With the welcome addition of 5- to 11-year-olds to those eligible to receive the safe, free, and highly effective COVID-19 vaccination, starting today you’ll see a short-term decrease in the “Percent of eligible people vaccinated” metric on our Vaccine Administration dashboard. Previously, this number was calculated by dividing the number of people who have received [...]
After nearly two years, I don’t blame anyone for feeling done with the COVID-19 pandemic. The unfortunate truth, however, is the pandemic isn’t done with us. Recent case numbers bear this out. After coming down steadily after a peak in mid-August, cases statewide have increased from 14,511 in the week of Oct. 10 to 17,299 [...]
Nearly all practicing U.S. doctors – better than 19 out of 20 – had been vaccinated against COVID-19 as of mid-June, the American Medical Association reported. That’s hardly surprising since other vaccines have eliminated or all but eliminated diseases such as polio, mumps, and rubella. There is so much misinformation flying around these days. It’s [...]
Nothing is more precious than our children, so I understand why many parents will have questions about kids and COVID-19 vaccination. That’s why ADHS has enlisted medical and public health experts to answer parents’ questions in a town hall-style video we plan to make available Wednesday, Nov. 17, on our social media channels and through [...]
A common question that has come up as the CDC has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of the COVID vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 is related to vaccine requirements for school and childcare attendance. Given the interest, I thought it would be timely to provide the details about how and why a vaccine [...]
As ADHS and our partners work to educate people about the importance of COVID-19 vaccination, we are often emphasizing that the vaccine is recommended for everyone 12 and older, including those who have had a previous COVID-19 infection. A new CDC report published last week demonstrates the importance of getting your COVID-19 vaccine, even if [...]
Ghosts and goblins aren’t alone among the scary things in your neighborhood this Halloween. ADHS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are ready to share information that can help you protect yourself from environmental dangers. Track or Treat highlights environmental public health – with a Halloween twist. Its goal: increasing awareness of [...]
Every year around the world, the month of October is dedicated to highlighting the importance of breast cancer prevention, awareness, education, and research. Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the U.S. and the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Arizona. Sadly, female breast cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer death [...]
I’m delighted to see Phoenix New Times honor vaccine distribution at State Farm Stadium as Best Team Effort in its Best of Phoenix 2021 edition. Arizona came together in January 2021, when Governor Doug Ducey and former ADHS Director Dr. Cara Christ worked with the Arizona Cardinals, the Arizona Department of Emergency and Military Affairs, [...]
Even with COVID-19 still active in our communities, a fun Halloween can be had with a little attention to mitigation steps we all know well by now. Most importantly, whether you’re receiving or handing out candy this Halloween, stay home and away from others if you feel ill. If you and your costumed kids are [...]
