Immunization

August is National Immunization Awareness Month . An annual observance held to highlight the importance of vaccinations for people of all ages. However, this year it feels a bit like an oxymoron, as certain high-income areas of the United States have vaccination rates on par with low-income countries around the world. For example, parents in California have been refusing to vaccinate their children through what are called Public Belief Exemptions or Non-medical Exemptions, whereby parents are exempted from the traditional medical recommendations because of what they philosophically believe. In fact, parents in California are opting at twice the rate as previous years from getting their children vaccinated. This has led to immunization rates in places like Santa Monica and Beverly Hills  that are as low as the country of Chad and South Sudan. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians , “The number of philosophical exemptions to vaccination has increased in ...

A religious exemption may be granted to any student whose parents, parent, guardian, or person in loco parentis signs and has notarized the appropriate section (Statement of Religious Objection) of the South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption. The South Carolina Certificate of Religious Exemption may only be obtained at a county public health department. Forms cannot be e-mailed or mailed. https://ift.tt/2K6RKwh

CLARKSBURG — Students starting school and those continuing school in West Virginia are not exempt from mandatory immunizations unless medically eligible, according to the state Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Resources. Area officials are urging students and parents to make necessary immunization appointments to avoid students being banned from school. State law and regulations require that all children entering school in West Virginia for the first time in grades K-12 show proof of immunization against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (the Tdap vaccine ), polio, measles, mumps, rubella, varicella and hepatitis B, unless medically exempted. Medical exemptions must be requested by a physician who has treated or examined the child, and the exemptions must be reviewed and submitted to the immunization officer of the state Bureau for Public Health, according to a release from the DHHR. “West Virginia has some of the strongest and most strict requirements...

Kimberly C. McKeirnan, PharmD, BCACP The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is composed of medical and public health experts within the CDC who develop recommendations for the safe and appropriate use of vaccines to control disease in the US civilian population. 1 The ACIP meets 3 times each year, in February, June, and October, to discuss pertinent immunization topics. ACIP recommendations are reviewed by the CDC director and, if adopted, are published as official recommendations in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Additionally, professional organizations, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the American College of Physicians, collaborate with the ACIP to develop the annual childhood and adult immunization schedules. 2 A review of influenza (flu) vaccine effectiveness during the 2018-2019 flu season and recommendations of vaccines for the 2019-2...

Emilia Gabriele is the new CFO for the Sonoma County Department of Health Services, taking on oversight of $243 million annual budget. Most recently, Gabriele was with Contra Costa County serving as CFO for the Employment and Human Services Department where she lead a team of 45 employees. The county, which announced the hiring Monday, stated Gabriele had more than a decade of experience leading government-funded programs the public and nonprofit sectors. The county department she joins as a CFO has more than 700 employees. “Emilia’s extensive financial experience, strong leadership and commitment to ethical standards make her the ideal choice to drive the redesign of the Department’s behavioral health system of care,” stated Barbie Robinson, Director of Health Services. A Canadian native, Gabriele has a Master in Science degree with concentration in finance and a bachelor’s degree in business administration with concentration in finance and economics from the Universite de Montreal...

This slideshow requires JavaScript. (Photos by Ryan Holloway/Miami-Dade County) South Florida residents and families flocked to the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition Center, E. Darwin Fuchs Pavilion on July 27 to take advantage of a multitude of health services and safety tips provided by Commissioner Joe A. Martinez during his Annual Health & Safety Expo. More than 2,000 attendees took advantage of the free health check-ups for glucose, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and much more. Everyone enjoyed music by DJ Alex Gutierrez, Gigi the Giraffe from Zoo Miami, Billy the Marlin, the Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders, stilt walkers, the “Firehouse” bounce house and much more. Among other services offered, residents were able to apply for a driver’s license or ID card with the assistance of representatives from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), received information from several Miami-Dade County Departments on their services, as well as bring in their old shower heads...

As the son of Cuban exiles who, like so many others, came to America to escape oppression and seek a better life, I have always felt tremendously grateful to live in a nation where freedom and opportunity are abundant. This has led me to believe that each American has an affirmative responsibility to ensure this remains the case, especially our political leaders, regardless of party affiliation. Since I was old enough to vote, I have been drawn to the Democratic Party and have supported each of its candidates — including John Kerry , Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton — in every presidential election. While I recently became an Independent, I believed then that these leaders represented the best choice for our country. And, as the 2020 presidential race begins to take shape, I am eager for a Democratic nominee who has the strength, tenacity and vision to provide an alternative to the extremism on both sides of the aisle and chart a better pathway forward for our country. But, as I ...

