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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…
Rabid Raccoon Found In North Stonington: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents Rabid Raccoon Found In North Stonington: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents
Rabid Raccoon Found In North Stonington: Officials Urge Precautions To Protect Pets, Residents A week after a fox tested positive, a raccoon in Connecticut also tested positive for the fatal virus and experts are warning caution around unfamiliar animals and extra protection for pets.  The Ledge Light Health District announced on Monday, Dec. 9, that the stray animal had tested positive for rabies in North Stonington. Related: Rabid Coyote Attacks Three Workers in Wallingford Last Week Rabies spreads through an infected animal's saliva, usually via bites or scratches, according to the Ledge Light Health District in a Facebook post. It can also be transmitted when infecte…
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…
Family Dog Kills Rabid Skunk In Gloucester Township, Health Officials Say Family Dog Kills Rabid Skunk In Gloucester Township, Health Officials Say
Family Dog Kills Rabid Skunk In Gloucester Township, Health Officials Say A family dog was being monitored after killing a rabid skunk in a Gloucester Township backyard, officials said. The Camden County Health Department announced the skunk tested positive for the disease in a news release on Wednesday, Oct. 9. Health officials said the dog "recently" killed a skunk in their owners' backyard. A Gloucester Township animal control officer picked up the skunk and brought it for testing at the state Public Health and Environmental Laboratories (PHEL) in Trenton. PHEL notified the county's health department on October 9 that the skunk tested posit…
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…
Dog Who Encountered Rabid Skunk Quarantining In Gloucester Township Dog Who Encountered Rabid Skunk Quarantining In Gloucester Township
Dog Who Encountered Rabid Skunk Quarantining In Gloucester Township An encounter with a rabid skunk has one South Jersey dog quarantining. An animal control officer responded to a Collingswood home on Thursday, Sept. 5, after a homeowner reported a skunk found in the backyard with the family dog, Camden County officials said in a release this week. Four days later, officials learned that the skunk had tested positive for rabies. "Rabies vaccination records for the dog were obtained and the dog received a rabies booster vaccine and will be under confinement and observation for 45 days," officials said. Officials urged residents to keep pet vaccination…
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…
Free Vaccine Clinics For Students To Be Held In White Plains, Yonkers: Here's Where: Free Vaccine Clinics For Students To Be Held In White Plains, Yonkers: Here's Where:
Free Vaccine Clinics For Students To Be Held In White Plains, Yonkers: Here's Where: As the new school year approaches, Westchester health officials will be hosting free vaccine clinics to help children receive their required shots.  The immunizations will be offered to children eligible for New York State's Vaccines for Children program at clinics hosted by the Westchester County Department of Health in Yonkers and White Plains, county officials announced.  The clinics, which will be held between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., include: Mondays in the White Plains clinic at 134 Court St.; Thursdays and Fridays in the Yonkers clinic at 20 South Broadway.&nb…
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…
Rabid Skunk Found In Camden County Rabid Skunk Found In Camden County
Rabid Skunk Found In Camden County A skunk removed from a neighborhood in Gloucester Township has tested positive for rabies, authorities said. On Tuesday, Aug. 13, a Gloucester Township resident observed their dogs with a skunk in their neighborhood.  The Animal Control Officer for Gloucester Township picked up the animal and it was submitted for rabies testing at the state Public Health & Environmental Laboratories in Trenton (PHEL). There were no human exposures observed. The only exposures were the dogs. The Camden County Health Department was notified this week by the DHSS that the animal was rabid. The dogs …
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets COVID-19 Again Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets COVID-19 Again
Fully Vaxxed, Boosted President Biden Gets Covid-19 Again Despite being fully vaccinated and boosted, President Joe Biden has tested positive for COVID-19 — again, White House officials announced on Wednesday, July 17. The 81-year-old Biden has tested positive for COVID while in Las Vegas, Nevada ahead of the DNC, officials with the White House explained. His symptoms are mild. His doctor noted that he presented with upper respiratory symptoms, such as a runny nose, a non-productive cough, and "general malaise," as stated in the release.  Since his condition did not improve throughout the day, a COVID test was conducted on Wednesda…
Sick Raccoon In Anne Arundel County Tests Positive For Rabies: Health Department Sick Raccoon In Anne Arundel County Tests Positive For Rabies: Health Department
