Immunization

During the Oct. 24-25 meeting (www.cdc.gov) of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the group voted to add a new policy recommending that everyone ages 1 and older who is experiencing homelessness routinely be immunized against hepatitis A (HepA). Other topics included how the use of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13; Prevnar 13) in children is likely providing adequate coverage and successfully reducing invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) incidence overall, including in older adults, AAFP liaison to the ACIP Pamela Rockwell, D.O., of Ann Arbor, Mich., told AAFP News. Hepatitis A The hepatitis A vaccine work group explained in a presentation at the meeting that since 2016, HepA outbreaks have occurred in 11 states with more than 7,500 cases, about 4,400 hospitalizations and 74 deaths. Homelessness was found to be independently associated with two to three times higher odds of infection with HepA and two to three times higher chance o...

FLINT, Mich. --Hurley Medical Center and HAP will be teaming up to host a free immunization clinic. It will take place on November 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Flint Farmer’s Market. Vaccines for hepatitis, pneumonia and the flu will be available. Adults and guardians accompanying children should bring identification and a health insurance card. Those without proof of health insurance may qualify to receive free immunizations or may be required to pay a small fee. Also, the first 50 people who show up will get a voucher for a free turkey. https://ift.tt/2yElevB

October 30, 2018 Share this content: Reimmunization appears to be safe for patients with mild to moderate adverse events after immunization. Patients who experienced an adverse event after immunization are not likely to experience recurrence of such events with future immunizations, unless a severe adverse event after immunization was experienced, according to a review published in Pediatrics . Individuals should receive all recommended doses of vaccines for full efficacy and to induce long-term protective immunity. Vaccine recipients who experienced an adverse event after immunization are sometimes concerned that the adverse event might recur with future immunizations , which can lead to avoidance or delay of subsequent immunizations. However, most recommendations regarding management of patients who had an adverse event after immunization are based on expert opinion and supported by limited scientific data. There are few studies that evaluate adverse events after immunization r...

Written by Harrison Cook | October 30, 2018 | Print  | Email Researchers at Atlanta-based Emory University's Rollins School of Public Health received  a two-year, $1.5 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to focus on immunization programs in low-income countries. Matthew Freeman, PhD, and Robert Bednarczyk, PhD, will partner with researchers fromto assess how Nepal, Senegal, India and others rapidly increased and sustained vaccination rates. The interdisciplinary team will include experts from various fields, including science, epidemiology and political science. Researchers aim to provide actionable plans and guidance to prompt vaccination improvements to better protect vulnerable populations in the U.S. "We want to understand why countries and districts were able to catalyze progress and generate momentum in performance improvements that resulted in significant coverage growth," Dr. Freeman said in a press release. "We also want to look...

The Grundy County Health Department of Trenton will offer flu vaccines without an appointment. Vaccines will be available for individuals of all ages Tuesdays from 9 o’clock in the morning to 4 o’clock in the afternoon. The health department asks participants to bring their Medicare, Medicaid, or health insurance cards for billing purposes. Donations are requested from individuals not covered by insurance. The cost for this year’s vaccine is $45. The Grundy County Health Department reports the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends everyone over the age of six months old receive a flu shot. Post Views: 37 Share this: https://ift.tt/2StAq77

Cropped Photo: Phyllis Buchanan / CC BY-SA 2.0 10.30chickpox.jpg ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) —  Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Health Officials were informed Monday of a chickenpox outbreak involving 12 students at a private school in Asheville. Officials say they are also aware of at least one additional case of chickenpox in another child in the Asheville community. On Tuesday, BCHHS is attempting to work with school administrators to follow proper protocols for notifying the parents of children exposed to chickenpox, and exclude those children who are infected as well as those who have not been immunized or cannot prove their immunity to chickenpox. BCHHS strongly urges everyone in the Asheville community to be immunized against vaccine-preventable illnesses to avoid becoming sick, spreading illness and missing days of school and work. Chickenpox is easily passed from one person to another through the air by coughing or sneezing or through the fluid fr...

