Category: Infectious Disease
‘Wisdom and Fear’ Lead 90% of U.S. Seniors to Covid Vaccines
When vaccines became available many states targeted seniors first. That effort has proved successful, although rates vary among states: Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Vermont vaccinated more than 99% of their seniors, while West Virginia ranks last with 78%.
The Pandemic Has Devastated the Mental Health of Public Health Workers
Public health workers have been vilified by a portion of the public and attacked by some political leaders and media figures. They have been fired or forced from office. They have been subjected to protests—some on their own front lawns—as well as curses, threats and even, on at least one occasion, racist taunts.
Pacific nations grapple with COVID’s terrible toll and the desperate need for vaccines
The Delta variant has drastically altered the situation for the Pacific.
Compliance and Defiance: States React to New CDC Mask Guidelines
CDC’s reversal on mask recommendations led to more disagreement between Republican and Democratic politicians over masks and other pandemic-related public health precautions.
Almost all COVID-19 deaths in Washington state are among those not fully vaccinated.
At least 94% of COVID-19 cases, deaths, and hospitalizations in individuals 12 years or older from Washington state occurred in individuals who were not fully vaccinated.
Masks will be required for all K-12 students and staff in Washington state schools
Given the high mixing of vaccinated and unvaccinated people in schools and the fact that vaccines are not available to children younger than 12, universal masking will be required in all K-12 schools.
Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Experts explain the safety, evidence and clinical trials
COVID-19 cases increase across Washington state
Vaccination rates not increasing fast enough to control the virus
Puget Sound health agencies call on all to wear masks when in indoor public spaces
COVID-19 rates are increasing across the region largely due to the spread of the more contagious delta variant.
New COVID-19 vaccine warnings don’t mean it’s unsafe
They mean the system to report side effects is working
GOP Legislators in Missouri Oppose Vaccine Efforts as State Becomes COVID Hotspot
When State Rep. Bill Kidd, from the Kansas City suburbs, revealed that he has been infected by the coronavirus, he wrote: “No, we didn’t get the vaccine . . . We’re Republicans”
Delta variant makes it even more important to get a COVID-19 vaccine, even if you’ve already had the coronavirus
COVID-19 vaccines generate both antibody and T cell responses – and these responses are much stronger and more consistent than immunity after natural infection.
Most COVID deaths in England now are in the vaccinated – here’s why that shouldn’t alarm you
One way to imagine the risk is as a rain of differently sized ball bearings falling from the sky . . .
High heat, low tide likely triggering spike in shellfish-linked infections
The illness, Vibrosis, usually occurs 4 hours to 4 days after eating contaminated shellfish.
Washington reaches 70% vaccination initiation milestone
Across Washington about 4.3 million people have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine.