Latest news with #SarahPerez
CBC
14-03-2025
- Health
- CBC
RSV shot now free for larger number of older Albertans
More Alberta seniors are now eligible for a provincially funded RSV vaccine. The provincial government announced in October it would provide the RSV shot, Abrysvo, for free to seniors 60 and up living in care homes and it would offer a limited supply to those 75 and up living in the community. That age range is now expanded to include all Albertans 70 and up. And the province is also funding the vaccine for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Albertans who are age 60 and over. The change came into effect on Monday. "[For] all of our patients that come in, and I see they're eligible, I'm letting them know … because it's important," said Sarah Perez, the pharmacy manager at CurisRx Pharmacy in the Calgary community of Mahogany. She's concerned many customers don't realize they're eligible for the provincially funded RSV vaccine. And it's expensive, ringing in at about $290, she noted. " A lot of people — even though they should get it if they had COPD or asthma — they just couldn't afford it. They're on a pension. So it's definitely really great that they're expanding it now," she said, adding a lot of seniors don't have private insurance and are on a fixed income "If you've got to choose between buying groceries or getting this vaccine, you're probably going to pick the groceries." According to Alberta Health, eligible seniors can receive the RSV vaccine at participating community pharmacies, approximately 20 medical clinics and 170 Alberta Health Services and First Nations health centres. "Alberta's government expanded eligibility to ensure more Alberta seniors have access to the vaccine. Expanding eligibility ... ensures that those who are at higher risk for RSV complications have access to the vaccine free of charge," a spokesperson said in an email. The provincial government is also lifting a cap on the number of pharmacies that can offer the shots to people living in the community, according to a bulletin for pharmacists. In the fall, it restricted distribution to approximately 500 drugstores due to limited supplies. Now all pharmacies that offer provincially funded vaccines can add Abrysvo to their repertoire, the document states, though they are limited to ordering 10 doses at a time. The Alberta government recommends the RSV shot be given two weeks before or after a flu or COVID-19 immunization. According to Dr. Roger Wong, older people and infants are at higher risk of developing complications such as pneumonia from an RSV infection. "[That] can have serious consequences in older adults, including hospitalizations and even sometimes leading to death. So therefore anything that we can do to protecting older adults would be considered important," said Wong, a clinical professor in geriatric medicine at the University of British Columbia. "This particular vaccine … is an effective way of protecting older adults against serious infection that can be caused by RSV." He's encouraged by the expansion of eligibility in Alberta, noting as people age their ability to fight off infection wanes. Many seniors also have underlying health conditions that amplify their risk, he said. Funding the vaccine for First Nations, Métis and Inuit Albertans age 60 and up is also key, according to Wong. "At a community or population level, we can provide an extra layer of protection.… So I'm very encouraged to see this development." So far this respiratory virus season, 67 Albertans have died due to RSV, including 57 over the age of 60. There have been 2,124 hospitalizations and 190 ICU admissions. Monitoring the impact, according to Wong, will be key moving forward.
Associated Press
07-02-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Brewing Industry Icon Joins Fast Friends Beer Company
Sarah Perez to Lead Fast Friends Brewing Team AUSTIN, TEXAS / ACCESS Newswire / February 7, 2025 / The Fast Friends Family is pleased to announce that Sarah Perez has agreed to oversee their beverage program as Head Perez Joins Fast Friends Beer Company as Head Brewer 'After nearly 17 years in the craft beer industry, I am honored to have this opportunity to showcase my passion for brewing at Fast Friends' said Sarah, 'I'm excited to build upon the vision of crafting beverages with love and crafting a beverage program that has something for every palate. We have a wonderful opportunity to build the Fast Friends brand at local grocery stores and restaurants with our flagship offerings and we will continue to brew unique beers and seltzer cocktails that are only available at our 18,000 square foot facility in South Austin.' Sarah served in leadership roles at Susitna Brewing Company, Rahr and Sons Brewing Company, and Maui Brewing Company before joining Fast Friends. Currently, she serves as a mentor within the Brewers Association, showcasing her dedication to fostering growth and development within the community. Sarah is a certified Cicerone and a graduate of the Siebel Institute of Technology Brewing Program, along with the Hybrid Distillation Certificate Program. Sarah has been awarded Scholarships through the Glenn Hay Falconer Program and The Michael James Jackson Foundation. 'Sarah is an incredible addition to our team, and I couldn't be more excited to collaborate with her to craft unforgettable beer and culinary experiences at Fast Friends,' said Laura Licona, Director of Culinary and Hospitality Operations. 'Her talent and creativity will be instrumental as we grow-not just on our Campus, but in retail locations across Austin. At Fast Friends, we're redefining what a hospitality space can be, merging craft with culture and using beer and food as a means to bring people together in new, meaningful ways. Sarah and I connected right away over our shared vision for creating spaces that feel both innovative and welcoming-where every pint poured and every dish served is part of a bigger story. We can't wait to share what's ahead.' 'I am ready to embark on a journey and unleash my creative potential,' said Sarah, 'now is the perfect moment to transform my passion and my admiration for this industry into tangible vibes in every sip.' Get ready to enjoy more Fast Friends Beer around town and get ready for unique food and beverage experiences at the Fast Friends campus in South Austin! Founder 5126489077
