Health Archives - Page 29 of 50

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

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.

COVID-19 Update from the MCPS Medical Officer

By Patrick Herron

Published September 16, 2022 at 12:54PM

The following message was released by MCPS Medical Officer Patricia Kapunan, M.D., MPH on Friday, September 16:

Thank you to our staff and families for continuing to test when they have symptoms or after a possible exposure, for using the online tool to report positive COVID-19 test results, and for following CDC isolation guidelines. Core health strategies like staying home when sick and good hand-washing are also important for limiting the spread of infection. As our schedules get busier, remember the basics—rest, good nutrition and staying active all help to keep students healthy and ready to learn.

COVIDReady Maryland: State Expands Fall Outreach Campaign For COVID-19 Bivalent Boosters

By Patrick Herron

Published September 13, 2022 at 2:26PM

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan today announced that the state continues to expand its COVIDReady campaign to encourage Marylanders to maximize their protection against COVID-19 and the flu this fall and winter.

The bivalent boosters—which contain “tools” (spike proteins of the virus) to target the original COVID-19 virus as well as its omicron variants—are available at more than 850 pharmacies, clinics, and local health departments statewide. Find a clinic at covidvax.maryland.gov or by calling 1-855-MDGOVAX (1-855-634-6829).

Montgomery County to Host Virtual Town Hall Meeting on Monkeypox on Monday, Sept. 12, With Focus on Latino Community

By Patrick Herron

Published September 7, 2022 at 9:03AM

Panelists in the town hall will include the Latino Health Initiative’s Luis Aguirre, Proyecto Salud’s Executive Director Cesar Palacios, Acting County Health Officer James Bridgers and the County Department of Health and Human Services’ Director Raymond Crowel. The panel discussion will be moderated by Lorna Virgilí, the County’s Hispanic public information officer.

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