VACCINATIONS DROP. MORE INFECTIONS OF PREVIOUSLY IRRADICATED DISEASES EXPECTED

Posted on November 14, 2023 by John Bailey

View in browser

Si quiere leer la versión en español, pulse aquí.

Drop in routine vaccinations

Driven by an increase in vaccine exemptions and misinformation.

BY DR. KATELYN JETELINA

NOV 14

(Reprinted with permission)

READ IN APP

CDC released the latest vaccine exemptions and routine vaccination rates data for last school year. This, coupled with new data on growing acceptance of vaccine misinformation, shows a slow, painful bleed.

Here’s the data story.

A few years ago, rates of routine vaccines (i.e., DTaP, measles, mumps, rubella, and polio) began to decline. Last school year, vaccine coverage among kindergarten students hit a new low—93%.

This seems high. It is high. But we must keep it that way because some diseases, like measles, require 95% coverage to maintain herd immunity.

Unfortunately, concerning trends are developing on a state level. For example, thirty-six states are below the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) coverage threshold of 95% for kindergarteners. The state with the lowest vaccination rate is Idaho (81%). This means 250,000 kindergartners are at risk for measles infection today.

This provides large pockets of unvaccinated people—a breeding ground for infectious diseases. Take Ohio, for example, which had the 9th lowest coverage in MMR vaccination last year. It’s no coincidence that there was a measles outbreak last year—85 children got sick, and 36 were hospitalized.

School mandatory vaccination is one the biggest drivers of vaccination. Exemptions—parents opting out for medical or non-medical reasons—are low (3%) but rapidly increasing. Non-medical exemptions—for religious or philosophical reasons—are driving the change. Research shows that non-medical exemptions are more common in areas with a higher percentage of a White population and higher income.

Ten states have exemptions exceeding 5% of kindergartners. Idaho has by far the highest exemption rate at 12%.

The states with the fastest-growing rate of vaccine exemptions are Hawaii, Idaho, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Oregon. This acceleration started in 2020 and hasn’t slowed.

Five states do not allow non-medical exemptions. For example, after the massive Disneyland measles outbreak in 2015, California eliminated non-medical exemptions from school-entry vaccination requirements. While some parents found workarounds, this policy change had an overall direct impact on exemptions. Maine has a similar story.

Misinformation is increasing. Our information landscape has dramatically changed—false news spreads 6 times faster than the truth on social media, and 70% of Americans get health news on social media. Public health has not kept up.

This is directly impacting behaviors like getting vaccinated. A recent Annenberg report asked Americans whether certain statements about vaccines were true. They found a consistent theme: a growing acceptance of vaccine misinformation. For example, 1 in 8 people believe there are toxins, like antifreeze, in vaccines.

Loss of trust in institutions also drives misinformation and behaviors. This isn’t unique to public health but will surely have dire consequences to communities.

Disruption in care. During the pandemic, many children missed their regular doctor visits and thus missed their vaccines. Routine vaccination is rebounding, but specific demographics, like those living in poverty or rural areas, remain lower than pre-pandemic rates.

Depending on where you live, measles, polio, and other outbreaks may start popping up around you and in the news, like the measles outbreak in Ohio or the polio outbreak in New York that prompted a state of emergency.

If your child is fully vaccinated, there isn’t cause for concern. But, many children <12 months cannot be fully vaccinated because they aren’t eligible yet.

We are moving backwards, which means we will likely see the resurgence of infectious diseases once considered 19th-century problems. It’s hard to watch this slow bleed because it is preventable.

Love, YLE

I SAW THE FUTURE AT WHITE PLAINS LIBRARY THIS MORNING IN THE BRAIN OF TOMORROW THE OPTIMUM IGLOO

Posted on November 13, 2023 by John Bailey

TOURING BATTLE HILL (ON FOOT) SHOWING SITE OF ONE OF THE BATTLE OF WHITE PLANS WITH 3-wall feature with map of where YOU ARE IN WHITE PLAINS (Top of screen) at The OPTIMUM IGLOO THIS MORNING.

