US opens COVID boosters to all adults, urges them for 50+
AP - The U.S. on Friday opened COVID-19 booster shots to all adults and took the extra step of urging people 50 and older to seek one.
Until now, Americans faced a confusing list of who was eligible for a booster that varied by age, their health and which kind of vaccine they got first. The Food and Drug Administration authorized changes to Pfizer and Moderna boosters that makes it easier.
Under the new rules, anyone 18 or older can choose either a Pfizer or Moderna booster six months after their last dose. For anyone who got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the wait already was just two months. And people can mix-and-match boosters from any company. Read more...
Mourning the Passing of Dr. Douglas White
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Douglas White, family physician from Sandy, UT this week. Dr. White was well-loved by his colleagues and patients and is remembered for his warmth, kindness, and love of music. His family and Intermountain colleagues invite you to a celebration of his life Monday, November 29. More details about the celebration and obituary are available here.
Join us for a 1-hour lunch & learn on Thursday, December 9th at 12pm with State Epidemiologist, Dr. Leisha Nolen. Dr. Nolen will provide the latest data and answer any questions you may have about administering the COVID-19 vaccine in your practice.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand risks associated with the three COVID-19 vaccines available in the US,
- Learn contraindications to COVID-19 vaccination,
- Understand and the risks and benefits of vaccinating children against COVID-19.
Zoom information provided with registration. CME information coming soon.
At-Home COVID Testing by Mail Now Available for Some Utahns
The Utah Department of Health with Fulgent Genetics now offers free at-home COVID-19 PCR tests to Utahns who either:
Live in a rural area or can't access a community testing site
AND
Have symptoms of COVID-19
Think they were exposed to COVID-19
C.D.C. Investigates Flu Outbreak at University of Michigan
New York Times - Federal public health officials are investigating a “large and sudden” outbreak of the flu among students at the University of Michigan, the university announced this week.
Since October, there have been 528 cases of the flu on the campus in Ann Arbor, a vast majority — 77 percent — occurring in students who have not been vaccinated against the flu. The spread of the disease has accelerated over the past several weeks, according to the university. Read more...
Many Americans Plan to Be COVID-Cautious During Holiday Gatherings: Survey
Medscape - A new national survey of about 2000 Americans conducted between October 29 and November 1, 2021, by the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, reveals that many still plan to celebrate cautiously.
This year, about half of Americans will ask their guests to wear masks – down from 67% of Americans who responded to a similar survey conducted in 2020 – and nearly three fourths say they plan to celebrate only with members of their household, according to the survey by Ohio researchers. Read more...
UAFP Fall CME: In Case You Missed It...
This T2DM program will familiarize physicians with the pathophysiology of CVD in T2DM, results of cardiovascular outcomes trials of antihyperglycemics, and recommendations from several societies regarding the use of these agents in patients with T2DM who have or are at risk for CVD. The Obesity activity will provide clinicians with a greater understanding of the disease of obesity, including its etiology and physiologic effects, and management strategies, including the efficacy and safety of anti-obesity medications and how and when to incorporate them into individualized management plans.
The program is available anytime and free for you to view. Access the programs here:
Shape Your Specialty's Future
The world has changed, so the AAFP has updated its Member Census with 12 multiple-choice questions more relevant to today's family medicine practice. Please take 5 minutes to tell us about your experiences as a family physician. Your insight helps the AAFP develop the resources and support you need to continue providing the best patient care possible. Fill in the Blank."
CME & Ski Early Bird Rates Open Until Dec 17
WHEN: Friday, February 25 – Sunday, February 27, 2022
WHERE: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Park City, UT
COST: Click here for a full list of registration prices.
Increasing HPV Vaccinations Throughout the Mountain West ECHO Series
Nov 30, and Dec 14 @ 12pm - 1pm
Hosted by the American Cancer Society and Center for HOPE
Palliative Care Education Series
12pm - 1pm, last Tuesday of each month (except Dec.) Oct. through Feb.
Hosted by University of Utah
Learn more and register here
Intermountain Mitral and Tricuspid Valve Symposium
Friday, November 12, 2021
Hosted by Intermountain Healthcare
Learn more and register here
We Love it When You Share!
Recently interviewed by local media? Penned a journal, magazine, or blog article? Win an award in your community? Let us know about it! We love to share what family doctors are up to around the state! Submit your idea here: https://utahafp.regfox.com/share-in-the-uafp-newsletter
