Health Archives - Page 28 of 49

Montgomery County Health Officials Launch COVID-19 Wastewater Surveillance Project

Published November 7, 2022 at 4:18PM

Per Montgomery County: Montgomery County health officials, in partnership with the A. James Clark School of Engineering at the University of Maryland-College Park (UMD), recently launched wastewater surveillance to detect COVID-19 circulating in the community. Wastewater surveillance provides an accurate way to detect illness-causing viruses and bacteria, such as SARS-CoV-2. Water samples will be collected bi-weekly at five sites in the County and sent to UMD for analysis. Data and results will be posted on the County’s COVID-19 website and the information will be updated weekly.

“Wastewater surveillance will be a game changer for our efforts to better predict outbreaks and prevent them from happening,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “The partnership between our Department of Health and Human Services, the Maryland Department of Health, the University of Maryland and the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission is an important tool to help us protect the health of our residents. With winter around the corner, we want to be prepared if there is another surge in COVID-19 cases and this surveillance system helps us do that.”

Governor Larry Hogan Tests Positive for COVID-19

By Patrick Herron

Published October 31, 2022 at 1:02PM

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced today that he has tested positive for COVID-19. In a tweet Hogan said, “Just wanted to let Marylanders know that after testing positive for COVID-19, I am working from home. Fortunately, I’m up to date on my boosters and my symptoms are minimal” and directed residents to visit covidvax.maryland.gov to find a nearby vaccine clinic.

To date, more than 710,000 Marylanders have received the COVID-19 bivalent booster, further protecting themselves against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. With flu hospitalizations also increasing earlier and faster than in previous years, state health officials continue to encourage Marylanders to get their COVID-19 and flu shots simultaneously. Starting next week, state health officials will launch a new “Flooster” television, radio, and social media ad campaign to amplify this message.

Governor Hogan Announces Statewide Preparedness Efforts to Address Increase in RSV and Potential COVID-19 and Flu Surges

By Patrick Herron

Published October 28, 2022 at 1:32PM

ANNAPOLIS, MD—As hospitals in the region and across the country experience an increase in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) admissions, Governor Larry Hogan today announced a series of new mitigation actions, along with preparedness efforts for potential fall and winter COVID-19 and flu surges in Maryland. “After meeting with our multi-agency public health task force yesterday and reviewing all of the data, I am announcing these steps to give our hospitals more tools to expand bed capacity for pediatric patients,” said Governor Hogan. “We also continue to encourage Marylanders to be COVIDReady, so that we remain one of the most vaccinated and boosted states, and stay ahead of the virus.”

Hospitals Directed to Utilize Additional State Funding to Prioritize Pediatric ICU Staffing. RSV hospitalizations are increasing earlier and more rapidly than in previous years, with the 0-2 age group comprising 57% of hospitalizations. On October 14, the Maryland Department of Health announced $80 million in additional funding for healthcare providers across the state. Hospitals will receive $25 million and have been directed in award letters issued today to utilize these resources to increase the hiring and recruitment of staff. For facilities with pediatric ICU and/or inpatient beds, awards should prioritize staffing those units appropriately before considering other non-pediatric units. All hospitals are also strongly urged to collaborate with neighboring hospitals on pediatric patient care coordination.

Walktober: Governor Hogan Announces $35.7 Million to Advance 53 Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects Across Maryland

By Patrick Herron

Published October 26, 2022 at 5:16PM

“These grants will provide residents with improved bicycle and pedestrian access for transportation, recreation, and good health,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “Strengthening Maryland’s bike and pedestrian trail network provides greater quality of life for residents of all ages, and makes our state even more attractive for residents and businesses.”

All three grant programs support agency partnerships to improve safety and connectivity across Maryland’s multimodal transportation network. A portion of TAP allotments, for instance, are awarded by metropolitan planning organizations. The announcement of this year’s awards comes during the statewide celebration of Walktober, a month-long recognition of the official state exercise—walking—and its profound impact on the lives of Marylanders.

FDA Grants Emergency Use Authorization for Gaithersburg Based Novavax’s COVID-19 Booster

By Patrick Herron

Published October 19, 2022 at 12:33PM

“The U.S. now has access to the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted, the first protein-based option, as a booster,” said Stanley C. Erck, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax. “According to CDC data, almost 50 percent of adults who received their primary series have yet to receive their first booster dose. Offering another vaccine choice may help increase COVID-19 booster vaccination rates for these adults.”