HOME OF BEYOND HUMAN INTELLIGENCE on 2^nd floor of the library

WPCNR TOMORROW AND BEYOND. By John F. Bailey. November 13, 2023:

Forget about whatever you read about artificial intelligence.

There is nothing artificial about it.

It is reality, beyond imagination.

Never did I ever think a machine could write for me!

This can!

APPROACHING CHATTERTON HILL CLIMATIC BATTLE OF WHITE PLAINS SITE

I saw the Optimum Igloo artificial intelligence three-wall wraparound studio this morning demonstrated by Austin Olney, Digital Media Specialist of White Plains Public Library.

I saw a miracle performing with everything I saw.

Mr. Olney swept away any skepticism I have about “artificial” intelligence being something to fear.

It is a miracle.

The new is always feared.

Because it is a threat to power and the status quo.

The OPTIMUM makes research, writing, design, art, engineering, medicine diagnosis, faster, saving time and money LOTS OF IT.

Story about checkers created by Chatbot by the Igloo “BRAIN IN THE ROOM”

“Beyond Human Intelliegence,” as I call it, has the infinite possibility to stretch the envelope of creative genius in all fields far beyond where man and woman have ever gone before. It will enable the mind to do more with this computer assistant, a superbrain to test,try,invent, faster and more often.

I would call it “Beyond Human Intellgence” for the way it is stirring the blowing of winds of change, progress, possibilities of ultimate creative, research and discovery accelerating at warp speed.

It uses Chatbot, the fastest growing internet product ever, (Mr. Olney said) grew in a month faster than any internet launch. Midjourney is the other program that teams with Chatbot for graphics. Mr. Olney describes the two programs as “top of the line.”

Olney showed how chatbot creates a definition of one word such as a checkers, and comes up with a definition in a second or two.

I remember the hour or so I used to spend coming up with short punchy headlines when I was in advertising. My tongue was hanging out seeing this.

The “beyond human brain” can build on rough advertisng copy or news article if asked to “enhance it.”

In less than 20 seconds it fleshes out a new article in punchy easy flowing copy that weeds out the sometimes awkward phrasing written in the heat of a deadline.

The awesome brain in a room makes every creative person able to create faster in any field.

Mr. Olney then showed how I could instruct chatbot to create a story and then and then…a short play with dialogue, based on the rough story the machine had created out of a rough story there– it appeared.

And there it was in seconds…better than Brenda Starr!

I cannot tell you how hard writing is, the revising, the agonizing over words.

The miracle in a room can take your rough idea and give you a start, load in facts and background, then cut it for you.

The Optimum Igloo is being demonstrated monthly and it is worth seeing.

This miracle thing I saw today is so good The New York Times is suing it over copyright.

Chatbot and Midjourney collect content and store it and add to the store of knowledge billions and billions of facts, pictures, that can be incorporated faster than you can say “Jack Robinson.” You pick and choose.

This Giant Brain in a room will shake copyright law up. I have often thought that if you disseminate copyrighted material on a website for example it is fair use to copy portions of it. The Times for example makes you pay for access to their website. So if you pay for access to the material on their website or by their paper you should be able to copy it because it has already been disseminated to you for pay.

Chatbot prohibits political material, discussion or dissemination of violence, and sexually oriented content from being created. Something many platforms refuse to do effectively.

Olney pointed out that Chatbot does not verify facts. So if you include them you need to do your own checking.

The Midjourney graphics creates wraparound three-dimensional sequences. Mr. Olney is currently creating scenic tours of The Battle of White Plains with it. Which brings the terrain of that epic battle alive.

I no longer fear artificial intelligence.

Neither should you.

It is great for training, I can see it being used for aviation, the military, police training

MR. OLNEY DRIVING A ROUTE IN WHITE PLAINS DRAMATICALLY GIVING A REALITY WRAP AROUND VIEW

It will dramatically enhance the way children learn in schools that will adapt to it. It is adaptible to cellphone technology, I think, at-home learning, etc.

It will teach good writing by example.

It will demonstrate math by graphics and ultimately throw out those geometric formulas on regents by demonstrating with graphics.

It will teach English grammar faster.

