The VA is smoothing the way for all U.S. veterans, their spouses and caregivers to get vaccinated against COVID-19.
How Effective Are COVID-19 Vaccines in Autoimmune Disease Patients?
Patients with autoimmune diseases had significantly worse outcomes with COVID-19 infection than with past cases of influenza, according to a review using data from the VA and other international data.
DoD Personnel Critical in Getting Civilians Immunized Against COVID-19
In an effort to get as many COVID-19 shots into arms as possible as quickly as feasible, the military is continuing to supply personnel to help the Federal Emergency Management Agency at mass vaccination sites.
Comorbidities Led to More Severe COVID-19 Cases Among MHS Beneficiaries
About a third of COVID-19 cases among MHS beneficiaries were diagnosed with at least one comorbidity linked to more severe infection
DoD Takes Aim at Vaccine Hesitancy With Targeted Public Health Campaign
The DoD cannot mandate immunization against COVID-19, but it can strongly encourage servicemembers to take a jab for the team.
A Third of Military Healthcare Beneficiaries Refuse COVID-19 Vaccine
About one-third of military servicemembers, civilian contractors and military family members are declining to be vaccinated for COVID-19, and that has DoD officials concerned.
COVID-19 Mortality Increased at VA When ICUs Were Most Slammed
Strain on intensive care units at the VA during the COVID-19 pandemic appeared to increase patient mortality.
VA Hospitals Grapple with COVID-19 Readmissions, Post-Discharge Deaths
Two approved vaccines and a drop in cases and hospitalizations in late January provided a spot of light after a year of grim news on the COVID-19 front.
Pharmacists Play Critical Role in VA’s Dual Missions with COVID-19 Vaccination
Throughout the pandemic, VA’s healthcare professionals have risen to the challenge of meeting two of the department’s missions: providing healthcare to veterans and improving the nation’s preparedness to national emergencies.
Concerns Raised About Lack of Continuity of Care for VA’s IBD Patients
The lack of continuity of care among VA patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is associated with poor outcomes, such as disease flares requiring corticosteroid treatment, hospitalization and surgical intervention.
VA, DoD Quickly Began Distributing, Administrating COVID-19 Vaccines
Both the VA and DoD began distributing COVID-19 vaccine to their beneficiaries soon after the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for two products in mid-December.
DoD Experience With Resistant Pathogens Could Help Overwhelmed Hospitals
Hospitals across the country have improvised intensive care units, converted garages into wards and increased the number of patients under each clinician’s care as a flood of COVID-19 patients washes away established protocols and practices.
VA Was Excluded in Early Discussions of COVID-19 Strategic Response
VA was initially left out of strategic decisions made by the U.S. Coronavirus Task Force, the group ostensibly coordinating the nation’s response to the pandemic, the agency revealed in a recent report.
Statins Reduce Some Lymphomas in Veterans With HIV
Statins appear to have immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects and appear to reduce cancer risk. A new study sought to determine if that also is the case with HIV patients, who experience chronic inflammation and immune activation.
New Definitions for Flu-Related Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis
Patients admitted to intensive care units with influenza increasingly are being diagnosed with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis.
COVID-19 Inpatients More Likely Younger, Male Vs. Flu
While comorbid conditions appeared to be common among individuals hospitalized with COVID-19, estimates of prevalence vary and not enough is known about the prior medication use of patients.
Influenza Strains Don’t Differ Much in Severity
The influenza A/H1N1 pandemic of 2009 to 2010 raised the question of whether some flu strains are inherently more likely to cause severe illness than others.
Statins Reduce Risk of Acute Liver Injury in Veterans With HIV or HCV
In 2013, the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association issued updated guidelines significantly expanding the number of patients who should be considered candidates for statin therapy.
