Immunization

I’ve always been puzzled by the anti-vaccine movement. As a former health care reporter in Maine and Vermont, I interviewed parents who declined to immunize their children. They struck me as generally well-meaning but misinformed when they insisted that the health risks of vaccinations outweighed the benefits, even when faced with scientific evidence to the contrary. So I was pleased when, in 2015, Vermont lawmakers removed the philosophical exemption from immunizations otherwise required for children in day care through college – though the medical and religious exemptions are still in effect. In fact, both The PBS Newshour and The New Yorker have spotlighted Vermont in their reporting about the vaccine debate. Some parents object to being called “anti-vax.” “We believe in choice,” they say. But the choices they make - allowing their kids to potentially infect others - mean that other parents can’t even take their babies safely out of the house - because the vaccine for measles, ...

"It really is the providers' role to educate and find ways of outreach to people who might be less likely to get these services," said Julie Sonier, president of the nonprofit MN Community Measurement, which has been collecting and publishing data on preventive health since 2005. The report noted "statistically significant increases" in statewide rates of childhood and adolescent immunizations over the past year. The childhood immunization rate now is 60 percent, which is a 6 percent improvement from 2017 to 2018. The adolescent immunization rate is only 26 percent, but that's 11 percentage points better than the previous year, according to the report. But childhood and adolescent immunizations comprise an area where there are particularly stark differences from one clinic to another. Rates of childhood immunization range from 3 percent at Lake Region Healthcare in Fergus Falls to 85 percent at Minnetonka-based South Lake Pediatrics. Closer to home, rate...

Key Facts Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) is an independent public-private partnership and multilateral funding mechanism that aims to “save children’s lives and protect people’s health by increasing access to immunization in poor countries.” Since its launch in 2000 through 2018, Gavi has committed $16 billion in support of immunization efforts in 76 low- and middle-income countries. Gavi kicked off its next replenishment round in December 2018, which will culminate in 2020 before Gavi’s next five-year funding cycle begins. The U.S. government (U.S.) has supported Gavi since its creation through direct financial contributions, participation in Gavi’s governance, and technical assistance. The U.S. is one of Gavi’s top government donors. U.S. contributions through 2018 comprised 12% of all donations received by Gavi ($1.9 billion out of $16.4 billion). U.S. contributions to Gavi have grown almost every year since 2001, reaching a high of $290 million in 2018. Gavi Overview Ga...

The Ontario NDP says it obtained a leaked internal document Wednesday night that shows the PC government is aiming to privatize health services, including hospitals and family doctors. The apparent draft bill reveals a plan to dissolve Local Health Integration Networks (LHINs) and create a “super agency” with a mandate to privatize, according to the NDP. "While the Ford government is publicly pretending to consult on health care, in the back room, legislation designed to privatize our health care system is already being drawn up," NDP Leader Andrea Horwath said at Queen’s Park Thursday. "We've obtained internal documents, including a complete piece of government legislation that lays out the Ford government’s plan to create a new … super agency with a specific mandate to privatize our health services." Health Minister Christine Elliott confirmed the document’s authenticity during a news conference Wednesday afternoon, but said it was merely a "draft...

Registered Nurse Kristen Wight (left) and Nurse Practitioner Abby A. Putnam (right) started at the Health Center this Fall Term, being the first health services staff hired directly by Knox. (Rob Nguyen/TKS) When junior Mia Coletto visited Health Services last spring to have her blood sugar checked, she did not expect to be weighed or lectured on her diet. When Coletto disclosed to a nurse that she had recently received treatment for an eating disorder, unrelated to the issues she was experiencing at the time, the nurses immediately assumed that she was having a relapse. Colleto said staff pressured her to get on a sliding scale, although she repeatedly said no and expressed her discomfort, before informing her that their blood sugar monitor was broken. “It kind of messed me up for at least a whole week because I could hear that in my head, the metal sliding around,” Coletto said. “I didn’t look but it was just still really traumatic.” Coletto, like many students who had negati...

bx020_3da5_9 Dr. Robert Basset, Orthopedic Hand Specialist, is pictured here with a patient at the Pines Health Services facility in Caribou. (Courtesy of Pines Health Services) Dr. Robert Basset, Orthopedic Hand Specialist, is pictured here with a patient at the Pines Health Services facility in Caribou. (Courtesy of Pines Health Services) Pines Health Services, a federally qualified health center with five locations in Aroostook County, has received $2,209,761 from the Health Resources and Services Administration, which is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. CARIBOU, Maine — Pines Health Services, a federally qualified health center with five locations in Aroostook County, has received $2,209,761 from the Health Resources and Services Administration, which is part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services. Pines Communications and Community Relations official Casey Bouchard said on Wednesday, Jan. 30, that the grant is a con...

