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Vaccination

Medical Experts Blast Trump's Tylenol, Autism Claims: 'Astonishing Misinformation' Medical Experts Blast Trump's Tylenol, Autism Claims: 'Astonishing Misinformation'
Medical Experts Blast Trump's Tylenol, Autism Claims: 'Astonishing Misinformation' US and global health officials are rejecting President Donald Trump's claims that pregnant women should avoid Tylenol and other types of acetaminophen, saying his claims of a link to autism are not supported by science. At the White House on Monday, Sept. 22, Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. warned about what they claimed are links between the pain-relieving medication and autism in children. Trump is ordering the Food and Drug Administration to notify doctors that using Tylenol during pregnancy is associated with a "very increased risk of autism." Trump …
RFK Jr.’s CDC Panel Scraps Broad COVID Vaccine Recommendation RFK Jr.’s CDC Panel Scraps Broad COVID Vaccine Recommendation
RFK Jr.’s CDC Panel Scraps Broad COVID Vaccine Recommendation The CDC’s vaccine advisers appointed by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. just broke with pandemic-era policy, scrapping a broad recommendation for COVID-19 shots. They have decided vaccination should be a personal decision made with a health care provider. On Friday, Sept. 19, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted unanimously to move COVID vaccination to “shared clinical decision-making,” according to meeting summaries.  Members also split 6–6 on whether to require prescriptions. The tie was broken when chair Dr. Martin Kulldorff …
Measles Case Confirmed In This NY County: First One In Several Years, Officials Say Measles Case Confirmed In This NY County: First One In Several Years, Officials Say
Measles Case Confirmed In This NY County: First One In Several Years, Officials Say Health officials are urging Rockland County residents to check their vaccinations after the first confirmed case of measles in the county since 2019.  The case was confirmed in a Rockland resident who had recently returned from traveling and developed symptoms after a possible exposure, County Executive Ed Day and Health Commissioner Mary Leahy said in an announcement on Monday, Aug. 25.  The person visited a healthcare facility on Wednesday, Aug. 20, and reported a rash two days later. The case was later confirmed to be measles, officials said.  The Health Department i…
Summer COVID-19 Wave Builds: Nimbus Variant Still Dominant As Stratus Rises Summer COVID-19 Wave Builds: Nimbus Variant Still Dominant As Stratus Rises
Summer Covid-19 Wave Builds: Nimbus Variant Still Dominant As Stratus Rises Beach trips and heat waves aren’t the only things rising this summer. COVID-19 signals are climbing nationwide, and two Omicron offshoots appear to be leading the charge. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, Aug. 8 upgraded national wastewater viral activity for COVID-19 from “low” to “moderate,” a change that arrives just as families prep for back-to-school.  Nationally, SARS‑CoV‑2 concentrations are up about 30 percent over the last month, with the Gulf Coast roughly double early‑June levels, according to CDC’s National Wastewater Surveillance System. Wast…
CDC Flags 40-State COVID Growth As Omicron Offshoot Variant Drives Summer Spike CDC Flags 40-State COVID Growth As Omicron Offshoot Variant Drives Summer Spike
CDC Flags 40-State COVID Growth As Omicron Offshoot Variant Drives Summer Spike Fueled by a fast-growing new variant, COVID-19 infections are regaining ground just as summer travel peaks. New CDC transmission estimates released Friday, Aug. 1 show the effective reproduction number, or Rt, above one in 40 states, meaning overall US infections are again expanding. In 28 states the agency assigns its highest confidence category — “growing” — while another 12 fall into the “likely growing” bucket. No state is currently classified as declining, and nine are holding steady. For more info, view the CDC's interactive map here, and click on a specific state. Nationally, the R…
Measles Cases In US Approaches 25-Year High As CDC Confirms 27 Outbreaks Measles Cases In US Approaches 25-Year High As CDC Confirms 27 Outbreaks
Measles Cases In US Approaches 25-Year High As CDC Confirms 27 Outbreaks America has reached another grim milestone as the number of confirmed cases of the measles hit a record high since the US declared the disease "under control" decades ago. A total of 1,267 confirmed measles cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 38 states and jurisdictions — more than triple the number reported in all of 2024, according to the agency's latest report. At least 27 outbreaks (defined as three or more connected cases) have been reported so far this year, with 88 percent of cases (1,115 of 1,267) linked to outbreaks, health officials …
EXCLUSIVE: 6-Year-Olds Hit By Meningitis—1 Dead, 1 Disabled—Despite Vaccination; GSK Responds EXCLUSIVE: 6-Year-Olds Hit By Meningitis—1 Dead, 1 Disabled—Despite Vaccination; GSK Responds
Exclusive: 6-Year-Olds Hit By Meningitis—1 Dead, 1 Disabled—Despite Vaccination; GSK Responds Two 6-year-old girls from Pennsylvania have been tragically impacted by meningitis — one fatally, one left unable to walk or speak — despite both being previously vaccinated, their families say. Now, the pharmaceutical giant GSK is responding to rising public concern. Aria, of Berks County, died earlier in June after a rare and severe meningitis infection despite being fully vaccinated, according to her family. Just days later, another child — Ruby Lutz of Morrisville (Bucks County) — was diagnosed with viral meningitis and encephalitis. Ruby survived, but the illness robbed her of the …
