News about medications to treat COVID-19 came fast and furious at the height of the pandemic. Drugs were constantly being touted as showing promise to ameliorate the symptoms—or even cure—the sometimes deadly virus.
DoD Continues to Promote COVID-19 Vaccination; Navy Offers Incentives
The Navy became the first U.S. military branch to change policy so that servicemembers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 have more freedom of movement.
Many Veterans Who Survived Infection Now Are Beset With ‘Long COVID’ Issues
LOUIS—More than a year into the COVID-19 pandemic, the extended burden on the VA healthcare system is just becoming clear. The reason? Many veterans, including those who had what appeared to be mild cases, are grappling with a range of health problems months after...
No Increase Documented in Veteran Suicide During the COVID-19 Pandemic
VA has not recorded an increase in veteran suicide during the pandemic, and one study found that some veterans have experienced positive psychological benefits from the enforced isolation and slowing down of their world.
Navy Study Shows Marine Recruits Not Immune to Reinfection With COVID-19
Previous infection with COVID-19 provided some but not complete protection against reinfection in young Marine recruits, according to a new study.
Too Many Veterans With HIV Prescribed Inappropriate BP Medications
HIV patients on anti-retroviral therapy are at increased risk for cardiovascular events, heightening the importance of preventive care. Now, new research has found that selection of blood pressure medication is critically important for this group and can have a significant effect on risk of cardiovascular events or even death.
VA Now Vaccinating All Veterans, Not Just VHA Enrollees
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.