It will revolutionize entertainment, bring stars of the past who have now passed away back to life in new movies, scripts, sitcoms and concerts of artists touring the world. Humphrey Bogart will be back in his glory. Barbara Stanwyck, John Wayne.

Chatbot is now free.

I have got to try this and so should you.

OUTBREAK OUTLOOK NORTHEAST

Posted on November 13, 2023 by John Bailey

View in browser

Outbreak Outlook – Northeast – November 13

NOV 13

READ IN APP

Welcome to the Northeast edition of Outbreak Outlook! It is only available to paid subscribers. If you wish to become a paid subscriber and access region-specific information, please click the Subscribe Now button below. Thanks for reading! -Caitlin

BY DR. CAITLIN RIVERS

(REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION)

No new data was released this week due to the Veteran’s Day holiday.

Covid-19 trends look pretty good in the Northeast. New Hampshire saw the only increase in hospitalization incidence in the Northeast, rising 0.4 admissions per 100,000 people over the past week. The rest of the region experienced declines or remained relatively flat. Wastewater concentration is also pretty flat.

Vermont posted the steepest drop at 1.8 fewer admissions per 100,000. New Jersey and New York also saw substantial decreases of 0.7 and 0.6 per 100,000, respectively. More moderate declines between 0.1-0.2 per 100,000 were seen in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. Pennsylvania changed very little week-over-week.

One note of caution: I’m seeing some early indicators of increase in other areas of the country, so I am (tentatively) concerned that the Northeast may see the same in the weeks to come.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: COVID HOSPITALIZATIONS AT WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL: FROM NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10, WHITE PLAINS HOSPITAL ADMITTED 93 PERSONS TO BEDS AND OF THE 93, 46 (49%) WERE FOUND TO HAVE COVID AFTER ADMISSION.

FROM NOVEMBER 5 THROUGH THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 396 PERSONS IN WESTCHESTER COUNTY, 79 A DAY, TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID. LAST WEEK FROM OCTOBER 29 TO NOV 4, 574 PERSONS TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID. IN THE 5 DAYS SUNDAY NOV 5 THROUGH THURSDAY NOV 9, 396,79 A DAY HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID.

FIGURES ON COVID CASES IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR ARE HALF THE POSITIVE CASES OF COVID IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR. IF WESTCHESTER CONTAINS COVID AT THE RATE OF UNDER 1,000 IN NOVEMBER CASES IN DECEMBER COULD PROJECT TO LESS THAN HALF THE SPREAD OF LAST DECEMBER, UNDER 6,000.)

Northeast Region: New COVID-19 Hospitalizations

Rate per 100,000 population

RSV is making rapid gains across the Northeast. PCR test positivity is up to 8.4% in the region, up from 3.9% just two weeks ago.

Massachusetts (13% PCR test positivity) and Maine (~10% for the past two weeks) have the highest PCR test positivity in the region, increasing to 13% and 9.6%.

Pennsylvania, New York, New Hampshire, and Connecticut have all seen increases in the past two weeks from the 3-4% range to roughly 6.5%. New Jersey has increased from 2.2% two weeks ago to 4.9% test positivity.

Vermont still has relatively low RSV activity, with positivity below 1%. (There is insufficient data for Rhode Island.)

Northeast Region: RSV Activity

Test Positivity, Percentage

Seasonal coronavirus activity, while still low in the Northeast, is on an upward trajectory, in keeping with its typical seasonal increase.
Parainfluenza activity also looks like it may be ticking up.
Human metapneumovirus and adenovirus activity remains low.
Norovirus (stomach bug) activity has been holding steady for the past several weeks at a low level in the Northeast.

Northeast Region: Norovirus Activity

Test Positivity, Percentage

The following foods are being recalled because they are contaminated. Please check your cupboards and throw out any of these items:

New this week:

Tyson chicken nuggets (more info)
Fresh cantaloupes sold under Malichita label (more info)
Multiple brands of dog and cat food (more info) (Note: this poses a risk to pets and to the people that care for them, since Salmonella can be acquired via handling of the pet food and/or contact with infected animals.)