Measles Case: Visitors To HV Restaurant May Have Been Exposed, Officials Warn Measles Case: Visitors To HV Restaurant May Have Been Exposed, Officials Warn
Measles Case: Visitors To HV Restaurant May Have Been Exposed, Officials Warn Health officials are warning the public after a person who came down with measles visited a Putnam County restaurant while still contagious.  The individual, who contracted the illness while traveling abroad, is no longer contagious, according to a Wednesday, June 4 announcement from the Putnam County Department of Health.  However, officials are urging anyone who visited Arturo’s Tavern at 878 Route 6 in Mahopac on Wednesday, May 28 between 6 and 10 p.m. to contact the health department immediately, as the infected person visited the establishment while still considered contagiou…
New Travel Warning Issued By CDC As Measles Cases Rise New Travel Warning Issued By CDC As Measles Cases Rise
New Travel Warning Issued By CDC As Measles Cases Rise The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging travelers to take precautions because measles cases are rising throughout the world. More international travelers are getting infected with the highly contagious respiratory illness that spreads to others through coughing and sneezing, the agency says. Most people who bring measles into the United States are unvaccinated US residents who get infected during international travel, said the CDC. Cases are rising in many countries around the world. In the United States, 42 new cases have been reported in the last week, mainly among…
Measles At Sold-Out Shakira Concert: Exposure Linked To MetLife Show, NJ Health Department Says Measles At Sold-Out Shakira Concert: Exposure Linked To MetLife Show, NJ Health Department Says
Measles At Sold-Out Shakira Concert: Exposure Linked To MetLife Show, NJ Health Department Says If you danced the night away at Shakira’s MetLife concert last week, health officials say you may have brought home more than just memories. According to the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH), a non-New Jersey resident with a confirmed case of measles attended the MetLife Stadium concert while infectious. The DOH sent out an alert for concertgoers who were at the venue on Thursday, May 15, from 7:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Friday, May 16. People who were at the concert could develop symptoms as late as June 6, NJDOH said in a statement on Tuesday, May 20. According to MetLife Stadium, both sh…
US Measles Cases Surge Past 1,000 As CDC Reports 14 Outbreaks US Measles Cases Surge Past 1,000 As CDC Reports 14 Outbreaks
US Measles Cases Surge Past 1,000 As CDC Reports 14 Outbreaks America reached a grim milestone this week as the number of confirmed measles cases across the country has soared past 1,000, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A total of 1,001 confirmed measles cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by 31 states and jurisdictions — more than triple the number reported in all of 2024, according to the agency's latest report. At least 14 outbreaks (defined as three or more connected cases) have been reported so far this year, with 93 percent of cases (928 of 1,001) linked to outbreaks,…
Measles Confirmed In 3 Young Children In Hudson Valley Measles Confirmed In 3 Young Children In Hudson Valley
Measles Confirmed In 3 Young Children In Hudson Valley Three children under the age of five in Orange County have tested positive for measles, prompting an urgent warning from local health officials to parents across the region.  The Orange County Department of Health confirmed the cases on Wednesday, May 8, and is urging families to check their vaccination records, especially before traveling.  “Measles is just a plane (or car) ride away,” officials warned in a public health message. The disease spreads quickly and can be especially dangerous for babies and young children. The children who came down with measles in Orange County all…
Measles Surge: Nearly 1,000 Cases Reported In US As Outbreaks Explode Measles Surge: Nearly 1,000 Cases Reported In US As Outbreaks Explode
Measles Surge: Nearly 1,000 Cases Reported In US As Outbreaks Explode Measles is making a disturbing comeback in the United States — and it's spreading faster than health officials have seen in years. A total of 935 confirmed measles cases have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by 30 states and jurisdictions — more than triple the number reported in all of 2024, according to the agency's latest report. At least 12 outbreaks (three or more connected cases) have been reported so far this year. A staggering 93 percent of cases (869 of 935) are linked to outbreaks, according to the CDC. For comparison, 2024 saw 285 total cases…
Measles Case Confirmed In Person Who Rode Amtrak Train From New York Measles Case Confirmed In Person Who Rode Amtrak Train From New York
Measles Case Confirmed In Person Who Rode Amtrak Train From New York A person with a confirmed measles case may have exposed Amtrak passengers on a recent train trip. An infected passenger with a rare breakthrough infection may have exposed others during the trip last week between New York City and Washington, DC, health officials say. The vaccinated person from Minnesota became infected while traveling abroad after returning to the US, boarded the train from NYC before becoming sick several days after arriving in DC. DC Health said the person visited multiple locations in DC while contagious.  Amtrak is contacting passengers who may have been exposed…