The FDA EUA decision was based on data from the Phase 3 Prevent-19 clinical trial and from the U.K.-sponsored COV-BOOST trial. In the Phase 3 trial, a single booster dose of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted was administered to healthy adult participants aged 18 and older approximately eight or 11 months after their primary series. Following a booster dose, antibody levels increased significantly relative to pre-boost levels, rising above levels associated with protection in the Phase 3 trials. Neutralizing antibodies also increased by 34- to 27-fold compared to pre-boost levels when boosted at eight or 11 months. In the COV-BOOST trial, the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted increased antibody titers when used as a third dose following initial dosing with another authorized COVID-19 vaccine (heterologous boosting).

Maryland Attorney General Joins Coalition to Protect Access to Gender-Affirming Care

By Patrick Herron

Published October 13, 2022 at 5:38PM

“North Carolina’s exclusion of gender-affirming care under its state insurance plan is unconstitutional,” said Attorney General Frosh. “This denial of care is, plain and simple, just an attempt to disenfranchise transgender individuals.”

The brief argues that the Fourth Circuit should affirm a lower court ruling that determined that the North Carolina State Health Plan for Teachers and State Employees’ denial of medically necessary, gender- affirming care based on sex violates the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. The coalition argues that discrimination against transgender people violates the Equal Protection Clause because it constitutes discrimination based on sex.

Halloween ‘BOO!sterama’ to Be Held Saturday, Oct. 29 at Westfield Wheaton Mall; Montgomery County Encourages Updated Boosters as COVID-19 Illness Continues

By Patrick Herron

Published October 10, 2022 at 5:16PM

Both Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters will be available at the BOO!sterama. Anyone 12 and older who had their last vaccine dose at least two months ago should get the updated booster shot. The event will be held at Westfield Wheaton Mall, outside of the Carter’s store on the second floor. Individuals who receive their booster at the event will be entered in a drawing to receive one of five $50 gift cards that can be used throughout Westfield Wheaton’s wide variety of retailers.

“Over the past month, Montgomery County became the largest jurisdiction to become 90% fully vaccinated,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “However, being ‘fully vaccinated’ doesn’t protect us enough and we must convince every eligible individual to get the new bivalent booster. These booster shots are free and can protect you from the risk of serious illness from COVID-19. I am grateful and appreciative of our partnership with Westfield Wheaton to provide space, incentives and access to get our vaccines directly in front of potential recipients.”

Montgomery County Health Officials Urge Residents to Get a Flu Shot and Set Schedule of County-Operated Vaccination Clinics

By Patrick Herron

Published October 4, 2022 at 1:49PM

Seasonal flu vaccinations are available through private health providers, as well as at retail locations throughout the community. County-sponsored seasonal flu vaccination clinics will include clinics for adults and for children ages six months and older. The County will offer flu shots only. High-dose flu vaccine and FluMist will not be available.

Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are welcome.

Governor Hogan Proclaims Walktober, Encourages Marylanders To Walk For Health, Recreation, and Transportation

By Patrick Herron

Published October 3, 2022 at 11:33AM

“Walking is one of the most beneficial ways to support better physical and mental health, and fall is the perfect time to get outdoors and experience the beauty of our great state,” said Governor Hogan. “Research shows that people who take part in daily physical activity live longer and have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, depression, and other health issues. Walking is an activity available to people of all ages and abilities, and I encourage Marylanders to take part in our annual Walktober celebration.”

On this year’s Walk Maryland Day, residents can become “sole mates” by joining one of many official walks that will take place across the state, or register a walk they plan to take by themselves or with others in their community. Registration is available at mdot.maryland.gov/walktober.

Montgomery County to Host Virtual Town Hall Meeting on the Impact of Monkeypox on the Black Community on Monday, Oct. 10

By Patrick Herron

Published September 27, 2022 at 5:13PM

Panelists in the town hall will include James Bridgers, the acting County health officer; Ikenna Myers, program manager for clinical services for the African American Health Program’s; and Kimberly Townsend, senior administrator for Communicable Disease and Epidemiology with the County’s Department of Health and Human Services.

The panelists will update the current monkeypox situation in Montgomery County and Maryland, provide information on the County’s monkeypox vaccine program and answer questions about prevention and treatment.

Montgomery County Health Officials Expand Eligibility for Monkeypox Vaccination

By Patrick Herron

Published September 23, 2022 at 1:34PM

In addition to those with a confirmed or possible recent exposure to the MPX virus, the County is now offering vaccinations to the following:

An online preregistration survey is available on the County’s monkeypox website. Individuals who preregister and meet the eligibility guidelines will be contacted to schedule a vaccination appointment. As a result of the expanded eligibility guidelines, residents who were already preregistered and are now eligible will be contacted to schedule an appointment.