Previously reported:

Multiple brands of eye drops, including some new brands added since last week (more info)
Multiple brands of Apple Cinnamon Fruit Puree, including some new brands added since last week (more info)

If you have food allergies, you may wish to review these FDA safety alerts and USDA alerts for foods with undeclared allergens.

Cumberland County in Pennsylvania has reported an outbreak of pertussis (whooping cough) in a local high school. Ten students have tested positive for the bacterial infection. Pertussis can cause a severe, hacking cough and serious illness in all ages, with infants at particularly high risk. Vaccinations are available to help prevent infection; adults should receive a booster every 10 years.
The New Jersey Department of Health announced last week that there had been an increase in Legionnaires’ Disease cases in Middlesex and Union Counties and they are investigating potential sources of infection. 41 cases have been reported, all with symptom onset between August 3 and October 23 of this year; this is well above the 12-16 cases typically reported between August and October. Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by an infection with Legionella bacteria – symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, and headaches. Most healthy people exposed to the bacteria do not develop Legionnaires, but older adults, those with chronic lung conditions, or those who are immunocompromised are at increased risk of severe disease. The disease is not spread person-to-person. It is spread by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water; cooling tower systems are often to blame in outbreaks.

WHITE PLAINS HONORS VETERANS ON CITY HALL STEPS

Posted on November 11, 2023 by John Bailey

THE COLORS ARE RAISED BY THE WHITE PLAINS COLOR GUARD OF POLICE AND FIREMEN,. ISABEL HOCH SANG A MEASURED, STATELY “STAR SPANGLED BANNER” THAT PRODUCED JUST THE RIGHT NOTE OF HONOR, REMEMBRANCE, PRIDE AND APPRECIATION– FRANCIS SCOTT KEY WOULD HAVE BEEN PLEASED. MS. HOCH SET THE TONE OF WHAT AMERICA’S VETERANS WHO SAVED THIS COUNTRY SO THAT BANNER MAY “WAVE OVER THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE.”

MAYOR TOM ROACH HONORED WHAT SERVICE TO AMERICA IN THE ARMED FORCES MEANT TO VETERANS, REMINISCING ABOUT HIS FATHER WHO SERVED ON A PBY RESCUE PLANE IN WORLD WAR II, AS A NOSE GUNNER, THAT HIS FATHER “ALWAYS TREASURED HIS SERVICE. HE SAID HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER FROM A VETERAN WHO SERVED ON THE U.S.S. WHITE PLAINS, AND HOW THE NAVY VETERAN WAS PROUD AND SHARED WITH THE MAYOR WHAT HIS SERVICE ON THE SHIP HAD MEANT TO HIM AND STILL DOES MEAN TO HIM.

MITCHEL STOGEL, FIRST LIEUTENANT, U.S. ARMY STANDING AT LEFT, WHO SERVED IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN AND SOMALIA IN ADDRESSING THE AUDIENCE, SHARED THE FEELING OF SATISFACTION FROM HIS 13 YEARS OF SERVICE AND RECALLED HOW MANY MEMBERS OF HIS FAMILY HAD SERVED WHICH CONVINCED HIM TO GO INTO THE ARMY. OF HIS EXPERERIENCE, HE SAID “I WOULD TRADE IT FOR ANYTHINNG ELSE.”

WHEN THE SERVICE ENDED, THE SILVER BELL WAS RUNG 11 TIMES TO COMMEMORATE THE 11TH HOUR OF THE 11TH DAY OF THE 11TH MONTH WHEN THE ARMISTICE WAS SIGNED IN A RAILROAD CAR OUTSIDE PARIS

AS THE SOLEMN RINGING ENDED, OLD GLORY, SLACK ON THE FLAG POLE ABOVE CITY HALL WHEN THE CEREMONY BEGAN , WAS WHIPSNAPPING UNFURLING RIPPLING IN THE WIND. IT WAS FITTING THE FLAG, WHICH IS A LIVING THING, APPEARED TO BE FILLING WITH ROBUST PRIDE AND SALUTING THE VETERANS OF THE PAST FOR THEIR VALOR AND NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN DEBT AMERICA OWES THEM.

WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE NOV 10 REPORT ON www.wpcommunitymedia.org

Posted on November 10, 2023 by John Bailey

THE WHITE PLAINS ELECTIONS

THE WHITE PLAINS OF THE FUTURE: CHALLENGE TO THE NEW COMMON COUNCIL “6”

WHAT THE VOTE SAYS ABOUT WHITE PLAINS VOTERS AND POLITICS

HEZI ARIS MIDDLE EAST EXPERT ON ORIGINS OF THE ISRAEL-HUMAS WAR – THE 105 YEAR CONFLICT AND WHAT HE SEES AS THE ONLY SOLUTION

COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER INTRODUCES THE OLDEST WESTCHESTER VETERAN

RETROSPECTIVE ON ARNOLD DIAZ PIONEER INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER FOR VICTIMS–THE INTREPID “SHAME ON YOU” REPORTER WHO TRACKED DOWN THE BUREAUCRATIC BUNGLERS, THE SCAMS, THE FLIM-FLAMS AND STOOD UP FOR THE LITTLE GUY AND RIGHTED WRONGS

THE 2024 COUNTY BUDGET

WESTCHESTER COVID CASES GO UP BY 100–ENDS 6 WEEK DECLINE IN CASES THE IMPLICATIONS

THE NEW COACHMAN HOMELESS SHELTER PLAYGROUND IN WHITE PLAINS

AND ALWAYS MORE

JOHN BAILEY AND THE NEWS YOU NEED TO KNOW

THIS WEEK EVERY WEEK ON WHITE PLAINS WEEK SINCE 2001 A.D.

22 YEARS FIGHTING FOR TRUTH JUSTICE AND THE AMERICAN WAY

MARYJANE SHIMSKY REPORT FROM ALBANY

Posted on November 10, 2023 by John Bailey

District 92 | News You Can Use

Veterans Day

On Veterans Day, we honor all of our residents who have served in the military (in contrast to Memorial Day, which honors those who made the ultimate sacrifice in their military duty). We thank our veterans for all of their work to keep our country and our world safe and secure.

On this, the 75th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift, we remember the American and British veterans who saved West Berlin from the Soviet Union’s blockade. Those troops completed some 189,000 flights, delivering over 2.3 million tons of food and other needed supplies. Their work provided relief to 2 million beleaguered Berlin residents, peacefully and effectively countered Soviet/Russian aggression, and strengthened the bonds of cooperation between the United States and Western Europe.

As we express our gratitude to our veterans for their past and present contributions to community, country and world, we remember our future veterans — those who are serving in the military today. We thank them for their service, and hope to see them, safe and sound, at local Veterans Day events one day.

There will be Veterans Day ceremonies in our district on the following days:

Friday, November 10

Pleasantville – 11 AM at the Memorial Plaza Gazebo

Saturday, November 11

Greenburgh – 2:00 PM at DeSanti Plaza, Hartsdale
Hastings-on-Hudson – 11 AM at VFW Plaza
Irvington – 10:45 AM at Irvington Memorial Plaza, Main Street
Mount Pleasant – 12 PM at Town Hall Plaza, Valhalla
Tarrytown/Sleepy Hollow – 10:30 AM at Patriots Park, Tarrytown
Valhalla – 11 AM at American Legion Adolph Pfister Post 1038

$6.76 Billion for New York
Passenger Rail Projects

The Biden Administration has awarded of $6.76 billion for downstate passenger rail projects that are critical to ensuring the region’s economy continues to thrive and expand. Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants announced on Monday by the Federal Railroad Administration, four key New York projects that renew and expand the region’s rail network will receive the following Federal investments.

Hudson Tunnel Project ($3.80 billion)
The Hudson Tunnel Project will construct a new two-track tunnel under the Hudson River and rehabilitate the existing North River Tunnel, which was severely damaged during Superstorm Sandy, to improve reliability, resiliency, and redundancy for hundreds of thousands of daily passengers who travel across the Hudson River, and allow for much-needed repairs on an essential stretch of the Northeast Corridor.

