In a check of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Community Level, all three Delaware counties moved into an elevated "high" category for Covid-19 transmission. In high level designation areas, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public, staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, getting tested if experiencing symptoms, and implementing additional precautions for those at high risk for severe illness.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, authorizing the use of a single booster dose for administration to individuals 5 through 11 years of age at least five months after completion of a primary series with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. 

On Jan. 3, the FDA authorized the use of a single booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine for administration to individuals 12 through 15 years of age after completion of primary vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Tuesday's action expands the use of a single booster dose of the vaccine for administration to individuals 5 through 11 years of age. The FDA has approved Comirnaty (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA) for use in individuals 16 years of age and older.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended this evening (Thursday) that children ages 5 to 11 receive a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine at least five months after completing their initial series to boost their immunity as cases and hospitalizations tick upward in many pockets of the United States. CDC Director Rochelle Walensky also encouraged parents of children in that age group who have not yet been vaccinated to get their first shot soon. Director Walensky also announced that the CDC was strengthening its recommendation that people 50 and older should get a second booster dose — a fourth shot in most cases — to be considered up to date on their coronavirus vaccinations. Previously, the agency said that older adults may get a booster. Immunocompromised people 12 and older should also get a second booster, she added.

On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a guidance to manufacturers of infant formula to announce the agency’s intention to temporarily exercise enforcement discretion, on a case-by-case basis, for certain requirements that apply to infant formula. This action is designed to increase infant formula supplies in the United States while protecting the health of infants, for whom infant formula is often the sole source of nutrition during a critical period of growth and development. The guidance is related to both the importation into the U.S. of infant formula produced in other countries and infant formula that is produced domestically.

A voluntary recall by Abbott Nutrition in February 2022 and subsequent voluntary cease in production at their Sturgis facility, combined with the overall strains on supply chains experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, have created concerns about the availability of certain types of infant formula. On Monday, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan entered a consent decree of permanent injunction between FDA and Abbott Nutrition, as well as three Abbott principals. Under the consent decree Abbott Nutrition will, among other things, take corrective actions following an FDA inspection of its Sturgis, Michigan facility. The corrective actions by Abbott are expected to ultimately result in an increase of infant formula products, while ensuring safe powdered infant formula is produced at the facility. Learn more by reading the press release for this announcement.

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services also released a Fact Sheet for Helping Families Find Formula During the Infant Formula Shortage.

The Delaware Division of Public Health (DPH) is providing guidance to families struggling to find formula due to a shortage caused by supply chain issues, including avoiding taking certain measures that could be harmful to their infant’s health. DPH has also created a "tips sheet" flyer (also in Spanish) suitable for posting or distributing. DPH information includes suggestions for speaking with physicians on options for comparable formula; considering a lactation consultant or support groups; investigating breast milk banks; utilizing state and community resources such as WIC, SNAP, or TANF to help with cost; and checking availability before traveling to store for purchase. The guidance also reminds parents what not to do. DPH has requested WIC recipients to return unused formula. Delawareans are encouraged to visit dethrives.com for up-to-date information on Delaware’s response to the infant formula supply chain issues, call 211 for community resources and services, or follow DEThrives and DPH on Facebook and Instagram. 

A growing number of hepatitis cases of unknown origin among young children has researches across the globe sharing data and hypotheses. As reported by the Washington Post, accumulating evidence points to two leading suspects, a pair of viruses, working singly or perhaps in tandem. One is adenovirus, a common family of viruses that cause symptoms ranging from the common cold to pinkeye. The second is the coronavirus responsible for the pandemic, which some doctors theorize may have contributed to liver inflammation through an old infection or a co-infection that has triggered the immune system to overreact. The strongest evidence tying the hepatitis cases to adenovirus are test results showing it in the blood of more than half the children in the US and nearly three-fourths of those in the UK. But what is perplexing is that adenovirus has yet to be found in the liver tissue, which would be expected to be in the liver if it was causing the injury.

“I am feeling well and will continue to work remotely, but unfortunately will have to miss a few in-person events,” said Governor Carney. “I will continue to follow the CDC guidelines following my positive result.” 

