Public Health

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its immunization schedules to apply individual-based decision-making to COVID-19 vaccination and now recommends toddlers receive the varicella vaccine as a standalone immunization.

Pennsylvania Poison Centers are seeing increased call volume related to both kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) consumption. These products lack clinical safety data and put consumers at risk of significant harm, including toxicity and developing dependence.

As the national shortage of Penicillin G Benzathine (Bicillin L-A) continues, the Pennsylvania Department of Health recommends all medical providers prioritize the use of Bicillin L-A for treating women who are diagnosed with or suspected of having syphilis and who are pregnant.