Seniors: Make sure your protection is up to date with a COVID-19 booster shot
I recently had the privilege of joining an AARP Arizona virtual town hall to discuss COVID-19 vaccines and, more importantly, why seniors should update their protection by following booster recommendations. Cases and deaths in Arizona have dropped significantly since the January peak, but COVID-19 is still active and infecting people. A large percentage of seniors made the wise decision to [...]
From Dr. Carmona: Have you gotten your booster shot?
Do you remember when you got your last COVID-19 vaccination? If it has been more than five months since you completed your primary vaccination series, it’s time for you to get your booster. You may be eligible even sooner depending which vaccine you received. If you are over the age of 50 and received your first booster at least four [...]
A week to honor medical laboratory professionals
For many of us, it almost felt like everything else stopped when COVID-19 arrived in U.S. more than two years ago. For those working in the Arizona State Public Health Laboratory operated by ADHS, efforts related to the pandemic were added to the critical diagnostic work they perform every day. During Medical Laboratory Professionals Week 2022, we recognize these professionals [...]
Latest data shows continued strong protection from COVID-19 vaccines and boosters
Vaccinated against COVID-19? Great. Boosted on top of your COVID-19 vaccination? Even better. Our report on COVID-19 outcomes by vaccination status, which now includes data for March, shows that compared to individuals who were fully vaccinated with a booster, unvaccinated people ages 12 and older had: 4.3 times the risk of testing positive for COVID-19; 13 times the risk of [...]
Antivirals are increasingly available to complement COVID-19 vaccination
Though cases are down dramatically from the January spike driven by the Omicron variant, COVID-19 remains with us. Vaccines and boosters continue to offer robust protection against severe outcomes, and I want to call attention once again to the availability of antiviral treatments. Initially reserved for the most vulnerable because of limited supplies, the antiviral pill Paxlovid is now widely [...]
Remove standing water to prevent mosquito-borne disease
Spring brings with it many beautiful things. Wildflowers. Blooms on saguaro cactus. Warmer weather in mountainous areas that have been cold and snowy during the winter. Spring and summer also give rise to mosquitoes. That calls for some care when you get out to enjoy the flowers and great weather, and when you tend to your yard. Mosquitoes – most [...]