The Recovery Platform (TRP) is partnering with the Medical Society of Delaware (MSD) to fulfill the requirements of the Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health (DSAMH) Opioid Response Team State Opioid Response (SOR) grant in implementing and managing universal screening tools at primary care practice locations. TRP will leverage its technology and experience in building virtual care teams to help Delaware decrease opioid overdoses statewide and to identify and engage high-risk populations according to their social determinants of health. Specifically, TRP, MedNet, and the Medical Society of Delaware will endeavor to increase access to care and treatment for individuals living with medical health disorders, including substance use disorder, by fostering system-wide screening improvement based on a framework that measures client outcomes. The project creates an opportunity to also offer TRP's primary service of virtual Medication Assisted Treatment for those identified with substance use disorders. The grant awarded to MSD is to support participation of up to five practice sites in Delaware. Currently, MSD has successfully recruited three independent primary care practices into this remarkable program. There are still two openings for practices to participate. Interested practices should contact LoriAnn Rhoads for more information.

Patients who have been or are currently in treatment for a substance abuse disorder (SUD) can now choose which health care professionals may access those records. As a natural extension of its personal health record platform, Health Check Connect, Delaware Health Information Network (DHIN) has launched a personalized consent tool embedded in the Personal Health Record giving patients the ability to set, and change, their preferences at a granular level. Delaware's Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health plans to be the first participating provider in DHIN's consent registry. Other partnerships are in the works, given the robust nature of this patient consent tool that ensures privacy and provides flexibility.

The White House announced this week that households can order eight more free at-home coronavirus tests, providing access to an additional supply of rapid tests ahead of possible summer and fall surges. The Biden Administration committed to making 1 billion at-home tests available to American households at no charge and has so far distributed 350 million tests. The tests are shipped through the US Postal Service. Tests can be ordered online at covidtests.gov.

On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Labcorp Seasonal Respiratory Virus RT-PCR DTC Test for use without a prescription by individuals with symptoms of respiratory viral infection consistent with COVID-19. This product is the first direct-to-consumer (non-prescription) multi-analyte COVID-19 test authorized by FDA and allows an individual to self-collect a nasal swab sample at home and then send that sample to Labcorp for testing. The test can identify and differentiate multiple respiratory viruses at the same time, detecting influenza A and B, commonly known as the flu, respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV, along with SARS-CoV-2. Results are delivered through an online portal, with follow-up from a health care professional for positive or invalid test results. This home sample collection kit can be purchased online or in a store without a prescription. The samples can be self-collected by individuals ages 18 years and older, self-collected by individuals 14 years and older with adult supervision, or collected with adult assistance for individuals 2 years and older. This will enable consumers to more easily determine whether they may be infected with COVID-19, flu, or RSV, which can aid in determining if self-isolation (quarantine) is appropriate and to assist with health care decisions after discussion with a health care professional.

Since the first monkeypox case in the current outbreak was reported in England on May 7 from a person who had traveled from Nigeria, more than 20 cases have been confirmed across England, Portugal, and Spain. More cases are under investigation. Massachusetts officials on Wednesday also confirmed the first monkeypox case in the U.S. this year from an adult male who had recently traveled to Canada. Officials in Montreal are investigating up to 13 potential cases. Monkeypox is an infectious disease that can cause a severe rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes. Data have suggested that smallpox vaccines are at least 85% effective at preventing monkeypox before exposure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Experts believe that post-exposure vaccination could also either prevent or reduce symptoms.

MSD President Matthew J. Burday, DO attended the Medical Society of New Jersey (MSNJ) Annual Meeting on May 6 and 7 in Camden, New Jersey. The "Rising Through the Pandemic" educational conference was held at Rowan University, as well as the MSNJ House of Delegates meeting. A Capitol Club Cocktail Reception took place on the Battleship New Jersey. The Annual Meeting ended with the Presidential Dinner held at Adventure Aquarium celebrating Immediate Past President, Dr. Philip Kline, the outgoing President, Dr. Kennedy Ganti, and the incoming President, Dr. Steven Orland.

Please navigate to the MSD website log in. You will need to input your Username (the preferred email address we have on file for you, i.e., the email address to which you received this message) and Password that you have created (or click "forgot password" if you have not yet set up login credentials). Once logged in, click on the “Demographic Information” tab on your profile page. Click on the pencil icon in the top right corner of the box to edit your information. Choose from the options provided for race. Select "Y" for yes or "N" for no regarding whether you are of Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity. If you need assistance, MSD staff is here to assist. Please contact Mary LaJudice, staff liaison to the MSD Committee on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (302/593-8589) or Michelle Seymour, Manager of Membership (302/279-6412) to take your information and update your profile for you.

In 2015, 9 million people worldwide died from poor air quality, unsafe water, and toxic chemical pollution. In 2019, that number hadn't changed, according to a report released Tuesday by the Lancet Planetary Health.

