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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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness Measles Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness
Measles Concerns: NY Seeing Rise In Cases Less than a month since a case of measles showed up outside of New York City, the number of cases has more than doubled across the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On Friday, April 12, the CDC announced that the total number of measles cases in the US in 2024 has reached 121 — far surpassing last year’s number of 58 — with cases being reported in 18 states and jurisdictions, including New York State. The update comes after a Nassau County child under the age of 5 was announced as the state’s first measles case to be reported outside of New York C…
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…
Jimmy Kimmel Unloads On NJ's Aaron Rodgers Over False Epstein Claims Jimmy Kimmel Unloads On NJ's Aaron Rodgers Over False Epstein Claims
Jimmy Kimmel Unloads On NJ's Aaron Rodgers Over False Epstein Claims Jimmy Kimmel has hit back at New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers after Rodgers implied the late-night talk show host was a patron of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During his opening monologue on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Monday, Jan. 8, Kimmel called for Rodgers, a New Jersey resident who bought an Essex County mansion in Cedar Grove after his trade to Gang Green, to apologize for saying on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show" last week that Kimmel would be on a list of clients who flew on the disgraced financier's private jet. Aaron Rodgers warns ESPN's audience about "the alphabet g…
Flu Cases Up, Now Deemed 'Prevalent' By NY Health Officials Flu Cases Up, Now Deemed 'Prevalent' By NY Health Officials
Flu Cases Up, Now Deemed 'Prevalent' By NY Health Officials If you haven’t gotten your flu shot this year, now’s the time to do so. New York State Health Commissioner James McDonald declared that influenza is “now prevalent” in the state on Wednesday, Dec. 6. The declaration requires healthcare workers who have not received this year’s flu vaccine to wear masks in places like hospitals, nursing homes, and hospices. "Health care personnel who are not vaccinated against the flu this season need to take extra precautions and wear a mask in health care facilities, as they are exposed to sick patients and come into close contact with those most vulnerab…
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics 'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics
'It Takes Two': NYers Urged To Get Mpox Vaccine; Here’s Where To Find Westchester Clinics Health officials in New York are hoping that a new campaign encouraging residents to complete their mpox vaccine will help prevent another outbreak ahead of summer. The statewide campaign kicked off Monday, May 1, and includes digital ads on websites, posters in stores and communities, and social media posts, according to the New York State Department of Health (DOH). Earlier Report: NY Declares Monkeypox 'Imminent Threat To Public Health' Amid New Rise In Cases Images center around two themes: “It takes two” and “Know the skin you’re in.” Mpox is a rare, viral infection that spreads thr…
COVID-19: Long Island Nurse Sold Fake Cards, Submitted Bogus Oxy Scripts: DA COVID-19: Long Island Nurse Sold Fake Cards, Submitted Bogus Oxy Scripts: DA
Covid-19: Long Island Nurse Sold Fake Cards, Submitted Bogus Oxy Scripts: DA A 50-year-old pediatric nurse faces over 30 counts in two different indictments for money laundering, providing fake COVID-19 vaccination cards, and creating false oxycodone prescriptions for people who were not her patients, authorities said. Amityville resident Julie DeVuono, owner of Wild Child Pediatric Healthcare, was indicted on Wednesday, April 12, for multiple felonies involving forged vaccination records and prescriptions, the Suffolk County DA announced. It is alleged that DeVuono, acting in conjunction with employees Brooke Hogan and Marissa Urraro, abused her position as a hea…
COVID-19: 'Kraken' Subvariant XBB.1.5 Gaining More Ground Nationally, CDC Warns COVID-19: 'Kraken' Subvariant XBB.1.5 Gaining More Ground Nationally, CDC Warns
Covid-19: 'Kraken' Subvariant XBB.1.5 Gaining More Ground Nationally, CDC Warns Omicron strain called XBB.1.5 which accounts for a large majority of COVID-19 cases from the New York tristate area through New England, is gaining more ground nationally. Nicknamed the "Kraken" subvariant, it now makes up 43 percent of cases nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  "XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible form of COVID-19 that we know of to date and may be more likely to infect people who have been vaccinated or already had COVID-19," the CDC said in a statement posted on Twitter on Friday, Jan. 13. According to updated CDC data released …
COVID-19: Subvariant XBB Rapidly Spreading Statewide, Prompting NY Health Department Warning COVID-19: Subvariant XBB Rapidly Spreading Statewide, Prompting NY Health Department Warning
Covid-19: Subvariant XBB Rapidly Spreading Statewide, Prompting NY Health Department Warning As the new COVID-19 variant named XBB.1.5 rapidly spreads through New York, officials are urging people to receive their booster shots to protect themselves.  Earlier Report - COVID-19: Subvariant XBB Accounts For 70% Of Tristate NY Cases, Sparking Concerns Of New Wave The variant, which spreads more quickly than other currently circulating strains of the virus, is already making up more than 50 percent of cases in the state, making it the predominant strain, according to the New York Department of Health.  Although it is not yet clear if the XBB.1.5 variant is more se…
Polio Detected In Hudson Valley Wastewater For First Time In Weeks Polio Detected In Hudson Valley Wastewater For First Time In Weeks
