FDA Changes Strategy On COVID-19 Vaccines

(Washington, DC) -- The FDA is changing the COVID-19 vaccine process. In documents shared online, the agency said the process could follow a similar format to the flu vaccine. That would possibly include streamlining vaccine composition, immunization schedules, and updates on COVID-19 vaccines as more information becomes available. The FDA said it will likely assess strains of the coronavirus at least annually and decide in June which to select for the fall season, a process that’s taken while assessing annual flu vaccines.

Hochul Highlights Statewide Lead Remediation Plan

(Rochester, NY) -- New York Governor Kathy Hochul is highlighting statewide plans to ensure children aren’t exposed to lead poisoning at home. The governor has proposed all rental properties built before 1980 be inspected for lead paint. She also promised to fiscally help landlords create safe conditions and provide staff for local health departments to roll out and enforce the program. Hochul laid out her plans in Rochester, calling it an example for the rest of New York since Rochester has been working for years to reduce lead paint exposure.

King County Morgue Filled With Overdose Victims

(Seattle, WA) -- The spike in overdose deaths in Washington State has the King County morgue exceeding capacity. Last year, the county had one-thousand-17 overdose deaths which is a 43-percent increase over 2021. Fentanyl is the leading cause of overdose deaths. Public Health Seattle & King County says people think they’re taking prescription pills or cocaine, but it’s laced with deadly fentanyl. When the morgue is full and there’s a backlog for autopsies, the deceased wait on gurneys or at funeral homes that have agreements with the county.