All articles tagged with #immunizations
Connecticut’s Department of Public Health endorsed the American Academy of Pediatrics’ 2026 immunization schedule for children and teens and said the state will not adopt the CDC’s recent reductions in universal vaccines, maintaining policies guided by evidence-based research to support health and simplify decision-making for families and clinicians.
The US has reduced its recommended vaccines for children, focusing only on the most essential, which has sparked criticism from medical experts who warn it could lead to lower vaccination rates and increased disease risk.
AHIP affirms its commitment to providing affordable access to vaccines, including COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, with no cost-sharing through 2026, emphasizing evidence-based coverage decisions despite regulatory environments.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, former CDC immunizations chief, resigned in protest over the leadership changes at HHS under Robert F. Kennedy Jr., expressing concerns that the agency is moving towards undermining vaccination efforts and harming public health.
Colorado public school districts require five key vaccinations for K-12 students to prevent disease spread, with exemptions available for medical, religious, or personal reasons. Vaccination rates have improved in Durango, reaching near herd immunity levels, and the district emphasizes the importance of immunizations for student health and uninterrupted learning.
RFK Jr. has disrupted America's long-standing vaccine policies by dismissing expert panels and questioning vaccine recommendations, leading to potential access issues and a shift in public health norms, which could result in the resurgence of preventable diseases and increased vaccine skepticism.
St. Luke's is introducing new immunizations to protect against flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Last year, these respiratory viruses peaked during the fall and winter seasons in Idaho. St. Luke's and Idaho health authorities are urging everyone to get vaccinated to safeguard their health and the community. The RSV vaccine, Abrysvo, will be administered starting November 1, 2023, for adults over 60 and unborn babies. Beyfortus RSV antibody immunization will be given to infants at high risk of severe RSV. The updated COVID-19 vaccine is available for adults, and flu shots can be obtained at various locations. Good hygiene practices and boosting the immune system are also recommended.
The CDC has announced that it will no longer distribute COVID-19 vaccination record cards, but recommends keeping existing cards and states' health departments can provide records upon request. Pharmacy chains like Walgreens suggest bringing the card to future appointments for booster updates, but it is not required.
The Rhode Island Department of Health is warning residents about an "unprecedented bat season" and urging vigilance due to an increase in people needing rabies immunizations. Bats are one of the most commonly reported rabid animals in the US, and it is impossible to tell if a bat is rabid just by looking at it. The Health Department advises residents to call for guidance on capturing and testing bats found in their homes.
Health officials in Michigan are urging parents to prioritize childhood immunizations as the state is experiencing some of its lowest vaccination rates in a decade. The vaccination rate for toddlers is at 66.5% for recommended doses in the primary series, with less than 70% in over half of the state's counties. Higher immunization rates help reduce the risk of outbreaks of communicable diseases such as measles, mumps, pertussis, and chickenpox. Trust in vaccines hasn't declined overall, but rates have decreased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Health officials emphasize that these diseases are real and circulate in communities, and vaccines are safe and effective.
The Clinton County Health Department in New York is reminding parents that children must be immunized to attend schools, as some kids fell behind on their scheduled immunizations during the pandemic. For families who can't get an appointment before the deadline or don't have health insurance, the department is offering clinics on various dates to help ensure children are vaccinated before the school year begins.
Health officials are urging patients to get vaccinated ahead of the fall season, as routine vaccinations have seen a significant drop-off. Vaccinations protect against severe diseases and can save lives. In addition to routine vaccines like tetanus, shingles, and pneumonia, it is important to stay up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine. Children should also be kept up to date on their vaccines to strengthen their immune systems. Staying up to date on vaccinations is the best way to combat the year-round threat of the coronavirus.
The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department is hosting a series of back to school health fairs, offering free health screenings, information on staying healthy, and free or low-cost COVID and MMR immunizations. The fairs are open to all, including those without insurance, and aim to raise awareness of health risks, promote healthy habits, and connect families to medical insurance and resources. The events will feature various partners providing information on their services, food trucks, prizes, and speeches from local officials. The fairs are being held during National Health Center Week.
The Shelby County Health Department is offering free immunizations for children 17 and under in preparation for the new school year in Memphis-Shelby County Schools. Immunization clinics will be open on Monday, August 7, and appointments can be made or walk-ins are accepted. Parents are asked to bring insurance cards and vaccination records, but records will be provided on-site if unavailable.
Walmart is hosting a Wellness Day on May 6th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time, where customers can receive free health screenings and affordable immunizations at more than 4,600 Walmart pharmacies nationwide. The event aims to encourage families to prioritize their health by providing tools and resources to seek care, improve healthy lifestyles, and maintain successful habits. Walmart pharmacies have hosted Walmart Wellness Days since 2014, contributing more than 5 million free health screenings for customers.