First Measles Case Confirmed Outside Of NYC In 2025, Health Officials Urge Vaccination First Measles Case Confirmed Outside Of NYC In 2025, Health Officials Urge Vaccination
First Measles Case Confirmed Outside Of NYC In 2025, Health Officials Urge Vaccination A child under 5 years old on Long Island has been diagnosed with measles, marking the first case outside of New York City in 2025, health officials announced Tuesday, March 11. The case in Suffolk County, confirmed at the New York State Department of Health’s Wadsworth Laboratory, comes as measles cases rise globally and across the United States, including in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. The New York State Department of Health, Suffolk County health officials, and Northwell Health are investigating the case and tracking potential exposures. The child is currently being treated at…
NY Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccine Amid Increased Cases In US, Canada NY Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccine Amid Increased Cases In US, Canada
NY Health Officials Urge Measles Vaccine Amid Increased Cases In US, Canada Health officials in New York are urging people to get vaccinated against measles amid a rise in cases across the United States and Canada. The current statewide Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccination rate for two-year-olds remains below the 95 percent threshold needed to prevent outbreaks through herd immunity, the New York State Department of Health warned in an advisory issued Thursday, Feb. 27. The state’s latest campaign includes a public service announcement urging parents to vaccinate their children with the MMR vaccine, which is 97 percent effective at preventing measles after…
New Surge In Flu Cases Reported Nationwide; These States Are Seeing Biggest Spikes New Surge In Flu Cases Reported Nationwide; These States Are Seeing Biggest Spikes
New Surge In Flu Cases Reported Nationwide; These States Are Seeing Biggest Spikes Flu cases are surging across the nation, closing nearly a dozen schools and swamping hospitals in some states. At least 24 million cases, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths —including 57 children —have been reported for this flu season, which began in October, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, Feb. 7. The two strains of flu circulating this season are H1N1 and H3N2. Both are covered in this year's flu vaccine, but only about 40 percent of Americans have taken the vaccine each of the last two years, compared to 50 percent t…
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map
Respiratory Illnesses Rising Dramatically In These States: Brand-New Map Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, are surging across the United States, with healthcare systems feeling the strain as more people seek care for these conditions.  The CDC reported on Monday, Jan. 13 that the nation is experiencing high levels of acute respiratory illnesses, with young children and older adults particularly affected. COVID-19 activity has increased in most areas, fueled by rising emergency department visits, elevated lab test positivity, and high levels of virus detected in wastewater.  Influenza remains widespread, while RSV activity …
'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season 'Tripledemic' Threat: COVID-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season
'Tripledemic' Threat: Covid-19, Flu, RSV Surging This Season The United States is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses, commonly referred to as a “tripledemic,” involving COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of Friday, Jan. 3, the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek healthcare is high and continues to increase nationally, the agency said. COVID-19 cases are increasing nationwide, with the XEC variant—a mix of earlier Omicron strains—now accounting for about 45 percent of cases.  Symptoms include congestion, cough, fe…
COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States COVID-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States
Covid-19: Virus Levels Now Surging In These States Parts of the nation are experiencing a notable increase in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns among health officials. The increase in activity picked up just ahead of the holiday season. Experts attribute this resurgence to several factors, including the emergence of new variants. The XEC variant, an off-shoot of the highly contagious Omicron strain, now accounts for 45 percent of cases in the US after first being identified in Europe, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  States with "very high" current wastewater viral activity are shown in the darker sh…
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…
Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now
Flu Cases, Hospitalizations Rising Dramatically In New York: Here's What To Know Now Flu activity is now widespread across New York State, prompting an advisory from authorities. Under this declaration by State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald, healthcare workers who are not vaccinated against the flu must wear masks in certain settings to protect vulnerable patients. “The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect against infection,” said Dr. McDonald. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated and ensure you don’t miss out on holiday celebrations.” Flu cases are surging across the state.  As of Saturday, Dec. 14, more than 23,000 cases have been r…
COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts
Covid-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts With respiratory illness season underway, the New York State Department of Health is actively urging residents aged 6 months and older to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine.  This recommendation aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent update, which emphasizes the importance of a second dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine for older adults and those at higher risk. The CDC now advises that adults aged 65 and older, along with individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should receive a second dose six months after their initial vaccination. This u…
Sun River Health Expert Explains Sexual Health & STIs Sun River Health Expert Explains Sexual Health & STIs
Sun River Health Expert Explains Sexual Health & STIs Why is it important to talk about sexual health? Sexual health is an important part of everyone’s health and wellbeing. Many people are wary of talking about sexual health with their primary care provider, but at Sun River Health, we strive to normalize the conversation. Our goal is to increase sexual health literacy, promote engagement, and make sure that everyone has the opportunity to be in the best health. Sexual health care should be tailored to the individual patient’s needs in order to provide equitable and culturally sensitive care. The benefits of taking care of your sexual health …
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…
Free COVID-19 At-Home Tests Will Soon Become Available Online Free COVID-19 At-Home Tests Will Soon Become Available Online
Free Covid-19 At-Home Tests Will Soon Become Available Online The Department of Health and Human Services will soon restart its program of offering free rapid tests for the virus through the mail. Every American household may order four nasal swab tests starting by the end of September by visiting covid.gov/tests or covidtests.gov. Both standard and more accessible COVID-19 tests will be available, while supplies last. The department did not announce what specific day and date requests will start to be processed. New COVID booster vaccines that became available at the start of September have been updated with a formula to more closely target cu…
Sun River Health Doctor Discusses Hepatitis A, B, C Sun River Health Doctor Discusses Hepatitis A, B, C
Sun River Health Doctor Discusses Hepatitis A, B, C Hepatitis is a general term used to describe liver inflammation that occurs for different reasons, including infections, toxin-related damage from drugs and alcohol, genetic disorders, or a dysfunctional immune system. The most common types of hepatitis are known as hepatitis A, B, and C. Hepatitis infections need to be diagnosed, monitored, and treated. Viral hepatitis could result in serious liver damage. Fortunately, blood tests can quickly determine if you have a viral infection. What are the symptoms of hepatitis? Symptoms during the early part of infection can be mild and vague. Som…
FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines: Here's When They Will Be Available FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines: Here's When They Will Be Available
FDA Approves Updated Covid-19 Vaccines: Here's When They Will Be Available The US Food and Drug Administration has just approved new COVID-19 vaccines.It marks the third time the vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna have been updated to match circulating strains since the original shot. The shots should be available within days, the FDA said in making the announcement Thursday afternoon, Aug. 22. The new vaccines have been updated with a formula to more closely target currently circulating variants and provide better protection against serious consequences of COVID, including hospitalization and death. “Vaccination continues to be the cornerstone of COVID-19 preventi…
Horse Dies In Hudson Valley From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes Horse Dies In Hudson Valley From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes
Horse Dies In Hudson Valley From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes A horse has died in the region from a rare brain disease spread by mosquitoes that can also infect people. The Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH) reports a horse in the town of Newburgh died late last week of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE).  The diagnosis was confirmed in test results released by the New York State Department of Health. Officials said the horse had not been vaccinated for EEE and did not travel outside the County. EEE is an extremely rare but serious and often fatal infection spread by mosquitoes. It can infect people and horses.  It causes encephalit…
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…
Ex-NY Nurse May Dodge Jail After Making $1M Selling Fake Vaccine Cards, Prescriptions Ex-NY Nurse May Dodge Jail After Making $1M Selling Fake Vaccine Cards, Prescriptions
Ex-NY Nurse May Dodge Jail After Making $1M Selling Fake Vaccine Cards, Prescriptions A former pediatric nurse from Long Island could avoid jail time after confessing that she raked in over $1 million selling forged COVID-19 vaccine cards and opioid prescriptions. Julie DeVuono, age 51, of Amityville, pleaded guilty to filing forged vaccination record cards, laundering the criminal proceeds from selling the cards, and filing false prescriptions for opioids in Suffolk County Court in September 2023. According to prosecutors, DeVuono charged her customers $220 or $350, depending on the year, between June 2021 and September 2022 for entering their false vaccine information into…