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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…
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…
Potential Measles Exposure In Montgomery County: Health Officials Potential Measles Exposure In Montgomery County: Health Officials
Potential Measles Exposure In Montgomery County: Health Officials Public health authorities in Montgomery County are warning of potential exposure to the measles virus.  There are currently eight confirmed cases of measles in Philadelphia, and while there are no known cases in Montco, the Office of Public Health says residents may have been exposed at two times and locations:  Holy Redeemer Pediatric Urgent Care-Meadowbrook, 1648 Huntingdon Pike, Meadowbrook on Jan. 3 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Jefferson Abington Hospital Emergency Department, 1200 Old York Road, Abington, Jan. 3 from 7 p.m. to 9:40 p.m.  OPH reco…
Five More Possible Measle Exposures Reported In Philadelphia Five More Possible Measle Exposures Reported In Philadelphia
Five More Possible Measle Exposures Reported In Philadelphia City health officials are warning of five more places and times where city residents may have been exposed to the measles virus in December.  The announcement comes weeks after a potential exposure incident was reported at the Jefferson Health building in Center City.  Possible exposure sites include:  The Multicultural Education Station Day Care at 6919 Castor Avenue on Dec. 20 and 21;  The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Emergency Room at 3401 Civic Center Boulevard on Dec. 28;  The Christopher’s Hospital for Children Emergency Department from…
Measles In Eastern PA: Officials Measles In Eastern PA: Officials
Measles In Eastern PA: Officials Montgomery County officials are investigating a case of measles in the area.  The patient is an unvaccinated child, and the Office of Public Health is conducting contact tracing "in coordination with (...) the child’s guardian," authorities said in a release Friday, July 28.  "Identified individuals will be contacted and notified of potential exposure to measles and assess each individual’s vaccination status and risk for infection," said MCOPH.  The measles virus can remain infectious on surfaces and in the air for up to two hours after exposure, authorities note.  Th…
CDC To Test Philly Wastewater For Polio Virus CDC To Test Philly Wastewater For Polio Virus
CDC To Test Philly Wastewater For Polio Virus The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are partnering with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health to collect and test wastewater for the polio virus, officials say.  In a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 30, the CDC said Philadelphia is one of several communities taking part in wastewater analysis testing. The findings will help public health officials identify "communities of concern" which may be at risk for contracting polio, and will guide their future vaccination efforts, the agency said.  Polio has resurfaced as a public health concern since July, when officials in…
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…
North Penn School District Teacher, Lehigh Valley Native Dies After COVID-19 Battle North Penn School District Teacher, Lehigh Valley Native Dies After COVID-19 Battle
North Penn School District Teacher, Lehigh Valley Native Dies After Covid-19 Battle A longtime teacher with the North Penn School District died Christmas Day after a battle with COVID-19. Andrew G. Jenkins, 47, was fully vaccinated when he died after a "short bout" with the virus, his obituary says. He had been working as a teacher at Pennfield Middle School in Hatfield for 15 years, according to his obit. Born in Allentown, Jenkins graduated from William Allen High School in 1992 and "excelled in football and wrestling," his memorial says. He later earned a bachelor's degree from Moravian University and a master's degree in education from Wilkes University, according to…
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…
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…
'COVID Closures Possible': Baltimore County Schools Warn Students, Teachers 'COVID Closures Possible': Baltimore County Schools Warn Students, Teachers
'COVID Closures Possible': Baltimore County Schools Warn Students, Teachers Baltimore County Public Schools is encouraging students and staff to be prepared for any "state-ordered change to school operations," due to COVID-19, by bringing their devices and chargers home for winter break. 💻 In an effort to proactively prepare for any county and/or state ordered change to school operations, we ask that all students and staff bring their devices and chargers home for the winter break. Posted by Baltimore County Public Schools on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 The announcement comes after BCPS already suspended all non-athletic after-school activities from Dec. 22 thro…
COVID-19: Cases Spike In Maryland, Omicron Presents New Threat COVID-19: Cases Spike In Maryland, Omicron Presents New Threat
Covid-19: Cases Spike In Maryland, Omicron Presents New Threat Maryland's health department reported a spike in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state. As of Dec. 20, the Maryland Department of Health reported that “top-line” COVID-19 data was restored and it showed that an additional 28,541 cases have been confirmed since Dec. 3, the last day of full reporting before a cyberattack was discovered that disrupted operations.  The website also showed the seven-day average for the testing positivity rate had jumped from 5.4% on Dec. 3, to 10.2% on Dec. 20. Not all of Maryland's COVID-19 data has been restored however, the state still doe…
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: 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: 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…
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…
