Coronavirus News Roundup: CMS to Ensure Access to Vaccines, Upcoming MJH Coalition Webinar to Cover Mental Health Effects

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected an estimated 47,675,228 individuals worldwide at publishing time, and nearly 9.4 million Americans. The latest COVID-19 related news includes recent pharmacy reports of higher than usual flu vaccinations, and the upcoming MJH Life Sciences’ COVID-19 Coalition event, which will center around the long-term health consequences of COVID-19, as well as its effects on the mental health of children and young adults.

Here’s a roundup of the latest coronavirus-related news:

CMS Policy Aims to Ensure Access to COVID-19 Vaccines​

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced this week that the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA will be covered under Medicare as a preventive vaccine for free.

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National Vaccine Advisory Committee Recap with Chair Robert Hopkins​

Robert Hopkins, chair of the National Vaccine Advisory Committee, discusses the most pressing issues coming out of the recent NVAC meeting, and pharmacy's role amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch part 1 and part 2 of Dr. Hopkins’ interview

Antibody Cocktail Helps Reduce COVID-19 Virus Levels in Outpatient Setting​

Regeneron’s investigational antibody cocktail, REGN-COV2, significantly reduced virus levels and need for further medical visits in patients with COVID-19, according to results from a phase 2/3 trial.

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Study: Widespread Increase of Antibiotic Use In VA Hospitals Amid COVID-19 Pandemic​

Results of a new study showed a widespread increased in antibiotic use across Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities in response to the first surge of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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MJH COVID-19 Coalition Offers Perspectives on Containing the Pandemic​

Experts from the MJH Life Sciences COVID-19 Coalition shared insights about containment of the virus in the United States through a recent survey.

When polled, 55.6% of Coalition members agreed that the biggest takeaway from the president’s COVID diagnosis for Americans is to continue social distancing, mask wearing, and keeping track of close contacts.

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Thinking Long-Term: COVID-19’s Clinical Consequences and Mental Health Effects​

On Thursday, November 12, MJH Life Sciences™ COVID-19 Coalition will be hosting its next live webinar event “Thinking Long-Term: COVID-19’s Clinical Consequences and Mental Health Effects” at 7:30 PM EDT.

Register for the webinar​

Pharmacy Chains Report Higher Than Usual Demand for Flu Vaccines​

Americans are taking the advice of US health care leaders, pharmacists, and others amid the pandemic by getting flu vaccinations in record numbers this fall.

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