Iowa news
What we know so far about COVID-19 booster shots
Amid the deadly delta variant surge, federal health officials announced this week it will be offering COVID-19 vaccination boosters to Americans starting next month. The recommendation, which only applies to Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, comes as new studies show the vaccine’s ability to protect against less-serious disease declines over time and to boost Americans’ ability to avoid severe illness and hospitalizations. (The Gazette)
MercyOne expanding pediatric care to Independence and Jesup
MercyOne is expanding access to pediatric care to two rural Iowa communities. Starting in September, MercyOne pediatrician, Dr. Kendra Elwood will be in Independence and Jesup four times each month, offering pediatric primary care, including well-child visits, and help for families who have children with chronic conditions, such as asthma or ADHD. Although family medicine providers have the skills and ability to provide high quality care to children, pediatricians are often better-suited to deal with specific medical conditions and developmental issues. (KWWL)
COVID-19 booster shot campaign shouldn’t spark new scramble for vaccine appointments, experts say
As Iowa public health officials continue trying to coax unvaccinated people in for initial coronavirus shots, they’ll likely be offering booster shots to thousands of Iowans who were vaccinated last winter. (Des Moines Register)
National news
Maryland to require vaccinations, regular COVID-19 testing for hospital, nursing home staff
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan announced Wednesday that employees of all nursing homes and hospitals will be required to show proof of vaccination or adhere to regular COVID-19 testing. Employees will be required to get at least their first shot by Sept. 1. (CBS 2 Iowa)
To stoke rural vaccination rates, trusted farmers are asked to spread word
Boosting COVID-19 vaccination rates in rural America is now less a problem of access and more an issue of trust. Cochran-McClain’s association has teamed up with the National Farmers Union to try to get more farmers to promote the vaccine in their communities. They’ve created an online toolkit for farmers with information and talking points for starting conversations. (Forbes Alert)
As COVID-19 surge continues, Georgia hospitals running out of ICU beds
Intensive care units across Georgia are overflowing with critically ill COVID-19 patients, creating the latest crisis for hospitals trying to handle a fast-moving surge that hasn’t yet reached its peak. In 10 of the state’s 14 hospital regions, more than 90% of ICU beds were in use Wednesday, with two regions exceeding 100% capacity. The ICUs at some of Atlanta’s largest hospitals were so full they had to divert ambulances carrying patients who needed intensive care. Some hospitals that did have ICU beds open didn’t have the critical care staff needed to use them. (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)