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 [...]
Online portal improves licensing of Arizona child care facilities
Championed by Governor Doug Ducey, the Arizona Management System challenges state agencies to continuously improve their value to taxpayers and our other customers. That’s why ADHS is pleased to share a recent improvement to the way we interact with licensed child care providers – and how the public will benefit from increased transparency as a result. This change, which began [...]
Vaccinations protect newborns from childhood diseases
During the disruptions of the past two years, it has been challenging for almost everyone to stay on schedule with vaccinations. This is especially true for new parents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that newborns be protected from 14 serious childhood diseases by receiving vaccines according to a carefully designed schedule. This is National Infant Immunization [...]