Getting a COVID-19 booster shot can significantly increase an at-risk person’s immunity and protect against the contagious Omicron variant. New research focusing on nursing home residents and their caregivers found a third dose of vaccine boosted antibodies by more than 85%, with high levels of Omicron-specific immunity. The study authors said the results underscore the… read on > read on >
While 8 in 10 Americans ages 65 and older say they want to age in their homes, it’s not always possible when health declines. Knowing when a loved one needs a more supportive environment, such as assisted living, continuing care retirement community or a nursing home, can be challenging. Though “aging in place” remains a… read on > read on >
More Americans now live in wildfire zones as wildfire seasons have become longer, with hotter, faster-moving fires. If you’re one of those who live in a location threatened by wildfires, it’s important to be prepared, according to Environment America, a national network of 30 state environmental groups. You should have a plan for evacuation in… read on > read on >
You and your best friend may have your noses to thank in helping bring you together, a new study suggests. Researchers found that pairs of friends who’d just “clicked” upon meeting tended to smell more alike, compared to random pairs of strangers. What’s more, a high-tech electronic nose was able to predict, based on body… read on > read on >
On Thursday, New York City became the first U.S. city to start offering the monkeypox vaccine to those at high risk for the disease. The announcement follows similar ones issued from the United Kingdom and Canada. Although most cases of the disease have been reported among gay and bisexual men, anyone can get it from… read on > read on >
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky on Friday signed off on the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for kids ages 6 through 17. It’s the final step to making the shots available to this age group. Pfizer’s two-dose COVID vaccine has already gained approval for use in older children. “Vaccinating this age… read on > read on >
Nearly two-thirds of the world’s population has had at least one COVID-19 vaccine, which has prevented nearly 20 million deaths, new research finds. The study from Imperial College London was the first to quantify the impact of vaccines on a global scale. It was based on death records and estimates from 185 countries. “Our findings… read on > read on >
Now that a COVID-19 vaccine has been approved for kids under age 5, a leading medical group urges parents to discuss it with their health care provider. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests that parents ask their children’s doctor or other clinician any questions they may have and learn how they can get the… read on > read on >
A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine advisory panel on Wednesday voted to recommend that Americans 65 and older get the new, more potent flu shots because the regular shot doesn’t offer enough protection. The more powerful vaccines might also offer more or longer protection for seniors with weakened immune systems who don’t… read on > read on >
Hate crime laws that protect gay, lesbian and transgender people may have an unexpected benefit: fewer teen suicide attempts, among kids of all sexual orientations. That’s the conclusion of a new study that looked at what happened in U.S. states that enacted hate crime laws with protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning individuals.… read on > read on >
