Latest California Healthline Stories
First Vaccine for Avian Flu Strain Wins Approval From FDA
The federal government plans to include almost 20 million doses in a national stockpile despite findings that the vaccine resulted in protection against avian flu in fewer than half of people participating in clinical trials. USA Today et al.
UC-Davis Pushing To Launch Public Health School
UC-Davis officials hope that the upcoming launch of the new state Public Health Department will prove advantageous for its proposal to build a graduate school of public health. Sacramento Business Journal.
New Approval Process for Vaccine Requirements OK’d
The measure would mandate a five-year waiting period for new vaccines before California could require them for students and give the state public health officer — rather than the Legislature — authority for new vaccine mandates. San Francisco Chronicle.
CalPERS Health Panel Delays Vote on Plans for Benefits Changes
The chair of the CalPERS health care panel said more information was needed before board members could vote on plans to change health benefits options for CalPERS’ 1.2 million members. The proposals are intended to help control rising health care costs. Sacramento Bee.
Hospitals Work To Cut Infections in ICUs for Kids
Experts say most efforts to reduce bacterial infections in hospitals are focused on adults although children face higher risks of contracting infections than adults. Wall Street Journal.
Army Officials Pledge To Boost Health Care System
Military officials told a House subcommittee that improvements to outpatient health care for veterans are under way and expressed support for new leadership at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. AP/Washington Post et al.
California Stem Cell Agency Losing President, Panel Head
Zach Hall said he would step down as president because of a recent cancer diagnosis and the “exceedingly contentious” debate about agency grants. The announcement comes only days after a subcommittee chair resigned. Los Angeles Times et al.
Governor Making the Case for Health Care Reform to Voters
Gov. Schwarzenegger pitched his plan to overhaul California’s health care system to patients and staff at a San Diego hospital, saying the proposal would help control health care costs. Political analysts say the governor is talking to voters in hopes of putting pressure on legislators to sign off on health care reform this year. San Diego Union-Tribune.
San Joaquin Valley Boosting Access Through Telemedicine
The project initially will establish four different eHealth Centers between San Joaquin and Kern counties and a network hub at UC-Merced as part of a state grant program. Stockton Record.
Judge Lets Blue Shield Cancel Realtors’ Group Health Insurance Plan
Blue Shield says it is canceling the policy because the California Association of Realtors didn’t meet an enrollment requirement, a charge the association maintains Blue Shield came up with so that it could exit the market for guaranteed issue association plans. Los Angeles Times.