Affordable Care Act: Open Enrollment through December 15, 2018

American Nurses Association - Vermont: Announcement

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared a national shortage of epinephrine auto-injectors affecting certain products on May 9, 2018.

Information for Consumers as of May 9, 2018

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) declared a national shortage of epinephrine auto-injectors affecting certain products on May 9, 2018.

Currently the following epinephrine auto-injectors are available and are not in a nationally declared shortage:

• Auvi-Q Adult (0.3 mg)
• Auvi-Q Child (0.15 mg)
• Auvi-Q Infant (0.1 mg)

According to the kaleo website, patients with prescriptions for Auvi-Q will be enrolled in kaleo’s direct delivery service and AUVI-Q will be shipped directly to you or your doctor's office with the best product dating. Commercially insured patients can get AUVI-Q for $0 out of pocket through the kaleo direct delivery service. For more information call 1-800-30-AUVIQ or visit their website.

The following products are in a nationally declared shortage, according to both the FDA and the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.

• EpiPen (0.3 mg)
• Authorized Generic EpiPen (0.3 mg)
• EpiPen Jr. (0.15 mg)
• Authorized Generic EpiPen Jr. (0.15 mg)

The above products from Mylan Pharmaceuticals are experiencing intermittent supply constraints due to manufacturing delays from the manufacturing partner, Meridian Medical Technologies, a Pfizer company. Mylan is receiving continual supply from MMT and expediting shipment to wholesalers upon receipt. Supply levels may vary across wholesalers and pharmacies. Patients who are experiencing difficulty accessing product should contact Mylan Customer Relations at 800-796-9526 for assistance in locating alternative pharmacies.

• Generic Adrenaclick Adult (0.3 mg)
• Generic Adrenaclick Child (0.15 mg)

The above products from Impax Laboratories are experiencing shortages due to problems with following good manufacturing practices. There is no estimated date for when more product may become available.

For the latest information on the supplies of these products, visit the FDA Website or the American Society of Health System Pharmacists.

Advice for Patients: Patients who are experiencing difficulties obtaining the epinephrine auto-injector of their choice due to the shortage should speak to their physicians about getting a prescription for a different auto-injector so that they can have a prescription filled promptly and there is no interruption in the accessibility of this medication. In absence of a current epinephrine auto-injector, patients may use an expired dose but should call 911 and receive medical treatment.

Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a serious and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.

Epinephrine (actually a synthetic form of the hormone adrenaline) is a self-injectable medication. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it as a safe and highly effective medication that can reverse severe allergy symptoms.

You must give epinephrine promptly during anaphylaxis for it to be most effective. Delayed use of epinephrine during an anaphylactic reaction can lead to death.

If your doctor prescribes epinephrine, plan to carry two auto-injectors with you at all times. That way, you’ll always have quick access to this life-saving medication.

Have you been unable to fill or refill a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector?  Take this survey.

https://www.foodallergy.org/life-with-food-allergies/epinephrine/epinephrine-options-and-training

May 2, 2018: Allergy and Asthma Indexes for Waitsfield, VT

Graphics generated by www.pollen.com and www.asthmaforecast.com; Retrieved on May 2, 2018 at 08:50 a.m.

NOTE: I learned today that both "indices" and "indexes" are the correct plural form for the word "index." Indices is the formal Latin plural while indexes is the English version, which adds either "s" or "es" for the plural form. Learning English while promoting Health - my Wednesday is now complete! :)

Free Concussion Assessment Clinic March 7, 2018 in Berlin VT

Copied from a post on the Moretown Front Porch Forum on 2/20/2018...

CENTRAL VERMONT MEDICAL CENTER

Attention Parents of Middle and High School Athletes

With spring sports just around the corner, we're holding a free concussion assessment clinic for middle and high school athletes on Wednesday, March 7 from 5-7 pm at CVMC Rehabilitation Therapy in Berlin.

Pre-season baseline concussion assessments inform parents and student athletes on normal functioning, which can support future diagnosis and treatment while assuring a safe return to sport.

Provided free to middle and high school athletes. One-hour appointments start at 5 pm and 6 pm. Space is limited.

Sign up at www.cvmc.org/concussion-clinic.

Baseline Concussion Assessment Clinic
Wednesday, March 7, 5-7 pm
CVMC Rehabilitation Therapy
1311 Barre-Montpelier Rd., Berlin

The Waitsfield School Kinsa FLUency program has officially started!!

Dear families,

The Kinsa FLUency program is now live for our school!  This program will keep our school healthier by:

• Giving each family a FREE Thermometer
• Showing all families "what's going around" for preventative care
• Reducing sick days through early detection and increased awareness  

My top priority is keeping the students in the classroom. We hope that using this innovative program in our school community will help identify health trends affecting our classrooms, contain the spread of illness, increase attendance and continue giving our students the education they deserve.

Please follow these links to find out how FLUency works and watch a short video on how the program helped Travis Heights Elementary School in Austin, TX.

The more families that participate, the more successful the program will be in keeping our students healthier throughout this flu season.

Signing up for the program is as easy as 1,2,3:

1. Download the FREE Kinsa app for iOS or Android
2. Create profiles for your family membersGo to "Groups" and search for our school using ourlocation. 
3. Join our school group before Dec 31st! An email will be sent to you when your thermometer arrives to the school.

We are excited and proud to be chosen for this exclusive program and look forward to a healthier flu season this year!

Clayton S. Wetzel III, RN

cwetzel@wwsu.org

(802) 583-7900

Fall 2017 National Drug Take-Back Day

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Issues Flu Vaccine Recommendations for 2017-2018

A few key points from the press release

The Academy recommends:

• Children receive influenza vaccinations by the end of October, if possible. Children who need two doses (those 6 months through 8 years, who have not previously been fully vaccinated) should receive the first vaccine early in the season for optimal protection. [Bold and Underline added for emphasis, CW,RN]

The flu vaccine should be given to everyone 6 months and older, as it is the best option for protection during the upcoming season, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. The annual flu vaccine significantly reduces a child's risk of severe influenza and death.

"Getting a flu shot as soon as the vaccine is available in your community should be on every parent's checklist, along with other back-to-school routines," said Flor Munoz, MD, FAAP, co-author of the report. "We know that the flu should not be taken lightly. Everyone in the household, including pregnant women, grandparents, and child care providers, should be vaccinated to help prevent its spread."

Please select the link below for the entire press release.

September 4, 2017 Press Release: AAP