FLINT, Mich. --Hurley Medical Center and HAP will be teaming up to host a free immunization clinic. It will take place on November 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Flint Farmer’s Market. Vaccines for hepatitis, pneumonia and the flu will be available. Adults and guardians accompanying children should bring identification and a health insurance card. Those without proof of health insurance may qualify to receive free immunizations or may be required to pay a small fee. Also, the first 50 people who show up will get a voucher for a free turkey. https://ift.tt/2yElevB

Cropped Photo: Phyllis Buchanan / CC BY-SA 2.0 10.30chickpox.jpg ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) —  Buncombe County Health and Human Services (BCHHS) Health Officials were informed Monday of a chickenpox outbreak involving 12 students at a private school in Asheville. Officials say they are also aware of at least one additional case of chickenpox in another child in the Asheville community. On Tuesday, BCHHS is attempting to work with school administrators to follow proper protocols for notifying the parents of children exposed to chickenpox, and exclude those children who are infected as well as those who have not been immunized or cannot prove their immunity to chickenpox. BCHHS strongly urges everyone in the Asheville community to be immunized against vaccine-preventable illnesses to avoid becoming sick, spreading illness and missing days of school and work. Chickenpox is easily passed from one person to another through the air by coughing or sneezing or through the fluid fr...

FRIDAY Adult and Child Immunization Clinic , 2 to 4 p.m., Warren County Municipal Center, Public Health Office, DMV Entrance, Route 9, Queensbury. Appointments: 518-761-6580. Al-Anon Meeting , 10:15 a.m., First Baptist Church, 100 Maple St., Glens Falls. Bag Sale , 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Zion’s Closet, 232 Main St., Hudson Falls. Cost: $2. Information: 518-747-6514. Christian 12-Step Program , 7 to 8 p.m., Granville Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 23 Quaker St. Everyone is welcome. Information: Pastor Roger Whiting, 518-642-9445. Dual Recovery Meeting , 1 p.m., East Side Center, 230 Maple St., Glens Falls. Use Orchard Street entrance. Dual Recovery is a 12-step program for those living with mental health issues seeking recovery from alcohol or substance abuse. Information: Cliff, 518-793-2352. Mommy and Me Group , 11 a.m., Hudson Falls Free Library Children’s Room, 220 Main St. North Shore Animal League America Adirondack Region Cat Adoption Center , noon to 6 p.m., 115 Maple St., ...

--  Wellness screenings, immunizations, flu vaccines and all recommended vaccinations, STD testing, blood work (cholesterol, hemoglobin, etc.) , Coles County Health Department, 825 18th St., Charleston. Call to make an appointment at 217-348-0530. --  Living with Diabetes , 2:30-3:30 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday in METS at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center. For more information, call 217-238-4808 or 217-258-2199. --  Pulmonary Rehab , Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. in METS at Sarah Bush Lincoln. For more information, call 217-238-4973. --  Walk-in Flu Immunization Clinics , 8-11:30 a.m., 1-3:30 p.m., Shelby County Health Department, 1700 W.S. Third St., Shelbyville. Call 217-774-9555. -- Healthy Directions , 6 p.m., Lumpkin Family Center for Health Education, a program designed to combine a healthy diet, behavior modification and exercise - all of the essential components of a successful weight-loss plan. For more information...

The Irish Healthcare Awards celebrates the fact that our healthcare and medical professionals are very talented people Lloyd Mudiwa believes attending Irish Healthcare Awards may help politicians see that other factors (including an ageing population and capacity pressures), not doctors, are to blame for health service problems. The President of the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) in a letter (Blaming doctors for political decisions, Irish Times 27/10/2018) published just over a week after the Irish Healthcare Awards took place (on October 17) highlighted one of the key reasons we established the event back in 2002. In the 17th year the so-called ‘Oscars’ of the health services, which in keeping with the growing stature of these awards returned to the ‘old Burlo’, Dublin City’s largest hotel, are now indisputably recognised as the most sought after in Irish healthcare. For the benefit of those who may have missed Dr Peadar Gilligan’s letter, allow me to quote it in full: “I ...