COLLIN BREAUX News Herald Reporter @PCNHCollinB Thursday Jan 31, 2019 at 6:30 PM “Just as I’m going around the city and running into people and talking to my own folks, there’s still a good bit of what I call hurricane PTSD going on. There are a lot of people still living under tarps and who haven’t gotten their homes fixed.” PANAMA CITY — Psychological first aid and help for Hurricane Michael survivors will be available at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on Saturday. Mental health professionals will be at the church’s parish hall, 1608 Baker Court in Panama City, to listen to survivors and make suggestions of what people can do to help them feel better. The free event is from 10 a.m. to noon. “The entire area is invited. We want to reach out,” said Reverend Margaret Shepard. “Just as I’m going around the city and running into people and talking to my own folks, there’s still a good bit of what I call hurricane PTSD going on. There are a lot of people st...

Mary Ann Coatney Provides Health Care To The University January 31, 2019 By MAGGIE GEBHARDT / mgebhardt@centralmethodist.edu Central Methodist University has welcomed Mary Ann Coatney as its new director of student health services. In this position, she will provide health care to those on the Central Methodist campus, which will include diagnosis and treatment of physical and mental illnesses, and customer service to students, donors, sponsors, alumni, and all internal and external constituents. “I’ve always enjoyed working with young adults and the diversity of the student body here at CMU is awesome,” Coatney said. “I appreciate the Christian base for education and I’m grateful for this opportunity to join the Central Methodist staff.” Coatney is originally from Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1984, she moved to Missouri to teach nursing students in West Plains. She joined CMU after working as a Missouri school district substitute teacher, sub school nurse, and teacher aide in a special ed...

RENO, Nev. (KOLO) - The ongoing measles outbreak in the Pacific Northwest that prompted the declaration of a public health emergency in Washington State has health officials in Washoe County urging everyone to ensure they are vaccinated or otherwise protected against the highly contagious disease. "This is a very dangerous situation, and I don't think people fully appreciate how difficult and dangerous it is”, says Dr Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the Centers for Disease Control . “This is one of the most highly contagious diseases out there, but it's balanced against one of the most effective vaccines out there, [which is] 97% effective. Pre-vaccine, measles was the cause of deafness, encephalitis or death for some children. People have forgotten how they "were clamoring" for a vaccine,” he says. Health officials say vaccination is especially important if travel is planned to outbreak areas or forei...

OSWEGO –The Oswego County Health Department offers a variety of services to all residents of Oswego County, including preventive health services, certified hospice, and a maternal and child health program. The health department accepts cash or checks for payment. The department does not accept credit or debit cards. All patients should bring their insurance benefit cards with them to the immunization clinic. No one will be turned away due to inability to pay. Immunizations are available at the H. Douglas Barclay Courthouse, Pulaski, on the third Tuesday of the month by appointment. To make an appointment or for more information, call the County Health Department weekdays at 315-349-3547 or 1-800-596-3200, ext. 3547. Please bring shot records to the immunization clinics. The following services will be offered during the week of Feb. 4 at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic, 70 Bunner St., Oswego. – Flu shots for all ages: Monday through Friday, Feb. 4 to Feb. 8, 9 to 11 a.m. a...

Local clubs, service groups, fraternal organizations, and others are encouraged to send their Coming Events information to the Daily News at news@greensburgdailynews.com with “Events” in the subject line or Daily News, PO Box 106, Greensburg, IN 47240. Today 9 a.m. - Solo and exercise at the Greensburg Adult Center. 11:30 a.m. - Lunch at the Greensburg Adult Center. Noon - Bingo with Morning Breeze at the Greensburg Adult Center. 1 p.m. - Canasta at the Greensburg Adult Center. Feb. 4 4 p.m. - Recover Out Loud food drive to benefit the transitional living center. Call 812-318-0122 for pick-up of non-perishable foods to be donated. 5 p.m. - YMCA Dinner Program at the Greensburg - Decatur County Public Library. Ages 18 and under. 6 p.m. - Decatur County Soil & Water annual meeting at the Knights of St. John Hall. A catered dinner, board election recap of 2018, and a program featuring Rupert Boneham of “Survivor: Pearl Islands” television show. Tickets are $10, RSVP to 812-...

New clinic hours Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center is introducing new hours for its Immunization Clinic within Internal Medicine. The new hours are Monday and Wednesday from 1-3 p.m. and Friday from 9-11 a.m. AUSA Scholarships The Central Texas-Fort Hood Chapter Association of the United States Army is now accepting scholarship applications. AUSA members and dependents are eligible and applications will be accepted until May 1. The local chapter has provided more than $600,000 in scholarship for local youth and is expected to give $75,000 this year. Applications can be found at forthoodausa.org . Super Bowl Watch Party Samuel Adams Brewhouse is hosting a Super Bowl Watch Party Feb. 3. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Super Hero 5K Run / Walk A Super Hero 5K Run / Walk is set for 8 a.m., Feb. 9 at Abrams Physical Fitness Center. Registration is required to run. Participants can register online at https://bit.ly/2T06bEA or on-site on the day of the race from 7-7:30 a.m. Valentine’s Da...

