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Coronavirus

Michigan surpasses 70% vaccinated milestone for ages 16 and older

LANSING – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) today announced that Michigan has reached the state’s 70% goal of eligible residents age 16 and over receiving at least one dose of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine. To date, nearly 5.7 million Michiganders have received at least one of the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines since the first doses became available less than a year ago. “We know the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines are our way out of the pandemic,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive at MDHHS. “Vaccines are how ...

Iron Mountain VA Medical Center expands offering of COVID-19 booster shots

IRON MOUNTAIN — Oscar G Johnson VA Medical Center will offer veterans and employees Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine booster shots. The safety and care of veterans and our workforce are top priorities for the Department of Veterans of Affairs. This decision follows the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) authorization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendation for a booster dose of the Moderna or J&J vaccine. While the initial series of vaccines remain highly effective in reducing the likelihood of infection and preventing severe illness, ...

Boosting COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness

WAUSAU, Wis. – Reports of COVID-19 breakthrough cases make national headlines frequently. The most recent example is the death of Colin Powell from COVID-19 complications. These reports are coming at the same time the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is announcing its recommendations for COVID-19 boosters. All this information adds to confusion about COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and the need for booster shots. “The intent of the booster shot is to rev up that immunity again and get it acting at its full potential,” said Michael Walters, MD, Aspirus Senior System Physician ...

U.P. COVID-19 community town hall series continues as Michigan COVID-19 cases increase

HOUGHTON — As COVID-19 cases decline nationwide, Michigan has seen a steady increase in cases since July. To help keep community members informed, Michigan Tech University continues to deliver a virtual U.P. COVID-19 Town Halls Series. Organized by the Health Research Institute, the 60-minute Town Halls are broadcasted live on Zoom, Facebook Live, and 97.7 The Wolf (WOLV-FM) the final Thursday of each month. Over the course of the series, moderated by professors Steven Elmer and Kelly Kamm from the Department of Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology, clinicians, public health ...

Aspirus Health first to offer COVID-19 antibody therapy in clinics

LAURIUM — COVID-19 antibody therapy is now available as a subcutaneous injection, allowing Aspirus Health to administer its first treatments in a clinic setting at Aspirus Iron River and Aspirus Keweenaw Clinics. This life-saving treatment is a combination therapy of Casirivimab and Imdevimab (REGEN-COV™) and is intended for people with COVID-19 who are at higher risk for hospitalization or developing more severe symptoms. The therapy can be administered via infusion or subcutaneous injections. To date, Aspirus Health has treated 1,015 patients with COVID-19 antibody therapy with ...

Pfizer COVID-19 boosters available through Aspirus

WAUSAU, Wis. – Booster doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine are available through Aspirus. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have approved a booster shot at least six months after the completion of their Pfizer vaccine primary series for certain populations. Recommendations are expected in the coming weeks on potential booster doses of the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC recommends the following: — Should receive a booster: People 65 years and older, residents in long-term care settings and ...