Wondering how to stay informed in our 24 hour news cycle without getting overwhelmed? Looking for the latest in immunization news, but not sure where to find it? Want to be engaged but don’t have a lot of time? We have a solution!
Each week we’ll review clips from across the U.S., from various news outlets and platforms, and bring you ten timely and relevant links - on a variety of immunization-related and coronavirus (COVID-19) topics. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, and check out this week’s picks.
Prepare, Don’t Panic. To inform Nevadans statewide, the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Governor's Office have created this website to better share information and resources as it pertains to the current status of the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact within the state of Nevada.
"CDC provides over $6.5 million to Nevada for COVID-19 response" KLAS – CBS-8 (March 11, 2020)
The CDC is awarding millions of dollars to state and local partners to support the COVID-19 response. Nevada will receive over $6.5 million of the $560 million funding that will be distributed nationwide.
"Stay home for us: Doctors and nurses share same message during pandemic" Today Show (March 19, 2020)
Medical professionals from around the world are all giving the same advice. The photos are all different, but the signs are the same: “We stayed at work for you. You stay at home for us.”
“The Coronavirus Swamps Local Health Departments, Already Crippled by Cuts” New York Times (March 14, 2020)
A widespread failure in the United States to invest in public health has left local and state health departments struggling to respond to the coronavirus outbreak and ill-prepared to face the swelling crisis ahead.
“Former Federal Virus Hunter Says U.S. Needs To Act Before New Germs ‘Kick Your Door In’” Kaiser Health News (March 16, 2020)
When the federal government decided to investigate the threat viruses in animals posed to humans, Dennis Carroll helped lead the charge. Carroll directed the pandemic influenza and emerging threats unit at the federal Agency for International Development (USAID) for nearly 15 years.
"Coronavirus has spared American children. The flu has killed 144 kids so far this season.” CBS News (March 16, 2020)
Children have been more vulnerable than years past with 144 pediatric deaths reported, according to the latest statistics from the CDC. Eight more child deaths were reported this week.
“Tom Purcell: Polio lessons for coronavirus” Trib Live (March 17, 2020)
My Aunt Cecelia was just beginning the eighth grade when it happened. In late spring 1951, she came home from school with a high temperature, feeling very ill. The next morning, her legs gave out as she tried to get out of bed. By that evening, she was so weak she could barely move. She had contracted polio. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio infected thousands of children annually. In 1952 alone, nearly 60,000 were infected, leaving thousands paralyzed and more than 3,000 dead. No one knew how polio was spread. Fear of the unknown ran rampant — with good reason.
Podcast: “How do you talk to family and friends about COVID-19” VaxTalk (March 17, 2020)
Have you gotten questions about coronavirus and warm weather? Ibuprofen? Bioweapons? A lot of misinformation and disinformation is circulating concerning COVID-19, and people are unsure how to talk to others about the pandemic. We invited journalist Tara Haelle to talk to us about how to get the best information to your family and friends.
"Polio Epidemic Offers Guidance For Getting Through COVID-19" WBUR (March 16, 2020)
Clues on how to fight the coronavirus lie within history’s past epidemics, including devastating outbreaks of polio. “What we can learn is that our predecessors have met these contagious crises with far less armaments and tools in their tool box,” he says. “And they came through on the other end. And we can do this and we will do this with COVID-19.
"That ‘Miracle Cure’ You Saw on Facebook? It Won’t Stop the Coronavirus." New York Times (March 18, 2020)
Gargling warm salty water, taking vitamins or heating your nasal passages won’t eliminate the virus or keep it from reaching your lungs.
"Immunology 101 Series: The Process of Making Safe and Effective Vaccines" Immunize Colorado (March 17, 2020)
In the third installment of the Immunology 101 Series, Aimee explains the process of vaccine development. Vaccines undergo rigorous testing and must be proven extremely safe and effective before they are available for use in the general public.
"Want To Make The Nation More Prepared To Fight Contagious Diseases? Expand Paid Sick Leave" Health Affairs (March 17, 2020)
Paid sick leave—or the lack of it—is getting increasing attention as the nation continues to confront the spread of COVID-19. The public recognizes, better today than we did even a couple of weeks ago, that some of the most basic steps we can take to prevent the spread of contagious disease are often out of reach for the approximately 34 million working Americans without access to paid sick leave.
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