MOSCOW, January 30. /TASS/. The measles morbidity rate in Russia’s regions stood at 1.73 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2018, which is more than three times higher than in 2017, the press service of the Russian Health Ministry told reporters on Wednesday. "In 2018, the morbidity rate was 1.73 cases per 100,000 people (compared to 0.5 in 2017). A total of 2,538 measles cases were registered in 66 regions across the country (54 regions in 2017). There were no fatal measles cases," the press service noted. According to the Health Ministry, "most cases are related to infections brought into Russia from abroad, which is confirmed by in-depth molecular genetic studies." The press service noted that the lowest measles morbidity rates were registered in Russia from 2007 to 2011 thanks to high immunization rates. "The WHO’s criterion on the measles morbidity rate in the elimination period, that is, less than one case per 1,000,000 inhabitants, was met," it st...

This editorial was first published in the Houston Chronicle. Guest editorials don’t necessarily reflect the Denton Record-Chronicle’s opinions. A measles outbreak health advisory issued last year by the Texas Department of State Health Services is a reminder that this state is walking down a dangerous path by issuing too many waivers to parents who don’t want their children to get immunization shots required to attend school. Texas is one of 18 states that allows waivers of school vaccine requirements based on parents’ conscience or personal beliefs. Last year, nearly 57,000 students claimed a non-medical exemption from taking otherwise mandatory shots to attend school. Houston, Austin, Fort Worth and Plano all rank among the top 15 metropolitan areas in the nation for vaccine exemptions. Many of these waivers were granted at the request of parents who still believe the debunked theory that childhood immunization may cause autism or other disorders. Despite scientific evidence th...

**Want FOX News Halftime Report in your inbox every day? Sign up  here .** On the roster: Harris fumbles on health insurance - Dems embrace left wing for Trump rebuttal - Dems delay vote on attorney general - Biden’s non-campaign rolls on - Pittsburgh vs. All yinz HARRIS FUMBLES ON HEALTH INSURANCE  Imagine if the Los Angeles Rams had to play the Super Bowl against the Patriots and the NFC Championship against the Saints at the same time. That’s what running for president is like. We think of the primaries and the general election as two different games, but the truth is that whomever Democrats nominate is already auditioning for the general electorate – including loosely attached Democrats, independents and even some Republicans.  As Sen.  Kamala Harris , D-Calif., is finding out today, the demands of the two games are often quite contradictory. Her glib, facile answer to a serious question about health insurance is the political equivalent to a fumble o...

WASHINGTON — The Nebraska Farm Bureau’s chief administrator recalls the emotional health-related stories that poured out when the organization held a series of listening sessions across the state last summer. “Literally they got up in tears talking about their challenges of how they’re coping with the health insurance markets,” Rob Robertson said. Those farmers and ranchers talked about having to give up health insurance altogether or being forced to work off the farm because of high premiums — typically the biggest living expense on the farm, he said. Robertson testified Tuesday at a House Ways and Means Committee hearing focused on protecting individuals with pre-existing health conditions. Republicans and Democrats on the committee sparred throughout about the Affordable Care Act, which established robust protections for people with pre-existing conditions. Democrats brought up the dozens of times that Republicans have voted over the years to repeal the ACA, while Republicans ...

by GOOD MORNING WASHINGTON The information you need so you do not miss out. (ABC7) WASHINGTON (ABC7) —  With a mission to provide healthcare for DC residents, Executive Director of DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority stopped by to encourage residents to sign-up before this week's deadline. To sign-up visit: www.dchealthlink.com . http://bit.ly/2B9jhsg

Nebraska Farm Bureau's Rob Robertson joined Rep. Adrian Smith to testify about health insurance challenges (Office of Rep. Adrian Smith) A key House committee learned Tuesday of the challenges Nebraska farmers and ranchers face when it comes to health insurance. Rob Robertson, administrator of Nebraska Farm Bureau was invited to testify before the full Ways and Means Committee by Congressman Adrian Smith. Robertson told congressional leaders that farmers and ranchers have seen skyrocketing health insurance costs. Smith praised Nebraska Farm Bureau for implementing a group health plan. "The Nebraska Farm Bureau is on the cutting edge of healthcare innovation in its efforts to shield our farmers and ranchers from Obamacare’s escalating premiums and far-reaching detrimental effects. Rob did a great job of showcasing NEFB’s health plan which illustrates the ingenuity of private-sector organizations and Nebraskans as a whole," Smith said in a statement." “Es...