Ages 5-11 added to those eligible for Omicron COVID-19 boosters
Children ages 5 and older may now receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine boosters targeting Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 as well as the original coronavirus. This is important news for parents of kids in this age group who are vaccinated, as this bivalent booster includes protection against the highly transmissible and immune-evading variants that dominate today and boosts immune protection [...]
Get to know people who make ADHS a great place to work and a great place in general
As a scientist in the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory, Sarah Brown found a calling she found more fulfilling than a private sector career. She and others in the ADHS chemical emergency response program are trained to deliver critical intelligence to medical providers and political decision-makers in the event of terrorism. "Hospitals need to know what exactly is hurting their [...]
Listeria outbreak elsewhere is a reminder guard against foodborne illness
Arizona may not be among six states experiencing an outbreak of disease from listeria bacteria linked to brands of cheese sold nationwide, but the episode provides a reminder about the importance of taking steps to avoid foodborne illness. So far in 2022, there have been four cases of listeriosis in Arizona unrelated to the current outbreak. About 1,600 people in [...]
Haven’t received the Omicron COVID-19 booster? Change that today
Nearly 200,000 Arizonans have received new COVID-19 boosters designed to guard against current Omicron subvariants that have dominated around the country. Even with millions in our state fully vaccinated, that number needs to be much, much higher to protect our most vulnerable against severe outcomes. There has been considerable news coverage nationally about lower-than-hoped-for uptake of these bivalent boosters, which [...]
Smoking cessation PSAs win Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards
Following up on a recent blog, I'm pleased to share that two public service announcements developed for our Arizona Smokers Helpline (ASHLine) won Rocky Mountain Emmy Awards over the weekend. “The Run,” produced by True Story Films, won in the Single Spot Commercial category. “Milestones,” produced by Matter Films and OH Partners, won for Health/Medical Content. Both PSAs, inspired by [...]
AARP Arizona town hall on Omicron boosters has important information for all ages
AARP Arizona has been a tremendous partner throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Our collaborations to promote public health have included virtual town halls for AARP members on COVID-19 vaccines and COVID-19 boosters. At 3:05 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 29, we’ll join AARP Arizona for a virtual town hall on the new Omicron booster doses that target the most prevalent COVID-19 subvariants. These [...]