FDA gives Moderna COVID-19 vaccine full approval for use in ages 18 and older
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given full approval to the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for use in those ages 18 and older. Moderna joins the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, which the FDA gave full approval to last August for use in ages 16 and older. Ages 5 to 15 are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine under an FDA emergency use authorization. [...]
Raising awareness about maternal health
Every year in Arizona, about 70 women die within a year of a pregnancy, and another 900 women experience unexpected outcomes of labor and delivery that result in significant short- or long-term consequences to their health. More than 80% of those complications are considered preventable with proper care, according to the Arizona Maternal Mortality Review Committee The challenge is greater [...]
Monoclonal antibodies: What you should know about treatment options amid Omicron
Monoclonal antibody treatments have helped thousands of Arizonans avoid severe illness after contracting COVID-19. So it’s natural to wonder what becomes of this option with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) withdrawing approval for two widely used treatments that aren’t effective against the now-dominant Omicron variant. Even without monoclonal antibody treatments made by Eli Lilly and Regeneron, Arizona still has [...]
Being physically active is a path to better health
There are many reasons to be active, such as better sleep, lower blood pressure, improved blood sugar levels, prevention of chronic disease, lower risk of depression and anxiety, time for self-care, and increased energy. According to a recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), three-quarters of Arizona adults participated in physical activities such as running, calisthenics, [...]
ADHS continues to enhance statewide health improvement efforts
With an eye toward improving health across the state of Arizona, ADHS uses a community assessment process and partner engagement to build health improvement plans. In 2015, ADHS and community organizations unveiled the first 2016-2020 Arizona Health Improvement Plan (AzHIP). The 2016-2020 AzHIP has made a great impact as more than 350 unique action items were completed to address key [...]
New CDC guidance: The best mask is one you will wear consistently
Throughout the pandemic, public health has recommended wearing masks to reduce COVID-19 spread. All types of recommended masks, when worn properly and consistently, protect you and the community. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its guidance to note that some masks offer greater protection than others, with certified N95 and KN95 masks on top of its [...]