vaccinated. A spokesperson with the New Jersey Education Association said teachers have been preparing for a possible mandate. Murphy will hold his weekly COVID-19 briefing Monday morning. Click here for more from NJ Advance Media.
11 Infected With COVID At Jersey Shore Teen Night Events 11 Infected With COVID At Jersey Shore Teen Night Events
11 Infected With COVID At Jersey Shore Teen Night Events Nearly a dozen children have developed COVID-19 after attending recent Jersey Shore teen night events, health officials said.  Eleven teens tested positive for the virus after attending various events at clubs in Beach Haven and Long Beach Island on July 11, 13, 18, 25 and 27, the local health department said in a release. All attendees of teen nights on Long Beach Island were asked to get tested beginning five days after the event citing a “significant uptick in testing and positive outcome of teenagers that referenced attending teen nights the week prior,” the release said. The reco…
These NJ Healthcare Facilities Will See Stricter Vaccination, Testing Regimes Come September These NJ Healthcare Facilities Will See Stricter Vaccination, Testing Regimes Come September
These NJ Healthcare Facilities Will See Stricter Vaccination, Testing Regimes Come September Stricter vaccination and COVID-19 testing guidelines are coming for some New Jersey healthcare workers, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Monday. All employees in certain healthcare facilities and other high-risk congregate settings will be required to either complete a full vaccination course or undergo regular testing at a minimum of once to twice each week. The following facilities must be in full compliance of the regulations by Sept. 7: The above employers must require employee vaccinations or regularly subject them to COVID-19 tests.NJ Office of the Governor The news comes as the Delta …