Loading the player reg... JESSE WATTERS (CO-HOST): I couldn't even understand half of their plans, they don't make any sense at all. Tim Ryan made the best point, I think, of everybody. These unions have negotiated these amazing healthcare plans, Cadillac plans, they're so good they have their own name. Why would you rip those away, and not only that -- and then give them to illegal immigrants? It makes no sense politically and as a policy, and Warren, totally out of touch. I don't know about you guys, but I like my healthcare. I go to the doctor, I check in, I give a $5 copay, he tells me I'm fine. I leave, I do no paperwork, it's great -- and 180 million Americans feel that way. Only 27 million Americans do not have health insurance right now. Let's focus on them instead of tearing the whole system down. And Bernie, he thinks making a profit is evil. I don't know what he's talking about. So many great things have been done through Aetna, B...

Whether through Affordable Care Act marketplaces or not, SSM Health announced Wednesday that it will offer new health insurance options for individuals in the St. Louis area, beginning this fall. “Members will enjoy convenient, coordinated access to SSM Health’s comprehensive network of physicians, hospitals, outpatient and virtual care services in addition to other high-quality providers in the region,” the Creve Coeur-based nonprofit health system said in a statement. The 39,000-employee organization encompasses 23 hospitals, more than 290 physician offices and other health care facilities across Missouri, Illinois, Wisconsin and Oklahoma. The new plans, called WellFirst Health, will be available to local individuals and families “both on and off” the Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, marketplaces facilitated by the federal government, the statement said. The new coverage options are expected to be available for the marketplaces’ upcoming open enrollment period stretching...

DENVER – Federal officials have approved Colorado's proposed reinsurance program, which the governor's office says could slash healthcare premiums by an average of about 18 percent for state residents enrolled in insurance through the Affordable Care Act. Gov. Jared Polis, who has prioritized lowering health care costs during his first year in office, announced the federal approval at a news conference Wednesday morning. The reinsurance program would be a state-run fund to help cover high-cost health care claims to reduce insurance companies' expenses and drive down premiums. Under the program, the state would pay for the most expensive health care claims, so private insurers would be able to lower premiums across the board. The reinsurance program only applies to roughly 250,000 people of the 5.7 million people who live in Colorado. This premium reduction applies to those who buy insurance on the individual market, like those who are self-employed, can't get insu...

Please enable Javascript to watch this video OLATHE, Kan. -- As parents get ready to shop for back-to-school supplies this weekend, local health agencies are also urging them to make sure their children are vaccinated. There's a surge in parents seeking shots for their kids at Johnson County's health clinics. New immunization requirements in Kansas can prevent children from starting school on time if their vaccines are not up to date. Many parents are aware of problems the nation has seen with children not receiving the measles vaccine. Measles outbreaks have plagued New York and many want to make sure their kids have protections that are required by law. "They need to know that there are two vaccines that have been added to the requirements," said Nancy Tausz, Johnson County's health services division director. "Hepatitis A and Meningitis vaccine. What we’ve done is spread it out so not everybody in all grades need to have everything this year. Th...

Andrew Vernon is a former Department of Veterans Affairs employee and in 2017 was appointed by the Volcker Alliance as one of 41 rising Federal Government Leaders nationwide to discuss "Preparing Tomorrow's Public Service, What the Next Generation Needs." On June 6, 2019, the Department of Veterans Affairs implemented the MISSION Act , which makes it a priority to offer veterans urgent-care services in the private sector when set criteria are met. This has been one of the most visible pieces of the new law. However, what has not been well publicized are changes to the rules for those seeking mental health services. This is unfortunate, seeing how the VA has stated on several platforms that it is doing everything possible to improve mental health care and prevent veteran suicides. According to the new rules , if a veteran experiences a 20-day wait time or longer at VA mental health facilities, a conversation can be held with the vet's Primary Care Provider (PCP) t...