Polio Detected In Hudson Valley Wastewater For First Time In Weeks For the first time in weeks, polio has been detected in wastewater in New York. Testing done in December 2022 revealed two new positive samples in Orange County, the Department of Health announced Friday, Jan. 6. Related Report: NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Found In Wastewater On Long Island Health officials said the samples are genetically linked to the case of paralytic polio that was identified in Rockland County in July 2022, which marked the first time the disease had been seen in the United States in nearly a decade. In our latest polio wastewater report, 2 …
COVID-19: Cases Rising On Long Island, Wastewater Testing Reveals COVID-19: Cases Rising On Long Island, Wastewater Testing Reveals
Covid-19: Cases Rising On Long Island, Wastewater Testing Reveals State leaders are urging people to take precautions ahead of holiday gatherings as new data shows COVID-19 cases are rising on Long Island. Wastewater testing shows that COVID-19 cases are climbing in Suffolk County, the county’s health department revealed Thursday, Dec. 22. Testing found “substantial to high” levels of the virus at sewage treatment plants near Babylon, Gordon Heights, and Mount Sinai, according to a graphic shared by the health department on Twitter. COVID-19 Alert: Wastewater surveillance has indicated COVID-19 is rising in Suffolk County. Increases in wastewater ca…
CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of COVID-19, Flu, RSV CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of COVID-19, Flu, RSV
CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of Covid-19, Flu, RSV The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging Americans to wear masks during the holiday season to help prevent the spread of the so-called tripledemic of COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It's especially important for people living in areas with high levels of COVID transmission to mask up, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said on Monday, Dec. 5. “The past several years have certainly not been easy, and we now face yet another surge of ailments, another moment of overstretched capacity, and really one of tragic and often preventab…
COVID-19: Repeat Infections Can Be Dangerous, Even Deadly, Brand-New Study Reveals COVID-19: Repeat Infections Can Be Dangerous, Even Deadly, Brand-New Study Reveals
Covid-19: Repeat Infections Can Be Dangerous, Even Deadly, Brand-New Study Reveals Repeat COVID-19 infections can be dangerous, even deadly, including for those who have been vaccinated and boosted, according to a brand-new study.  The study by the Washington University School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care system found that "repeat SARS-CoV-2 infections contribute significant additional risk of adverse health conditions in multiple organ systems." The findings, published Thursday, Nov. 10 in Nature Medicine, reported that such outcomes include: hospitalization;  disorders affecting the lungs, heart, brain, and the body’s blood, mus…
Flu Season is Already Widespread Across New York, Health Department Says Flu Season is Already Widespread Across New York, Health Department Says
Flu Season is Already Widespread Across New York, Health Department Says As cooler weather has moved in across New York state, cases of flu have already become widespread. State health officials say the pesky, and sometimes deadly, virus is rapidly ramping up with 44 counties reporting flu cases in the first weeks of October. Statewide, 596 cases of the flu have been confirmed, compared to only 150 in the same time period a year ago. The regions reporting the highest number of cases include the New York City area, the Capital Region, and central New York with 57 percent of the confirmed flu cases being reported in those regions, the state Department of Hea…
NY Declares Polio 'An Imminent Threat To Public Health' NY Declares Polio 'An Imminent Threat To Public Health'
NY Declares Polio 'An Imminent Threat To Public Health' New York’s top health official is urging the public to get vaccinated against poliovirus if they haven’t yet done so. State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett declared polio "an imminent threat to public health" in New York State Wednesday, Sept. 28. NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Found In Wastewater On Long Island The declaration will free up resources to help local health departments set up vaccination clinics and better focus their outreach efforts to unvaccinated or under-vaccinated New Yorkers, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office said. Health officials are hoping to boost …
NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties
NY Declares Polio State Of Emergency After Virus Detected In Several New Counties New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state disaster emergency Friday, Sept. 9, after polio was found in more wastewater samples. The executive order will immediately expand the network of polio vaccine administrators with the addition of EMS workers, midwives, and pharmacies. It also authorizes doctors and certified nurse practitioners to issue standing orders for polio vaccines, the governor's office said. We're making it easier for New Yorkers to get their polio vaccine if they haven't already received it.@HealthNYGov is ramping up its vaccination efforts and EMTs, midwives, and pha…
4 Polio Samples Confirmed In New County In Region 4 Polio Samples Confirmed In New County In Region
4 Polio Samples Confirmed In New County In Region New York health officials have found polio in more wastewater samples, indicating that the virus is likely spreading. The state health department said analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed the presence of polio in four samples that were collected in Sullivan County. Two of the samples were collected in July and the rest were collected in August, officials said. Earlier Report: Polio Virus Identified In Wastewater Samples Taken In Two Locations In Orange County Polio has already been found in 43 samples in Orange and Rockland counties, as well as New Y…