Metro-North Penn Access ($1.64 billion)
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is overseeing construction of four new Metro-North stations in the East Bronx and track and infrastructure enhancements that will enable the expansion of Metro-North’s New Haven Line to Penn Station and bring Amtrak-owned infrastructure to a state of good repair. The new route will dramatically reduce travel time to and from the East Bronx, which currently lacks rail service. Residents will save up to 75 minutes over current subway and bus connections and creates a direct commuter rail route between the Bronx and Westchester and Connecticut. It also gives Metro-North a second terminal in Manhattan, a critical backup, and is the largest expansion of Metro-North since it was founded 40 years ago.

Rehabilitation of Amtrak’s East River Tunnels to Penn Station ($1.26 billion)
Crews will rehabilitate two Amtrak-owned rail tunnels between Queens and Penn Station that were damaged by salt water flooding during Superstorm Sandy. The tunnels are used by all Amtrak service to New England and hundreds of Long Island Rail Road trains per day along with non-passenger NJ Transit and Amtrak trains traveling to Sunnyside Yard for storage. They will be also used by Metro-North trains when Penn Station Access service begins in 2027. The new tunnels will feature improved track that is directly fixed to the tunnel, all-new components, and enhanced climate resiliency.

Pelham Bay Bridge Replacement Project ($58 million)
Amtrak has proposed a final design to replace the existing 115-year-old two-track Pelham Bay Bridge in the Bronx with a new structure that will facilitate higher speed travel and fewer bridge openings.

Metro-North/LIRR Combo Ticket

With the opening of Grand Central Madison, direct transfers between Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road are now possible—and made easier with the new Combo Ticket. This will offer a convenient alternative for travelers to points on Long Island, including to JFK Airport. Lear more at mta.info/fares/combo-ticket.

MTA Customer Survey

The MTA is conducting its Fall 2023 Customers Count Survey in English and in Spanish, as part of its ongoing service improvement efforts. To participate, visit mta.info/mta-customers-research by November 20.

Weatherize for Winter

Winter in New York brings increased demand for heating homes and businesses. In a typical home, 43% of annual energy consumption goes toward space heating. But if the building envelope is not weatherized, air leaks will drive down efficiency—wasting 25-40% of energy used for heating—and impede comfort by creating drafts and uneven temperatures indoors. Learn how you can takes steps to weatherize your home or place of work at NYSERDA’s How to Weatherize for Winter.

Coffee and Conversation

Tuesday, November 14, 3-4 PM
at the William Vescio Community Center in Briarcliff Manor
(RSVP requested, but not required, to gilbertd@nyassembly.gov)

District 92 Office Open House

Wednesday, November 15, 5-7 PM
at 303 South Broadway, Suite 229, Tarrytown
(RSVP requested, but not required, to gilbertd@nyassembly.gov)

League of Women Voters Event

Thursday, November 16, 6:45 PM
at the Ossining Public Library Auditorium
(register here)

If my office can be of assistance to you, please respond to this email or call 914-631-1605.

Best wishes,

MaryJane Shimsky
Assemblymember 92nd District

Follow Assemblymember MaryJane Shimsky on Facebook for news and updates from Albany and across Assembly District 92.

If you would like to unsubscribe and stop receiving emails from this Assemblymember click here .

SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7: HEZI ARIS ON THE ISRAEL-PALISTINE WAR : THE BACKSTORY, WHERE IT’S GOING, THE ONLY SOLUTION ISRAEL WILL ACCEPT. OF YONKERS TRIBUNE/WESTCHESTER ON THE LEVEL ON PEOPLE TO HEARD ON WHITE PLAINS TV FIOS CH 45 COUNTYWIDE, AND OPTIMUM CH. 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITY MEDIA.ORG

Posted on November 9, 2023 by John Bailey

HEZI ARIS, INTERNATIONALIST & OBSERVER . FOUNDER YONKERS TRIBUNE, BLOGTALK RADIO HOST OF WESTCHESTER ON THE LEVEL–

EXPLAINS:

