Health Archives - Page 32 of 50

Gaitherburg Based Novavax Initiates Phase 3 Trial of its COVID-19 Omicron Strain Vaccine as a Booster

Published June 2, 2022 at 9:07AM

Per Novavax:

Novavax today announced the initiation of its Phase 3 strain change trial to determine if its Omicron variant specific vaccine, NVX-CoV2515 (Omicron BA.1 strain), induces superior antibody responses against the Omicron variant compared to its Wuhan prototype vaccine, NVX-CoV2373, in participants who have received either a primary (two doses) or booster (three doses) series of an mRNA vaccine. The trial will also seek to determine the antibody responses to a bivalent vaccine, containing both NVX-CoV2373 and NVX-CoV2515, administered in participants who have received a booster series of an mRNA vaccine.

Free At-home COVID-19 PCR Test Kits Available at Multiple Locations, But Which COVID-19 Test is Right for You?     

By Patrick Herron

Published May 26, 2022 at 3:05PM

In-person PCR testing continues at multiple sites throughout the community. A schedule of testing locations can be found at the County’s website.

If you are high risk for severe illness from COVID-19, wear a mask indoors in public settings. In addition, talk to your healthcare provider about additional precautions and whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP and monoclonal antibodies.

Montgomery County Urges Residents to take Precautions During Excessive Heat

By Patrick Herron

Published May 19, 2022 at 11:45AM

“We encourage residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their loved ones,” said Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security Acting Director Marianne Souders. “Check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbors to ensure they are not showing signs of heat-related illnesses.”

Extreme heat affects the body’s ability to regulate temperature, which can create dangerous conditions if appropriate safety measures are not taken. Heat may affect air quality, especially in urban areas, and may have a stronger impact on the elderly, children. and sick persons.

COVID-19 Test Kits and N95 Masks Still Available at Montgomery County Libraries

By Patrick Herron

Published May 18, 2022 at 10:20AM

Courtesy MCPL

Kits and masks are available on a table or cart near the library service desk. Residents can get two test kits and four adult N95 masks per person per day. Each kit contains two tests. If you are unable to access COVID test kits or masks due to a disability, you can request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act by contacting 240-777-2982. Request rapid test kits for your organization.

Rapid tests produce results 15 minutes after you complete all steps.

With COVID-19 Cases Rising Again, County Recommends Precautionary Measures to Protect Against Greater Community Spread of Virus

By Patrick Herron

Published May 17, 2022 at 9:28AM

“Our current surge in cases is lasting longer than expected, which leaves more people at-risk of being exposed to COVID-19,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “I encourage everyone to wear masks indoors in public spaces when possible as well as continue to use our ample testing and vaccination resources we have in the County. I know we are all tired of this virus, but the virus is not tired of us. If we keep doing our individual parts, as a community, we can tamp down this increase in the case rate and avoid going back to days of more restrictive measures.”

The County’s COVID-19 case rate has risen steadily over the last month and is now more than triple the recent low on March 15. Although the County is currently an area of low-level community transmission as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the case rate is quickly approaching medium-level community transmission. While there has not been a commensurate increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the County, there is concern about the impact that spring break travel and holiday gatherings may have on transmission.

Governor Hogan Receives Second COVID-19 Vaccine Booster, Encourages Eligible Marylanders to Get Boosted

By Patrick Herron

Published May 13, 2022 at 5:16PM

The booster shots were administered by vaccinators from the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). The governor presented a National Nurses Week proclamation to Karen Doyle, the chief nursing officer for UMMC.

Nearly 11.8 Million COVID-19 Vaccinations Statewide. To date, Maryland has administered nearly 11.8 million COVID-19 vaccines, including more than 2.3 million booster shots. Hundreds of locations across the state continue to offer free COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots. Find a provider at covidvax.maryland.gov.

Council Vice President Evan Glass Requests Additional Funding for Expanded Access to Abortions for Montgomery County Residents

By Patrick Herron

Published May 5, 2022 at 10:08AM

On Sunday night, Politico reported that the Supreme Court would be voting to strike down Roe v. Wade, according to an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito. On Wednesday, Council Vice President Evan Glass sent the following letter to County Marc Elrich requesting expanded access to abortions to Montgomery County residents.

Free At-home COVID-19 PCR Test Kits Available at Multiple Locations in Montgomery County

By Patrick Herron

Published May 4, 2022 at 4:56PM

In-person PCR testing continues at multiple sites throughout the community. A schedule of testing locations can be found at the County’s website.

Nancy H. Dacek North Potomac Community Recreation Center. 13850 Travilah Road, Rockville.

Montgomery County Releases Population Health Report; Includes Details on MoCo’s Demographic Changes, Leading Causes of Death, and Adolescents Births

By Patrick Herron

Published April 29, 2022 at 12:35PM

The Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services has released an updated population health report, “Health in Montgomery County 2010-2019”, which includes “data and statistics on major health topics such as demographics and social determinants of health; vital statistics; maternal and infant health; chronic diseases; infectious diseases; behavioral health; injuries; and environmental health” in Montgomery County and how it compares to State and national health outcomes. According to the report, health outcomes in Montgomery County have performed better than state and national averages, but there are “several health conditions with increasing trends and disparities by race/ethnicity, age, sex, and geographic areas that warrant special attention.”

Findings of the report, per Montgomery County:

Governor Hogan Encourages Marylanders to Get Boosted This Week to Qualify For $1 Million Vax Cash 2.0 Grand Prize Drawing

By Patrick Herron

Published April 26, 2022 at 8:37PM

Per the State of Maryland:

ANNAPOLIS, MD—Governor Larry Hogan and state health officials today encouraged Marylanders to get boosted between now and Monday, May 2, to qualify for next week’s VaxCash 2.0 $1 million grand prize drawing.

MCPS Changes COVID-19 Contact Tracing Procedures

By Patrick Herron

Published April 26, 2022 at 2:33PM

We continue to work in collaboration with our county health partners and, in the event of an identified COVID-19 outbreak, we will conduct contact tracing and inform the school community of additional mitigation strategies, which may include mask-wearing and PCR or rapid testing on-site or at home. We will monitor the number of cases and adjust our strategy to ensure the health and safety of students, staff and communities.

Montgomery County Public Schools