What We’re Reading: Heatstroke Calls Surge; Leqembi Update; Childhood Vaccination Rate Misses Target

Heat Wave Strains EMS as Heat-Related Calls Surge

The ongoing heat wave in many cities across the United States, New Orleans among them, has put a significant strain on emergency medical services (EMS), leading to a surge in heat-related emergency calls, according to Kaiser Health News. With temperatures in New Orleans exceeding 105ºF and dangerous heat levels becoming more common, the city’s EMS has been working tirelessly to respond to the escalating health crises. However, the department is facing challenges such as limited staffing and funding, making it more difficult to keep up with the growing demands for medical assistance during extreme heat conditions. According to scientists, these heat levels will continue to go up, leading to an ever-increasing strain on funding and staffing challenges from having to deal with the aftermath.

Alzheimer Drug Leqembi Expected to Be Available Soon

Five major US health systems are gearing up to offer lacenemab (Leqembi), the first Alzheimer disease drug proven to slow disease progression in the earliest stages, according to Reuters. The drug received full FDA regulatory approval last month, leading to an increased demand for treatment from patients. However, health systems are carefully working through issues related to payment, diagnostic testing, and patient evaluation, which may slow down the initial rollout. Nonetheless, the approval and anticipated loosening of Medicare imaging policies are expected to accelerate access to the treatment, benefitting an estimated 6.5 million Americans affected by Alzheimer disease.

Childhood Vaccine Coverage Declined

Childhood vaccine coverage in the United States has seen a slight decline, with the rate of vaccinations against measles, mumps, and rubella for kindergarteners dropping to 93%, below the recommended 95% target for herd immunity, according to The Hill. Experts are concerned about potential disease surges, particularly amid preparations for a fall COVID-19 vaccine campaign. Furthermore, vaccine hesitancy, financial constraints, and vaccine fatigue pose challenges to increasing vaccination rates, with parents encouraged to engage in discussions with health care providers to protect their children as they head into the new school year and the upcoming winter season.