HEBRON — Andover, Hebron, and Marlborough Youth and Family Services is gearing up for its 16th annual charity golf tournament supporting local youth enrolled in its mental health programs. “This year’s golf tournament is shaping up to be the best ever with a terrific day on the links,” said Joel Rosenberg, AHM director of fund development. “AHM’s golf committee welcomes new players of all skill levels to come out and support this year’s golf tournament.” The tournament will be held Friday, Aug. 9, at the Blackledge Country Club in Hebron. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. with a 9:30 a.m. shotgun start. The cost to enter is $125, which includes a cart, 18 holes of golf, and entrance into several “Hole in One” contests that have been sponsored by Ferguson and McGuire Insurance Services. Ted’s IGA Supermarket will host an afternoon barbecue luncheon in addition to a complimentary hot dog cart that will greet players on the course. Players will receive a hospitality bag...

The state of Missouri requires students are up-to-date on specific immunizations before attending school each year. To help St. Charles County students meet these requirements and to minimize the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in our community, the Dept. of Public Health’s Immunization Clinic provides all required vaccinations, according to a press release. “Planning for the upcoming school year may not be on the minds of students and their parents, as it seems like summer has just begun,” Immunization Clinic manager Theresa Turnbull said. “However, as vaccinations are required for Missouri students to attend school each year, the Immunization Clinic is helping make these preparations a little easier.” Through conveniently scheduled appointments with the Immunization Clinic, students can receive all recommended vaccinations before the school year begins in mid-August. Appointments are available from 8:30 to 10:50 a.m. and 1:10 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri...

The state of Missouri requires students are up-to-date on specific immunizations before attending school each year. To help St. Charles County students meet these requirements and to minimize the spread of vaccine-preventable diseases in our community, the Dept. of Public Health’s Immunization Clinic provides all required vaccinations, according to a press release. “Planning for the upcoming school year may not be on the minds of students and their parents, as it seems like summer has just begun,” Immunization Clinic manager Theresa Turnbull said. “However, as vaccinations are required for Missouri students to attend school each year, the Immunization Clinic is helping make these preparations a little easier.” Through conveniently scheduled appointments with the Immunization Clinic, students can receive all recommended vaccinations before the school year begins in mid-August. Appointments are available from 8:30 to 10:50 a.m. and 1:10 to 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri...

Amid debate over rising medical costs, surprise hospital bills and high prescription drug prices, health care remains a top priority for voters in the 2020 presidential election. Here are the candidates who have put out proposals so far and what we know about those who have yet to do so. The list doesn't include every Democratic candidate, but highlights candidates who have significant positions or experience that sets them apart. The debate on "Medicare for All", which would overhaul the nations's current health care system, has begun to sow division in the 2020 field. According to Politifact , eliminating the private insurance market would “shake up nearly a fifth of the nation’s economy.” Some candidates are rallying behind the concept, others are against it and some have suggested forming a hybrid system that would call for universal health care while at the same time allowing people to chose private insurance if they want it. Former Vice President Joe Biden ...

In the first part of this series, I hope I convinced most readers that if Americans want responsible national health insurance, BernieCare--the Medicare for All plan supported by Senator Sanders--would represent a huge step in the wrong direction. The annual hidden costs of BernieCare--including deadweight losses, avoidable waste, rationing costs, and social costs of reduced innovation--would together amount to $1.25 to $2.8 trillion every year. Worse, the plan overall would add $61 trillion to the nation's unfunded liabilities tab. This well-intentioned, but hugely misguided plan is the very opposite of responsible national health insurance. This post will strike a much more positive tone as it focuses on a plan that well illustrates a far more responsible approach to national health insurance: the Purple Health Plan developed by Laurence Kotlikoff, a professor of economics at Boston University. The virtues of this plan are best understood when contrasted with the pa...

[unable to retrieve full-text content] Hampshire Council of Governments retirees fear losing health insurance in September as council dissolves    MassLive.com A legislative committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would pay $5.9 million for retiree pensions and transfer these retirees to the state's health insurance ... https://ift.tt/2GPB2Qn

Representatives from Apple , Google , Amazon and Microsoft joined up in Washington D.C. on Tuesday, alongside some of the largest health insurers and hospitals, to announce plans to provide consumers with easier access to their medical information. The group agreed to begin testing a set of technical specifications for sharing for a type of health data known as claims, which is essentially everything that gets billed to the patients' health insurance company, including tests, doctor's visits and procedures. The specs were developed by the CARIN Alliance , a coalition of health and tech companies that was set up to advance "consumer-directed exchange of health information." Claims data is important because it provides a broad overview of a patient's health, irrespective of where they received their care. It's less deep than clinical information, which might include things like the results of a lab test, but that information is notoriously hard to access ...