Vaccines

As the measles outbreak continues in Texas and New Mexico, Arizona health expert weighs in on who should get the booster.

There’s been increasing anxiety over the last several weeks about an outbreak of measles in Texas and New Mexico. Public health officials in the Southwest are sounding the alarm — including Will Humble, executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association.

Arizona’s largest egg producer has lost more than a million chickens to bird flu as the deadly virus spreads fast. He says the government has to allow them to vaccinate their flocks before it spreads to humans.

Bird flu is forcing farmers in Arizona and beyond to euthanize millions of laying hens and driving up egg prices. Experts say producers may have to starting using a vaccine on birds, and some worry the virus could mutate to affect humans.

State lawmakers have full committee agendas this week as the legislative session continues getting going. Among the issues they’ll be debating: cryptocurrency, unemployment benefits and vaccines.

Dr. Moneesh Bhow, medical director of the emergency department at Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, said he expects to see cases continue to rise following Thanksgiving, since holiday gatherings tend to lead to a spike in respiratory viruses.

The Arizona Department of Health Services reported more than 1,000 cases of influenza last week and more than 2,100 cases of COVID-19.

There are two new COVID-19 variants circulating, and scientists believe they’re more transmissible than previous ones, with some estimates suggesting they account for more than a third of current COVID-19 cases.

Arizona Rep. David Schweikert has introduced a bill in Congress meant to fast track the development of vaccines against substance-use disorders.

On Wednesday, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the recommendation for adults 65 and older to receive an additional, updated dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.