Vaccine

The New Mexico Department of Health announced Monday that it “continues to strongly recommend” hepatitis B vaccinations for all newborns. The announcement comes after federal guidance issued Friday that it’s not necessary if the mother tests negative for the virus.

It’s that time of year again where respiratory diseases like COVID-19, the flu, and RSV are spreading. The New Mexico Department of Health is urging folks to get shots in arms in order to prevent the most serious and dangerous symptoms of these three seasonal respiratory diseases.

The special legislative session ended Thursday evening in Santa Fe, where all of the bills that addressed the recent federal budget cuts passed while others stalled in committee.

Recent wastewater analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ranks New Mexico as one of four states with a very high level of COVID-19.

The state Department of Health says only about 10% of New Mexicans got the updated vaccine last year, this year they are trying to smooth the process and clarify the messaging.

Despite a decline in the number of flu cases in New Mexico at the start of the year, the state still has some of the highest levels in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

New Mexico is seeing a “small uptick” in COVID cases, according to Deputy Health Secretary and Acting State Epidemiologist Laura Parajón. She recommended those under 65 get another vaccine booster when updated versions that target the XBB.1.5 subvariant are approved. Older New Mexicans, she said, may want to get theirs sooner.

The U.S. saw an uptick in COVID cases in July after several months of steady declines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Deputy Health Secretary and Acting State Epidemiologist Dr. Laura Parajón spoke with KUNM about the status of the virus in New Mexico and how it's measured.

The state’s COVID-19 public health emergency order comes to an end today after over three years. However, the New Mexico Department of Health will be hosting a COVID vaccination event tomorrow and is urging people to get boosted.

The University of New Mexico Thursday announced an incentive program to encourage students and staff to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as it prepares to…