We’ve improved our monthly report on COVID-19 outcomes by vaccination status
For months, our report detailing COVID-19 outcomes by vaccination status has provided a telling look at the benefits of getting vaccinated. Now we've updated this monthly report to look at outcomes for those who are up-to-date for all recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, including recommended booster doses, and those who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination but aren't up-to-date with all [...]
You can make a difference in preventing suicides
As the 10th-leading cause of death in Arizona – and the second-leading cause of death among those age 10 through 34 – suicide is a major public health concern in our state. But knowing what to do when someone you know is at risk for self harm may make the difference in preventing a suicide. Governor Doug Ducey has proclaimed [...]
Booster targeting latest variants are especially important for older Arizonans
Even with COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths declining in recent weeks, it's an inescapable fact that older individuals remain at greatest risk of severe outcomes should they be infected with the current Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. In the past six months, 81% of Arizona's COVID-19 deaths have been among those 65 and older, while another 16% have been among [...]
Maricopa County report of 3 measles cases puts focus on vaccination benefits
Today's report of three measles cases in Maricopa County is a sobering reminder that this rare and highly contagious disease can flare among those who aren't vaccinated. Before the U.S. introduced a vaccination program, measles was a common illness in infants, children, and young adults. It can be severe: Approximately two out of 1,000 people with measles die and one [...]
Do you have a high risk of severe influenza complications?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has always been clear on who should get a seasonal influenza vaccine when it becomes available each year: everyone 6 months and older. For some people, though, the risk of having severe complications is higher than it is for the rest of the population, the CDC reminded everyone last week. If you [...]
Health Start program wins approval for community health worker training curriculum
Health Start, an ADHS program that educates pregnant and postpartum women about the benefits of prenatal care and childhood immunizations, will now be able to help even more Arizona babies get a healthier start. A curriculum developed by the ADHS Health Start team has been approved for use in training community health workers, who will use that training to educate [...]