Sick Raccoon In Anne Arundel County Tests Positive For Rabies: Health Department The Anne Arundel County Department of Health is cautioning that a raccoon found in Davidsonville earlier this week has tested positive for rabies. An alert was issued on Wednesday advising that the animal was found on Governor's Bridge Road, between Riva Road and St. George Barber Road on Monday, July 15. It has since tested positive for rabies, officials confirmed on Wednesday. According to health officials, "rabies is a viral disease that mainly infects mammals and is spread through the saliva of the infected animal, usually by a bite." Symptoms of rabies in animals may include fear of …
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 Exposure Possible At This New Jersey Hospital, Health Department Warns Measles Exposure Possible At This New Jersey Hospital, Health Department Warns
Measles Exposure Possible At This New Jersey Hospital, Health Department Warns The New Jersey Health Department is warning residents of a potential measles exposure at a Central Jersey hospital. The department said anyone who visited the emergency room at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro between noon and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 may have been exposed to the virus. The confirmed case was Somerset County resident who developed measles following travel from a country that is currently experiencing an ongoing outbreak of measles. Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and a rash that usually appears between thr…
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…
Case Of Measles Confirmed In Maryland Resident Who Recently Traveled: Health Officials Case Of Measles Confirmed In Maryland Resident Who Recently Traveled: Health Officials
Case Of Measles Confirmed In Maryland Resident Who Recently Traveled: Health Officials The Maryland Department of Health has confirmed a positive case of measles in a Montgomery County resident who recently traveled internationally and through the area.  An alert was issued late on Thursday, Feb. 1, when a person tested positive for the virus after traveling through the region. Anyone who was in these locations at these times may have been exposed, according to the Department of Health:  Washington Dulles International Airport between 6 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27; Claridge House on Lyottonsville Road in Silver Spring between 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. on J…
Traveler With Measles Passed Through Dulles, Reagan Airports In Virginia: Health Officials Traveler With Measles Passed Through Dulles, Reagan Airports In Virginia: Health Officials
Traveler With Measles Passed Through Dulles, Reagan Airports In Virginia: Health Officials Health officials are cautioning about potential measles exposure in Northern Virginia airports.  The Virginia Department of Health was notified about a person who returned stateside after an international trip and traveled through Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport earlier this month and may have exposed other travelers to the virus. VDH was notified of a confirmed case of measles in a person who traveled through Northern Virginia when returning from international travel. Out of an abundance of caution, VDH is informing people who were at vari…
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…
NJ's Aaron Rodgers Declines To Apologize To Jimmy Kimmel Over Epstein Claims NJ's Aaron Rodgers Declines To Apologize To Jimmy Kimmel Over Epstein Claims
NJ's Aaron Rodgers Declines To Apologize To Jimmy Kimmel Over Epstein Claims Aaron Rodgers does not believe Jimmy Kimmel is a pedophile. That was about the nicest thing the Essex County resident had to say about the late night talk show host. Rodgers appeared on his weekly spot on ESPN's "The Pat McAfee Show," on Tuesday, Jan. 9, where he attempted to clarify his previous comments where he implied Kimmel was a patron of Jeffrey Epstein, the wealthy financier and a convicted sex offender. The New York Jets quarterback, who purchased a mansion in Cedar Grove following his trade to Gang Green, said by saying Kimmel didn't want Epstein's client list to be released, he w…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Case Of Measles Confirmed In MD Tied To Area Ice Skating Rink, Officials Say Case Of Measles Confirmed In MD Tied To Area Ice Skating Rink, Officials Say
Case Of Measles Confirmed In MD Tied To Area Ice Skating Rink, Officials Say For the first time since 2019, a measles case has been reported in Maryland. Health officials issued an alert over the weekend when a case of measles was confirmed in Montgomery County that was tied to a visit to the Cabin John Ice Rink on Westlake Drive in Bethesda and a separate business days later. In an alert to the community, officials said that anyone who was at the rink on Wednesday, May 24 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and a business at 16220 Frederick Road in Gaithersburg on Tuesday, May 30, may have been exposed to the virus. The latest case is the first since five were confirmed in …