Come mingle with the President! In light of COVID-19 safety concerns at the time, MSD did not plan a social event in conjunction with our November 2021 Annual Meeting. Our goal was to plan three social events for some time in 2022 when we all felt more comfortable in those in-person social gatherings. That time has come. You and your guest have the opportunity to attend one of the three in-person Presidential Receptions that have been arranged at locations across the state. Find a date and location convenient for you! All events begin at 6:00 p.m. Dress is business casual.

Register.

How can you talk with your patients about the health risks of climate change without disrupting the office visit? This important topic can be time-consuming and even controversial. The Medical Society of Delaware's My Green Doctor explains an easy solution that may work well in your practice. Read more. My Green Doctor is a FREE money-saving membership benefit to learn how to adopt environmental sustainability, save resources, and help create healthier communities. Everyone in your practice can register as Partner Society members at www.MyGreenDoctor.org or at www.MyGreenDoctor.es (si, en Espanol) and use the discount code MGDMSD to save $60 instantly and give full access to My Green Doctor for free. Ask your practice manager to register and to put My Green Doctor on your next agenda.

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If you would like to become a PEP Partner, please contact Lynn Robinson, Director of Professional Education.

Bayhealth is collaborating with the Capital School District to offer free electrocardiogram (EKG) screenings for high school students, ages 15 and older. An EKG is a five-minute, non-invasive test to help detect an underlying heart condition that could result in sudden cardiac arrest. Representatives from both organizations made the collaboration official with a signing ceremony at “Super Senator Day,” an event held at Dover High School where more than 25 students were screened for sudden cardiac arrest. Bayhealth also offers an Echocardiogram (Echo), a test that more closely examines heart function, in cases where a student’s EKG shows any abnormality.  

Bayhealth and PAM Health are partnering to provide a Stroke Support Group designed for individuals who have had a stroke, and their care partners, to get the education and support they need for continued recovery and an improved quality of life after stroke. The Stroke Support Group kicks off Thursday, May 19 from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Community Room, Bayhealth Sussex Campus at 100 Wellness Way in Milford. Meetings will continue the third Thursday of every month. The meeting location will alternate between the Bayhealth Sussex Campus (odd-numbered months) and Bayhealth Outpatient Rehabilitation, Kent Campus, located at 560 S. Governors Avenue in Dover (even-numbered months). The Stroke Support Group is free, and registration is not required. Virtual meeting options are also available. 

David A. Tam, MD, MBA, CPHE, FACHE, President & CEO, Beebe Healthcare and MSD member, has been named Delaware Business Times CEO of the Year in the Large Nonprofit category. Dr. Tam will be honored at a July 14 charity golf outing, dinner and awards presentation at Deerfield Golf Club in Newark. This March, Dr. Tam entered his third year at the helm of Beebe Healthcare after arriving as the COVID-19 pandemic came to Delaware. While the bulk of the early demands as CEO of a not-for-profit independent community health system revolved around COVID-19, Dr. Tam’s and Beebe’s focus have shifted toward being the health care provider of choice for Sussex County. 

ChristianaCare will open a new primary care practice for families and a separate practice exclusively for members of the Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware Medicare Advantage plans developed last year in collaboration with ChristianaCare and Bayhealth. The two practices are slated to open in October 2022 in the same location at Teal Creek Plaza, 701 N. DuPont Blvd, Milford. The approximately 10,000-square-foot practice site in Milford will house both the traditional primary care practice and an innovative model of care for the members of the Highmark Medicare Advantage plans. Patients will be able to have in-person visits with physicians and other health care professionals, as well as the opportunity to connect virtually with expert specialists throughout ChristianaCare’s network of services.

To create a new way to bring care to where people need it throughout Delaware, ChristianaCare rolled out two Mobile Health Services vans. The vans are supported by Barclays with a $1 million investment as part of its COVID-19 Community Aid Package. ChristianaCare expects to have 30,000 patient interactions through the vans over the first three years. Of those visits, 15,000 are expected to be for COVID-19 vaccinations. The Mobile Health Services vans will provide a variety of medical services including vaccinations, diabetic retinopathy screenings, OB-GYN services, sports physicals and behavioral health appointments. Patients will experience hybrid care, both on wheels and via video. In addition to same-day medical services provided on the vans, patients will be able to connect with a care team via a virtual visit. Patients may also be referred to further in-person or virtual services following the appointment on the van.

MSD's Membership Department is pleased to announce the newest members of the Medical Society of Delaware. Welcome to the third oldest medical society in the country! If you know someone interested in joining MSD, please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any questions. You could be eligible for a referral discount!

MSD members are afforded a seven day review period from the date of this publication to comment regarding applicants for membership. Please contact Michelle Seymour at (302) 224-4905 or Michelle.Seymour@medsocdel.org with any comments on the current pending member(s) listed above.