The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released two new reports Aug. 3 detailing the nation’s response plan for long COVID-19, a prolonged illness that develops after COVID-19, and associated conditions.
President Joe Biden in an April memorandum called for these reports to detail federal services for those experiencing long COVID-19, a COVID-19–related loss, and mental health and substance use issues worsened by the pandemic.
The Services and Supports for Longer-Term Impacts of COVID-19 Report outlines federally funded services available for individuals experiencing the effects of long COVID-19 in the areas of mental health, substance use, and bereavement. The report also highlights resources for health care workers.
The National Research Action Plan on Long COVID Report introduces the first national research agenda focused on advancing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and provision of services and support for individuals and families experiencing long COVID-19. The plan, created in collaboration with 14 government departments and agencies, stresses four guiding principles to govern federal government data analysis work:
- health equity;
- accelerating and expanding current research;
- orienting the research effort to improve patient care; and
- partner engagement.
ASPR Releases Paxlovid Information Sheet
The Administration for Strategic Preparedness & Response (ASPR) shared an information sheet focused on eligibility for and effectiveness of Paxlovid, an oral medication authorized to treat COVID-19.
ASPR notes that the treatment, a combination of pills taken twice daily for five days, is available for adults and children ages 12 and older who are at higher risk for developing serious COVID-19. There is currently ample supply of Paxlovid, and ASPR does not anticipate supply constraints in the future.
The information sheet details eligibility, “rebound” cases, drug-to-drug interactions, and access. ASPR also underscores that data show Paxlovid reduced by 88 percent the risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19.
NASEM Webinar on COVID-19 Vaccination in Underrepresented Communities
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on the Promotion of Health Equity hosted a recent webinar focused on the needs and issues surrounding COVID-19 vaccination rates and efforts among individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, particularly those who identify as Indigenous, undocumented, or people of color.
The webinar featured five panelists, including Marina Del Rios, MD, MS, of America’s Essential Hospitals member UI Health, in Chicago.
Panelists discussed the need to eliminate structural barriers hindering public health equity in the United States, benefits of introducing vaccination incentives, historical trends that explain higher vaccination rates in Indigenous communities, and strategies that help health organizations gain the trust of underrepresented communities. NASEM published a brief with key takeaways from the webinar.
Visit the America’s Essential Hospitals coronavirus resource page for more information about the pandemic.
Contact Senior Director of Policy Erin O’Malley at eomalley@essentialhospitals.org or 202.585.0127 with questions.
