Federal officials considering COVID-19 vaccines for kids as young as 6 months
As a public health professional and mother of young children, I am happy to see the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) begin formal consideration of COVID-19 vaccination for children as young as 6 months. The key to this federal review is determining if the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination outweigh any potential adverse effects. The FDA Advisory Panel is scheduled to [...]
Partnership is helping more Arizonans end nicotine dependence
One of the most important things we do at ADHS is help Arizonans envision lives without nicotine dependence. The Arizona Smokers’ HelpLine, online at ASHLine.org, is one of our best tools for doing just that. That’s why I’m so pleased to join the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) in announcing strong results from a collaboration that encourages AHCCCS [...]
CDC COVID-19 community levels have increased in many Arizona counties
Community levels reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now carry a recommendation of mask use in public indoor settings in Navajo and Apache counties. Based on the latest community levels for Maricopa, Pima, Coconino, Cochise, Gila, and Mohave counties, the CDC recommends talking to your health care provider if you are immunocompromised or high risk for [...]
Vaccines are safe if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Are you pregnant? Do you have a friend or loved one who’s expecting? Maybe your baby’s already arrived, you’re breastfeeding, or you’re even just thinking about getting pregnant. Whatever your situation, congratulations are in order! There’s even more good news for you: Whatever comes next, you can protect yourself and your child safely with vaccines. That’s right: Vaccines have been [...]
Protect yourself from Arizona’s first extreme heat of summer 2022
It’s not uncommon for long-time Arizonans to brush off our summer heat as just a fact of life in our state. However, extreme heat like the temperatures forecasted statewide this weekend can be deadly serious: 552 people in Arizona died from heat-related effects in 2021, and another 2,873 visited an emergency room for treatment. In most cases, heat-related illness is [...]
National Cancer Survivors Day: Join the fight
Chances are you or someone you know has been touched by cancer. From patients and providers to caregivers and survivors, the impact of this life-altering disease is felt in every corner of Arizona. Monday, June 6, is National Cancer Survivors Day. A cancer survivor includes those who are being treated for cancer, who are free of cancer, and who live [...]