Latest news with #highriskgroups
The Independent
a day ago
- Health
- The Independent
American deaths from this alcohol-linked disease have doubled in 20 years
Alcohol-related liver disease deaths in the U.S. have roughly doubled between 1999 and 2022, with a significant increase during and after the Covid -19 pandemic, according to a group of physicians. Mortality rates from alcohol-associated liver disease surged from 6.7 to 12.5 deaths per 100,000 people during the studied period, with a higher annual increase among women and concerning trends among young people. American Indian or Alaska Native populations experienced the highest death rates, increasing from approximately 25 to nearly 47 per 100,000 between 1999 and 2022. Mortality rates surged an annual average of 9 percent from 2018 to 2022, attributed to pandemic-related stressors like financial insecurity and social isolation, leading to increased drinking. The findings indicate an urgent need for enhanced screening, improved addiction treatment access, and targeted interventions for high-risk groups, doctors say.
Malay Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Covid-19: Health Ministry urges high-risk groups to get vaccinated amid JN.1 subvariant spread
KUCHING, June 12 —The Ministry of Health (MoH) has assured the public that the JN.1 Covid-19 subvariant, which has been spreading recently, is not as dangerous as the variants that circulated during the pandemic period. The ministry also stated that although there has been a recent increase in Covid-19 cases nationwide, the average weekly number of cases remains below the national warning threshold, and no deaths have been reported so far. In a statement today, MoH highlighted that Covid-19 infections can be effectively controlled by maintaining a strong level of immunity. As such, the ministry encourages individuals in high-risk groups to receive an additional dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to reduce the risk of infection, serious complications, and death. 'The administration of the Covid-19 vaccine is encouraged for high-risk groups consisting of individuals who have not received the vaccine before,' said the ministry, adding that even those who had previously been vaccinated are encouraged to go for another round. High-risk groups include individuals aged 18 years and above as well as individuals aged 12 years and above, who have comorbidities or are immunocompromised, pregnant women and healthcare workers, especially those who have direct contact with patients. MoH said the Covid-19 vaccine is given voluntarily and free of charge at selected government health clinics nationwide, which can be looked up at website and the MySejahtera application. The public is also advised to continue observing standard Covid-19 prevention measures, such as washing hands regularly with soap or hand sanitiser, practising proper cough etiquette, and wearing a face mask when symptomatic or in crowded places. 'The MoH remains committed to ensuring that community health is given priority and that health services and control of the spread of any epidemic are at the best level,' it added. — The Borneo Post
CBS News
20-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Mass. residents say they're not worried by new COVID vaccine guidelines
The Federal Food and Drug Administration announced Tuesday it will continue to approve COVID-19 vaccine updates for seniors and others at higher risk of severe disease, but those without underlying conditions may not have access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Todd Ellerin, who works at South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, said this is a big change in FDA guidance. New guidelines for COVID vaccine Prior to the new guidelines, it was recommended that everyone who is 6 months and older get at least one vaccine per year, with those in higher-0risk groups getting it twice a year. "What the FDA is saying now is they're still going to basically recommend the highest-risk groups getting the annual COVID vaccine - that would be 65 and older - and then essentially anyone under 65 that has high-risk group. So the good news is that over 100 million people in the United States will be recommended to get an annual COVID vaccine," Dr. Ellerin said. Ellerin said there's now there is a large population of healthy younger people who may not have access to the vaccine next fall. He said the change in recommendation is not because of safety problems but because the FDA says more data is needed on how well the shots work. "They want to see formal studying in the 50-to-64 age group - otherwise healthy - again to have what we call post-marketing randomized trials that should formally study it to make sure it's still necessary," Dr. Ellerin said. Many say they have their boosters In Massachusetts, folks are weighing in on the COVID-19 booster vaccine. "I don't really have a problem with it being offered to people at higher risk at the moment," Emily Rodriguez, of Peabody, said. "I feel, you know, they should probably get priority." Tom Billoda, of Carlisle, received all his COVID-19 vaccines in the past. He said he doesn't mind the changes. "I think that's probably right. I don't even think it's necessary for seniors right now. If you're at high risk, yes, definitely take it," Billoda said. Dr. Ellerin said as federal recommendations change, it's important for health officials to closely monitor and track data to see if there is a significant increase in hospitalizations and cases of long COVID in healthy people to determine whether the new recommendations could work.