Fully Vaccinated PA Senator, Who Might Run For Governor, Tests Positive For COVID-19 Fully Vaccinated PA Senator, Who Might Run For Governor, Tests Positive For COVID-19
Fully Vaccinated PA Senator, Who Might Run For Governor, Tests Positive For Covid-19 A Pennsylvania state senator, who is supposedly about to announce a bid to run for governor, has announced he has tested positive for COVID-19, according to a statement released by his office. State Senator Jake Corman, a Republican representing Bellefonte, Centre County, is fully vaccinated and appeared on the Senate floor the day prior to testing positive, according to a release from his office and Senior Reporter for City and State PA, Justin Sweitzer. “In an overabundance of caution, Senator Corman has routinely been tested throughout the pandemic,” as stated in the release. “He will c…
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…
PA Man Loses Vaccinated Father, Unvaccinated Son In 36 Hours To COVID PA Man Loses Vaccinated Father, Unvaccinated Son In 36 Hours To COVID
PA Man Loses Vaccinated Father, Unvaccinated Son In 36 Hours To COVID A Pennsylvania man is mourning the loss of both his father and his son who died within 36 hours of each other, according to CNN. Pittsburgh-area restaurateur Alan Collins Jr. told them his father, Alan Collins Sr., 72, died on Sept. 28 at a Pittsburgh hospital, and his son, Alan David Brown Sr., 35, died Sept. 29. Brown Sr. was unvaccinated and "still deciding what to do," Collins Jr said to CNN. Collin’s father had been vaccinated and had recently taken his booster shot. His father had a kidney transplant a few years ago and it might have weakened his immune system, CNN reported. Hi…
Cause Of Death Released For West Catholic Prep Student Who Died On Football Field Cause Of Death Released For West Catholic Prep Student Who Died On Football Field
Cause Of Death Released For West Catholic Prep Student Who Died On Football Field The cause of death for a West Catholic Prep High School student who died during an outdoor scrimmage in July has been released, authorities said. Ivan J. Hicks, Jr, 16, of Philadelphia, died of hypertensive cardiovascular disease, the Chester County Coroner's Office ruled Monday. The incoming junior also tested positive at the time of his death for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.  He had received his second Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on July 7, six days before collapsing on the Coatesville Area High School football field on July 13, officials said. Of…
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…
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…
Face Masks Should Be Worn Indoors By Everyone In These PA Counties, CDC Says Face Masks Should Be Worn Indoors By Everyone In These PA Counties, CDC Says
Face Masks Should Be Worn Indoors By Everyone In These PA Counties, CDC Says Nine counties in Pennsylvania have high COVID-19 positive test rates or substantial community transmission which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says requires all people-- including fully vaccinated people-- to be masked indoors. This is up from the original six counties falling under the new guidance less than a week ago. The four counties with high COVID-19 rates are as follows, along with the county vaccination rate for people receiving at least one shot: Crawford: 53.8% Warren: 57% McKean: 61.2% Armstrong: 63% The following five counties have substantial community sprea…
POLL: One In 5 Americans Believes US Government Is Using COVID-19 Vaccine To Microchip Citizens POLL: One In 5 Americans Believes US Government Is Using COVID-19 Vaccine To Microchip Citizens
Poll: One In 5 Americans Believes US Government Is Using Covid-19 Vaccine To Microchip Citizens One in five Americans believes the federal government is using the COVID-19 vaccine to microchip the population, according to a recent poll. The sharpest divisions between pro- and anti-vaxxers in America, to few people's surprise, are political, the Economist/YouGov poll found. Nearly 30% of Republican poll respondents – and only 4% of Democrats -- said they aren’t getting vaccinated. More whites than Black and Hispanic respondents in the Economist/You Gov poll said they reject the vaccine, while more Midwesterners and Southerners came out against vaccination than elsewhere in the country…
CDC: COVID Vaccinated Students, Teachers Don't Need To Wear Masks In Classroom CDC: COVID Vaccinated Students, Teachers Don't Need To Wear Masks In Classroom
CDC: COVID Vaccinated Students, Teachers Don't Need To Wear Masks In Classroom Fully vaccinated teachers and students do not have to wear masks while in the classroom starting this fall under brand-new COVID-19 guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released on Friday, July 9. The updated recommendation comes as more than 55 percent of the United States' population has received at least one vaccine dose, including more than 47 percent who are fully vaccinated.  Children under the age of 12 are not currently eligible to receive any of the three COVID-19 vaccines in the nation. The CDC's updated guidance recommends that individuals who are no…
PA Mask Mandate Will End By June 28, Says Health Sec. PA Mask Mandate Will End By June 28, Says Health Sec.
PA Mask Mandate Will End By June 28, Says Health Sec. The Pennsylvania Secretary of Health has announced a firm end date to the state mask mandate--June 28. “Pennsylvanians are realizing they have the power to stop COVID-19 and that they are stepping up to get vaccinated,” Beam said on Thursday. 70% of Pennsylanian adults have received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and 53% of adults in the state are fully vaccinated as of noon on Thursday. The mask mandate will end June 28 whether or not the state reaches 70% of adults being fully vaccinated. “It will be lifted June 28. We want it to be something to motivate folks to go get vaccina…