Polio Virus ID'd In Wastewater In NYC In New Sign Disease Is Spreading Polio Virus ID'd In Wastewater In NYC In New Sign Disease Is Spreading
Polio Virus ID'd In Wastewater In NYC In New Sign Disease Is Spreading The polio virus has been found in New York City's wastewater in the latest sign that the disease is spreading. The New York City Health Department made the announcement on Friday, Aug. 12 after the virus was detected in sewage, suggesting likely local circulation of polio.  “For every one case of paralytic polio identified, hundreds more may be undetected,” State Health Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett said. “The detection of poliovirus in wastewater samples in New York City is alarming, but not surprising."  These findings follow the identification of a case of paralytic polio a…
Polio Found In Wastewater In NY, Health Dept. Urges Vaccinations Polio Found In Wastewater In NY, Health Dept. Urges Vaccinations
Polio Found In Wastewater In NY, Health Dept. Urges Vaccinations Health officials in New York are urging residents to get vaccinated against polio if they have not yet done so. In an update Monday, Aug.1 the Department of Health said testing done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had confirmed that the polio virus was detected in wastewater samples in Rockland County in June. Earlier Report: First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In Rockland County “These findings underscore the critical importance of vaccination to protect all New Yorkers and New York children against polio,” the department said in a statement. Monda…
Local State Of Emergency Declared In NYC Due To Monkeypox Outbreak Local State Of Emergency Declared In NYC Due To Monkeypox Outbreak
Local State Of Emergency Declared In NYC Due To Monkeypox Outbreak New York City Mayor Eric Adams declared a local state of emergency due to the monkeypox outbreak. Adams issued the emergency executive order on Monday, Aug. 1. As of Friday, July 29, 1,289 people in New York City had tested positive for monkeypox. “New York City now has over 1,200 reported cases, approximately 25 percent of cases nationally, and we are continuing to see the numbers rise," Adams said. "This order will bolster our existing efforts to educate, vaccinate, test, and treat as many New Yorkers as possible and ensure a whole-of-government response to this outbreak." Read the…
First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In Hudson Valley First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In Hudson Valley
First Polio Case In US In Nearly A Decade Reported In Hudson Valley State health officials have confirmed a case of polio in New York, the first time the disease has been seen in the United States in nearly a decade. The case was confirmed in Rockland County, the New York State Department of Health announced Thursday, July 21. State and county health officials said they were advising medical practitioners and healthcare providers to be on the lookout for additional cases. Today NYSDOH notified NYers of a case of polio in Rockland County, identified through sequencing at Wadsworth, confirmed by @CDCgov. Working with @rockhealth & @nychealthy, we wil…
COVID-19: These Groups Of People Most Prone To Getting 'Long COVID,' New Report Says COVID-19: These Groups Of People Most Prone To Getting 'Long COVID,' New Report Says
Covid-19: These Groups Of People Most Prone To Getting 'Long COVID,' New Report Says A new report lists several groups of people who experts believe may be more at risk of developing long COVID. Long COVID refers to a wide range of long-term health problems people can experience following their COVID-19 infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) "There is no test to diagnose post-COVID conditions, and people may have a wide variety of symptoms that could come from other health problems," the CDC said. "This can make it difficult for healthcare providers to recognize post-COVID conditions." The CDC said researchers are working to discover …
COVID-19: US To End Requirement Air Travelers Show Negative Test COVID-19: US To End Requirement Air Travelers Show Negative Test
Covid-19: US To End Requirement Air Travelers Show Negative Test International travelers arriving to the United States by air will no longer have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, The Hill reports. After nearly 18 months in effect, the Biden administration is doing away with the obligation at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday, June 12, the outlet reports. It comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined the move is no longer necessary “based on the science and data,” according to The Hill. Up until now, travelers hoping to catch a flight to the US had been required to show proof of a negative test one day before their flight. …
COVID-19: CDC Now Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These 16 NY Counties COVID-19: CDC Now Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These 16 NY Counties
Covid-19: CDC Now Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These 16 NY Counties Mask mandates in New York are being eased by federal health officials following the surge of new infections in early spring. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on mask-wearing to concentrate on COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and newly reported infections, leaving most of the state being encouraged to return to wearing facial coverings indoors. With the state's seven-day average COVID-19 positivity rate at 6.73 percent as of Thursday, June 2, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul, and hospitalizations on the decline, many counties in New York ar…