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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…
Horse Dies In Newburgh From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes Horse Dies In Newburgh From Rare Brain Disease Spread By Mosquitoes
Horse Dies In Newburgh 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…
Second Rabid Fox Found In Region Second Rabid Fox Found In Region
Second Rabid Fox Found In Region A second rabid fox has been discovered in the region. The fox was found Wednesday, May 8, in Sullivan County in the town of Fremont. Related story: Wild Fox In Town Of Bethel Test Positive For Rabies According to the Sullivan County Department of Public Health, a dead baby fox (kit) in Fremont tested positive for the rabies virus.  People exposed to the baby are currently receiving appropriate treatment. Another rabid fox was found earlier in the week in the town of Bethel. The fox was euthanized, public health officials said.  Rabies occurs commonly throughout the stat…
Wild Fox In Region Tests Positive For Rabies Wild Fox In Region Tests Positive For Rabies
Wild Fox In Region Tests Positive For Rabies A health department in the region has confirmed that a fox has tested positive for the rabies virus. The fox, which was euthanized, was found in Sullivan County in the town of Bethel, said officials with the Sullivan County Department of Public Health. The department said people exposed to the fox are currently receiving treatment. Rabies occurs commonly throughout the state, mostly occurring in wild animals, including raccoons, bats, foxes, skunks, and woodchucks. Domestic animals, often including cats, cattle, and dogs, account for less than 10 percent of the reported rabies cases. …
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 Outbreak: Cases Surpass 2023 Numbers, NY Among Dozens Of States Reporting Sickness 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…
Dog Bite Leads To Arrest Of Owner In Northern Westchester: Police Dog Bite Leads To Arrest Of Owner In Northern Westchester: Police
Dog Bite Leads To Arrest Of Owner In Northern Westchester: Police A 62-year-old Northern Westchester woman faces charges after a dog bite led to officers discovering her pet was unlicensed and unvaccinated, police said. Yorktown resident Patricia Sauber, age 62, was served a criminal summons for failing to license and vaccinate her dog on Tuesday, May 23, according to the Yorktown Police Department. The summons stemmed from an incident on Wednesday, April 26 just before 6 p.m., when Yorktown officers received a report of an alleged dog bite. An investigation revealed that the dog, owned by Sauber, was allegedly not licensed and had not been vaccinate…
'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: '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 …
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…
Triple Threat: Health Department In Hudson Valley Warns Of RSV, COVID-19, Flu Triple Threat: Health Department In Hudson Valley Warns Of RSV, COVID-19, Flu
Triple Threat: Health Department In Hudson Valley Warns Of RSV, Covid-19, Flu A health department in the Hudson Valley is warning people to be cautious as cases of respiratory viruses rise.  Earlier Report - 'Tripledemic' Concerns Grow As Surge In Flu Activity Strikes Amid Ongoing RSV, COVID-19 Cases The warning comes after a rise in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in Putnam County, which has been accompanied by a similar rise in COVID-19 and flu cases, according to an announcement by the Putnam County Health Department from Monday, Nov. 21.  "Residents hearing stories on the news about high levels of respiratory illness around the cou…
Alert Issued After 'Aggressive,' Rabid Fox Captured In Region Alert Issued After 'Aggressive,' Rabid Fox Captured In Region
Alert Issued After 'Aggressive,' Rabid Fox Captured In Region Officials in the region have issued a public alert after a rabid fox was captured by state wildlife experts. Sullivan County Public Health is advising the public to stay away from wild animals and be vigilant of their surroundings while camping, hiking, or playing in the parks near wooded areas. “A gray fox that was acting aggressively in the Town of Neversink was captured by the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, sent to the NYS Department of Health laboratory, and tested positive for rabies,” said Public Health Director Nancy McGraw.  McGraw said there were…
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…
New CDC Report Shows Polio Spreading In Hudson Valley New CDC Report Shows Polio Spreading In Hudson Valley
New CDC Report Shows Polio Spreading In Hudson Valley A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that polio has been spreading in parts of the Hudson Valley for months. The CDC said the New York State Department of Health was notified on Monday, July 18, that an unvaccinated young adult from Rockland County tested positive for polio. The patient was hospitalized with possible acute flaccid myelitis, a serious neurologic condition that causes muscle weakness. Since then, related polioviruses have been detected in Rockland and Orange counties. As of Wednesday, Aug. 10, 260 wastewater samples from trea…
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…