LEBANON — Just in time for flu season, Witham Health Services will offer free flu shots to the public from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday or until all available vaccine has been provided. Flu shots will be provided at no cost to those 18 years of age and older and will be set up in a convenient drive-thru format in the ambulance bay of the hospital, the northeast corner.   “Providing flu shots for our community helps protect the health of everyone in Boone County,” said Rebecca Bradley, MSN,  RN, director of Emergency Department, Witham Health Services.   Important messages for the public:  There is no cost to you for the flu shot.  No appointment is needed.  You cannot get the flu from a flu shot.  You need this year’s flu shot to protect against this year’s flu.  People who should get a flu shot every year include: people aged 50 and older, young children, people with chronic illness and healthcare workers.  To receive a flu shot, par...

There will soon be more options for children in a mental health crisis to get hospital care after Dayton Children’s Hospital completes its new inpatient wing as part of an ongoing expansion of its mental health services for kids. But while the hospital is taking big steps, the Dayton Daily News found more work needs to be done to meet growing demand and fill long-standing gaps in mental health care for children in this region. Catching up? Read more about Dayton Children’s plans •  Dayton Children’s to add mental health wing •  Kettering Health moving some adolescent behavioral services to Dayton Children’s Recommended for you Recommended for you Recommended for you Whether or not children get adequate mental health care can impact the rest of their lives, affecting not only their quality of life but also thousands of dollars in health care spending. “We know that starting early with children and families holds great promise for improving health outcomes,” s...

Rutgers School of Health Professions has received a $4.2 million federal grant to train mental health practitioners as part of a new effort by the U.S. Department Health and Human Services to improve mental health services nationwide. The University will use the grant to expedite the process of evidence-based research turning into practice, according to a press release. Rutgers’ Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Counseling is creating a regional Mental Health Technology Transfer Center — 1 of 10 nationwide — to support this. Kenneth Gill, chair of the department and the grant’s principal investigator, said there is a 17-year lag on average in implementing research into practice in health care fields, a delay that is usually even longer in mental health specifically. “There are problems that are seen as unsolvable,” Gill said. “But we have ways to address them — such as strategies for reducing homelessness, chronic unemployment and unnecessary incarceration among people ...

on Oct 30, 2018 at 9:14 p.m. Introducing Chrysalis Behavioral Health Services and Training Center: A behavioral health clinic, Chrysalis Behavioral Health Services and Training Center, has opened in Fargo. Assessment is provided related to ADHD, Autism, Trauma/PTSD/Attachment, Anxiety and mood disorders. Family and individual therapy for adults and children is provided. The setting was created to provide a neurodevelopmentally-informed space that includes the largest play therapy space in the state as well as attachment-focused spaces, a sensory room, healing gardens, a Connections Kitchen, sandtray rooms, drumming circles and trauma-informed yoga space. The therapists at Chrysalis are trained in evidence-based treatments and incorporate them with empathic therapeutic relationship for optimal outcomes for children, adolescents, and adults. They can be reached at (701) 809-5370. https://ift.tt/2qjbZMy

[unable to retrieve full-text content] City Gets $1M for First Responder Mental Health Services    U.S. News & World Report City gets $1 million for first responder mental health services    WVAH Full coverage https://ift.tt/2Q7IOHN

Health insurance can be expensive, but the Division of Insurance also says many Alaskans can get help from the federal government. A family of four with a yearly adjusted gross income of less than $125,520 (or a single person making less than $60,720) could qualify for advance premium tax cuts where the discounts are applied monthly to help pay for premiums. https://ift.tt/2Pxn4bh

