New Jersey has changed its vaccine-related policies in response to federal reforms that have alarmed the health care profession. At a time when national guidance is inconsistent, state health care leaders embrace the move to bolster science-based decision-making. In a new law signed by former Governor Phil Murphy on Sunday, the New Jersey Department of…
New Jersey nursing home patients’ health and safety are under review as federal laws ensuring quality care are pushed back. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have delayed the introduction of new nursing home ownership disclosure requirements and reversed guidelines requiring round-the-clock registered nurse coverage and minimum nurse staffing hours per resident. In…
The CDC recommends 11 regular dosages for kids instead of 17. New Jersey will follow evidence-based immunization rules, while the federal government has changed. The new CDC recommendation supports high-risk immunizations or pediatric clinical decisions between parents and doctors. RSV, hepatitis A and B, dengue, meningococcal ACWY and B, rotavirus, COVID-19, and influenza shots. Diphtheria,…
New Jersey is having one of its worst flu seasons, with cases rising earlier and faster than expected, according to federal data. Health experts fear the state’s worst flu season may continue despite holiday break. Federal health officials say New Jersey has the most flu cases. South Carolina, Louisiana, New York, and Colorado have “very…
Holidays bring celebrations, family gatherings, and food and drink. Though pleasurable, these events can bring hidden heart health risks, especially through “holiday heart syndrome.” Atrial fibrillation, an irregular and fast heartbeat, can diminish cardiac efficiency and cause fatal problems if left untreated. Atrial fibrillation (AFib) happens when the heart’s upper chambers beat irregularly, reducing blood…
New Jersey health officials describe a significant and early winter flu outbreak, with cases already high. State and federal health records show that the flu season has arrived earlier and stronger than in the past two years, surprising many locals during the holidays. Clinics, urgent care centers, and emergency rooms around the state are seeing…
Criminal background checks for vulnerable New Jersey nursing home caregivers were found to be inadequate by a federal probe. The findings raise serious resident safety concerns and highlight long-term care government oversight deficiencies. The Office of Inspector General at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services determined that most nursing homes violated federal laws…
Following a federal audit, New Jersey nursing facilities’ criminal background checks for personnel were found to be inadequate, raising concerns about resident safety. Federal inspectors discovered that many institutions failed to properly vet direct care staff for vulnerable seniors. A sample of state nursing homes was audited by the HHS inspector general. Eleven of the…
As winter approaches, many Americans suffer respiratory issues. Social media videos indicated coughing, sore throats, nasal congestion, and respiratory difficulties. The “2025 throat virus” is seasonal, say specialists. Flu, COVID-19, and RSV spread more in winter, warn experts. Travel, family gatherings, and mixing spread diseases between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Dr. Suraj Saggar explored transmissible diseases…
As respiratory illnesses grow in New Jersey, hospitals need masks for visitors, patients, and staff. Experts say winter brings more people indoors, making infections easier to spread. Visitors to Hackensack Meridian Health, New Jersey’s largest hospital network, were required to wear masks on December 1. The 18 hospitals and hundreds of service centers stated this…
