Today’s NewsStand

Today’s NewsStand

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|August 18, 2021

Iowa news

Polk County offers COVID-19 vaccine booster shot to residents with immune system issues

Iowans with certain health conditions are now eligible for a third dose of coronavirus vaccine, under new federal rules. Federal regulators decided last week to offer the extra shots to people who have suppressed immune systems, which can hamper the protection offered by vaccinations.  The county health department is urging people to check with their health care providers for eligibility. The shots are being offered at many clinics and pharmacies. (Des Moines Register)

United Way of Johnson and Washington counties hosting panel on COVID-19 and delta variant

United Way is continuing its commitment to provide clear information to our community on the pandemic. In partnership with Johnson County, the University of Iowa, and Mercy Iowa City, United Way will be conducting a virtual discussion to answer submitted questions as well as present up-to-date facts centering around the pandemic. (The Gazette)

Some Iowans could see up to 21% premium hike under Wellmark proposal

Thousands of Iowans who receive health coverage through the Affordable Care Act marketplace could see their premiums increase by as much as 21% next year, under a request recently filed with the Iowa Insurance Division. (Axios)

National news

Mississippi gets second field hospital in days

Coronavirus patients will begin being treated in Mississippi’s second field hospital opened within days on the University of Mississippi Medical Center campus. It comes as the surging delta variant of COVID-19 has overwhelmed hospitals in a state with one of the nation’s lowest vaccination rates. (CBS 2 Iowa)

30% of US hospitals mandate vaccination for employment

In four and a half months, the number of US hospitals mandating COVID-19 vaccination for their workforce has gone from zero to 1,850. That is the total estimate as of Aug. 13, per the American Hospital Association, which based its count out of 6,090 US hospitals and on publicly available information. (Becker’s Hospital Review)

US announces plan to offer boosters to all Americans starting in late September

Top US health officials announced Wednesday that the country has developed a plan to start offering COVID-19 booster shots to all Americans beginning the third week of September, citing evidence that protection is waning not only against hospitalization and death, but also mild and moderate infections, as the highly contagious delta variant continues to spread. (NBC)

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