Adolescent vaccination coverage increased in 2024 for the tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis, and the quadrivalent meningococcal conjugate vaccines, according to CDC data published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Coverage among those ages 13 to 17 for at least one dose of Tdap increased from 89% to 91.3%, and MenACWY coverage increased from 88.4% to 90.1%, while human papillomavirus vaccination rates remained stable.

Catch-up vaccinations increased as well, especially for serogroup B meningococcal, measles, mumps, and rubella and hepatitis B vaccines.

Lorazepam may be more effective than haloperidol or a placebo in reducing agitation and restlessness in patients with advanced cancer and delirium. A study in JAMA Oncology found that lorazepam-based regimens were effective in reducing symptoms and required less frequent use of rescue medications. The study included patients ages 18 and older who were admitted to a palliative care unit.

Updated guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology recommend earlier use of blood pressure medications, while maintaining a 130/80 mm Hg threshold for hypertension. The guidelines, published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, replace those issued in 2017 and call for starting medication after three to six months of lifestyle changes for adults with a 10-year cardiovascular disease risk under 7.5%.

Older adults with early Alzheimer's disease who were more adherent to a lifestyle intervention had improved neurological outcomes and a lower risk of diabetes, compared with a control group, researchers reported at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference. The active intervention group had better cerebral blood flow in memory, executive function and language areas of the brain, and improved scores on a diabetes risk assessment.

A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found two intravenous doses of the newer antibiotic dalbavancin, administered seven days apart, was as effective as daily IVs using conventional antibiotics in treating Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infections. The standard antibiotics used in the study were cefazolin or penicillin for a regular staph infection and vancomycin or daptomycin for antibiotic-resistant infections.

The longhorned tick, an invasive species native to East Asia, is spreading across the US, aided by warmer temperatures, and has been found to carry the bacterium that causes ehrlichiosis, which can cause severe symptoms and require hospitalization. The CDC has reported a steady rise in ehrlichiosis cases since 2000.

The Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General reported an increase in severe staffing shortages at Veterans Health Administration facilities, affecting nurses and other providers. Seventy-nine percent of 139 facilities reported shortages of nurses.

Large language models like OpenAI's GPT-4 are being explored for their potential to transform health care, but they come with significant risks. Registered nurse Angela Adams highlights that while GPT-4 can perform tasks like drafting patient notes, its unpredictable updates and lack of specialized medical knowledge pose dangers in clinical settings.

A group of 350 organizations, including the American Nurses Association, urged Congress to make Medicare telehealth flexibilities introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic permanent, or at least extend them for two years. In a letter to congressional leaders, the organizations emphasize the importance of telehealth for Medicare beneficiaries, particularly those with chronic conditions or in rural areas, and highlight the potential impact on health care access and infrastructure.

Simplify your journey to Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Accreditation (APPFA)! Attend an introductory workshop, Sept. 25-26 to get expert guidance, connect with peers, and gain a comprehensive understanding of the 2023 Manual. Learn about eligibility criteria, application procedures, and best practices for implementing APPFA standards in your organization.