By Patricia LeBoeuf, Bennington Banner For the first time in five years, the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce will be offering health insurance plans to its members, thanks to a change in the federal Affordable Care Act. Through the Vermont Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, members of the Bennington chamber, and their counterparts statewide, will have access to three health insurance plans. The association is partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont to provide these plans to businesses ranging size from one to 100 employees. Open enrollment will run from Nov. 1 through Dec. 15, with plans taking effect on Jan. 1, 2019. The plans offer competitive rates, which are important to small businesses, said Matt Harrington, executive director of the Bennington Area Chamber of Commerce. Offering health coverage is difficult for many small businesses, he said. "Every single small business that I talk to ... have always said, 'we would love to offer our empl...

[unable to retrieve full-text content] Health Insurance Innovations, Inc. (HIIQ) CEO Gavin Southwell on Q3 2018 Results - Earnings Call Transcript    Seeking Alpha Full coverage https://ift.tt/2PAiicU

"On the basis of the opinions of experts and the supervisory board of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund, we propose to increase the expenditures of the Estonian Health Insurance Fund in the bill on the 2019 state budget by €4.2 million in order for it to be possible for the Estonian Health Insurance Fund to endorse a balanced budget and cut down on patient wait times," the EAL wrote. The association pointed out that the state budget bill saddles Haigekassa with the obligation to draw up a budget with a total net gain of €4.2 million for 2019. "In a situation where the Estonian Health Insurance Fund is unable to finance the estimated need for medical services in full, the channelling of the resources of medical insurance into reserves is detrimental to patients," the petition read. According to the EAL, the government coalition's decision to increase healthcare financing beginning this year was "definitely the right decision," which prevented a rap...

Mainers can soon sign up to purchase health insurance plans on the individual market. Maine Bureau of Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa said Maine residents have between November 1 and Dec. 15 to purchase or change such plans. Cioppa called rate increases modest overall. The re-launch of a reinsurance program means some rates have actually decreased. The program will reduce insurers' risk and keep overall rate increases lower. Individuals who've faced large increases without subsidies in recent years are also expected to get assistance. Insurer Anthem will again sell plans on the exchange for 2019. Maine Community Health Options and Harvard Pilgrim will again sell such plans. Cioppa is urging consumers to start the process soon to leave time to research and compare plans. https://ift.tt/2RkXl34

Open enrollment is a good time to check to see if virtual visits are covered in your health insurance plan or whether you can register for them in advance. "It will make your life easier and help you quickly get you the care you need, all within the comfort of your home," said Dr. Linda Britton, Chief Medical Officer for UnitedHealthcare of Georgia. Virtual healthcare, also known as telehealth, is growing in popularity. Instead of an in-person visit, virtual care uses technology, including tablets, smartphones and personal computers, to connect you with care providers. "Some of the obvious advantages are convenience, quick access to care and time savings," added Dr. Britton. "Virtual visits often can cost as low as $40 or $50 per visit, much less than an urgent care or emergency room visit, and many insurance companies are now covering them." Last year, Congress expanded insurance and Medicare payments for a variety of telehealth programs, enabling ...

I got my flu shot last week. The whole process was fast, convenient and entirely free — in fact, the most difficult part for a brand new student was finding the basement lounge where the shots were being administered. Encouraging the student body to inoculate against the onset of flu season is an admirable goal, but the ease of this process stood in stark contrast to my other experience with vaccinations at Brown. Rather, registering the rest of my existing immunizations with the University was disorganized, complex and costly. Brown, and the state of Rhode Island, require a set of immunizations of all incoming students, graduate and undergraduate alike. Despite this standard, the process of proving compliance with this requirement is expensive, outdated and not fully communicated to students. This poses problems and potential barriers to entry for students — the costs associated with proving compliance can be significant in medical bills but also in time off from work and transport...

Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij on Monday said that an immunization campaign would be organised on November 22, and December 22 in district Rewari, for complete immunization of children, so that  90 per cent of children are immunized in the district by December. In this regard, a meeting was held under the chairmanship of Managing Director, National Health Mission, Amneet P. Kumar here. During the meeting, directions were issued to the concerned officers to take appropriate steps, for the success of the immunisation campaign. The campaign is being organised in three phases i.e. October 22, November 22 and December 22, 2018. Its first phase has already been completed successfully on October 22, in which the department had achieved 18 per cent more than the fixed target, for the immunisation of children and pregnant women, a spokesman said. He said that the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had released a list of 75 districts of the country, having immunisation coverag...

By Luminous Jannamike ABUJA – The federal government, yesterday said Nigeria has recorded a 10 per cent increase in immunization coverage from 2016 to date. Nigeria’s internet subscription rises to 104m The Executive Director, National Health Primary Care Development Agency (NHPCDA), Dr Shaib Faisal disclosed this at the 36th meeting of the Expert Review Committee (ERC) on polio and routine Immunization in Nigeria, held at NAF conference center, Abuja. Nigerian Mission condemns burning, looting of Nigerian shops in S/Africa According to him, “Recent Study conducted indicate that between 2016 and the present time, we have seen a 10% increase in routine immunization coverage. 10 percent might appear as if it is just marginal but in the routine Immunization space, it is unprecedented. Never before have you seen this kind of huge jump anywhere in the world that within a period of two years we  actually achieve 10 percent increase in routine Immunization.” He said the achievement...

Gaps like that helped persuade state lawmakers to pass Senate Bill 277 , which was signed into law in 2015. It requires every child taught in public school classrooms to be fully immunized against 10 diseases: diphtheria, hepatitis B, haemophilus influenzae Type B, measles, mumps, pertussis (a.k.a. whooping cough), poliomyelitis, rubella, tetanus and varicella (a.k.a. chickenpox) — unless a doctor provides a medical reason for why it would be unsafe to do so. https://ift.tt/2qgaHC0

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- Dr. Laura Sidari is speaking out because her family suffered a horrendous loss last Christmas Day. The Air Force psychiatrist at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and her husband, Dr. Anthony Sidari, a rheumatologist, lost their 4-year-old son, Leon, to complications of influenza. He passed away at a medical facility elsewhere from bacterial pneumonia following the flu, two days following onset of symptoms on Dec. 23. Although the Sidari family had vaccinated for the flu in prior seasons, Leon died prior to receiving his flu shot that season, Sidari said. He had been scheduled to be vaccinated Jan. 3. “Last year, if I had seen a story like my own, I would have prioritized the flu shot differently,” she said. “As a physician, even I was unaware of the significant risk that the flu posed to my healthy child. Through reaching out to others, including other physician parents, I have discovered t...

Wednesday Childhood immunization clinic; women, infants and children clinic; and family planning services, Lee County Health Department, 309 S. Galena Ave., Suite 100, Dixon. Appointments: 815-284-3371. Dixon Kiwanis Club meeting, 7 a.m., private dining room, KSB Hospital, 403 E. First St. Red Cross blood drive, 7:30 a.m.-noon, Polo High School, 100 S. Union Ave, 800-733-2767. Blood pressure screenings, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Whiteside County Health Department, 1300 W. Second St., Rock Falls, 815-626-2230. Alcoholics Anonymous, 9 a.m., closed, Church of the Brethren, 215 North Court St., Dixon. Red Cross blood drive, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls. Appointment: 815-625-0382. Blood pressure check, 10-11 a.m., Morningside of Sterling, 2705 Avenue E, 815-564-2145. Action for a Better Tomorrow – Sauk Valley, noon-1 p.m., Democratic Headquarters, 77 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon, 815-440-5749. Alcoholics Anonymous Gratitude Group, noon, Big Book, closed; 6 p.m., literature, op...