Health Groups Urge Seniors To Get Flu Shots
A special flu vaccine is being offered this year for people over 65, which includes an immune-boosting ingredient called an adjuvant.
Sacramento Bee:
It’s Flu Shot Time, Especially For Seniors
Influenza data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last week showed that during the 2015 to 2016 influenza season, vaccination rates dropped 1.5 percentage points among the general population, with 46 percent vaccinating against the flu. Rates dropped by 3 percentage points among adults over 50, and Hispanic and African American adults continued to experience lower vaccination rates than white adults. Older adults are more severely affected by the flu than younger people and are more likely to be hospitalized if they catch it, said Dr. William Schaffner, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, in a news release. (Caiola, 10/10)
In other news from across California —
KPBS Public Media:
San Diego Caregivers To Get Back Wages, Damages
A residential care business in San Diego has been ordered to pay 15 employees more than $1.1 million in back wages and damages. Family Residential Care, which operates four locations in San Diego and East County, was found in violation of minimum wage, overtime and record-keeping provisions of the California Labor Code. An investigation was launched in July 2015 after an investigator with the California Labor Commissioner received an anonymous tip. (Fudge, 10/10)
LA Daily News:
Group Seeks To Halt ‘Disastrous’ LA County Plan For Women’s Jail
A report compiled by Californians United for a Responsible Budget highlights how the women’s jail is proposed for an area where Valley fever is more common ... Valley fever is caused by fungal spores in the soil. The fungus enters the body through the lungs, and can cause cold and flu-like symptoms. Although rare, it can be serious, according to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. (Abram, 10/10)
Orange County Register:
Teens Get A Kick Out Of Helping Kids With Special Needs Play Soccer
Everyone plays. That’s the fundamental tenet of American Youth Soccer Organization, better known as AYSO. Nowhere is the philosophy so evident as in AYSO’s VIP (Very Important Player) program. VIP teams are comprised of children and adults whose physical or mental disabilities make it difficult to participate on mainstream teams. (Goulding, 10/10)