ON “PEOPLE TO BE HEARD” WESTCHESTER TV’S MOST RELEVANT INTERVIEW PROGRAM

ORIGINS OF THIS 105 YEAR OLD CONFLICT — ONLY SOLUTION ISRAEL WILL ACCEPT

RAISED IN THE MIDDLE EAST. EXTENSIVE OBSERVER OF THE REGION’S 100 YEARS OF CONFLICT AND ORIGINS IS INTERVIEWED BY JOHN BAILEY ON

HOW THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE WAR WILL BE SETTLED TO ISRAEL’S SATISFACTION AND A NEW FUTURE FOR PALISTINE IF THEY WANT IT.

HOW COLONIALISM AND GREED CREATED A WAR THAT NEVER ENDS.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS MODERN 100 YEARS WAR WITH NO END IN SIGHT

SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7 EST WHITE PLAINS TV FIOS CH 45 AND OPTIMUM CH 76 AND ANYTIME ON WWW.WPCOMMUNITYMEDIA.ORG

HOW LAWMAKERS UNDERMINE COVID VACCINATION EFFORTS

Posted on November 9, 2023 by John Bailey

State legislatures and politicians are pressuring public health officials to keep quiet about Covid vaccine

Nov. 7, 2023, 4:30 AM EST

By Amy Maxmen | KFF Health News (Reprinted as a public service from Meet the Press website)

Katherine Wells wants to urge her Lubbock, Texas, community to get vaccinated against Covid-19. “That could really save people from severe illness,” said Wells, the city’s public health director.

But she can’t.

A rule added to Texas’ budget that went into effect Sept. 1 forbids health departments and other organizations funded by the state government to advertise, recommend, or even list covid vaccines alone. “Clinics may inform patients that COVID-19 vaccinations are available,” the rule allows, “if it is not being singled out from other vaccines.”

Texas isn’t the only state curtailing the public conversation about Covid vaccines. Tennessee’s health department homepage, for example, features the flu, vaping, and cancer screening but leaves out Covid and Covid vaccines. Florida is an extreme case, where the health department has issued guidance against Covid vaccines that runs counter to scientific studies and advice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Notably, the shift in health information trails rhetoric from primarily Republican politicians who have reversed their positions on covid vaccines. Fierce opposition to measures like masking and business closures early in the pandemic fueled a mistrust of the CDC and other scientific institutions and often falls along party lines: Last month, a KFF poll found that 84% of Democrats said they were confident in the safety of covid vaccines, compared with 36% of Republicans. It’s a dramatic drop from 2021, when two-thirds of Republicans were vaccinated.

As new vaccines roll out ahead of the expected winter surge of Covid, some health officials are treading carefully to avoid blowback from the public and policymakers. So far, vaccine uptake is low, with less than 5% of Americans receiving an updated shot, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Wells fears the consequences will be dire: “We will see a huge disparity in health outcomes because of changes in language.”

A study published in July found that Republicans and Democrats in Ohio and Florida died at roughly similar rates before Covid vaccines emerged, but a disparity between parties grew once the first vaccines were widely available in 2021 and uptake diverged. By year’s end, Republicans had a 43% higher rate of excess deaths than Democrats.

Public health initiatives have long been divisive — water fluoridation, needle exchanges, and universal health care, to name a few. But the pandemic turned up the volume to painful levels, public health officials say. More than 500 left their jobs under duress in 2020 and 2021, and legislators in at least 26 states passed laws to prevent public officials from setting health policies. Republican Arkansas state Sen. Trent Garner told KFF Health News in 2021, “It’s time to take the power away from the so-called experts.”

At first, vaccine mandates were contentious but the shots themselves were not. Scott Rivkees, Florida’s former surgeon general, now at Brown University, traces the shift to the months after Joe Biden was elected president. Though Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis initially promoted Covid vaccination, his stance changed as resistance to Covid measures became central to his presidential campaign. In late 2021, he appointed Joseph Ladapo surgeon general. By then, Ladapo had penned Wall Street Journal op-eds skeptical of mainstream medical advice, such as one asking, “Are Covid Vaccines Riskier Than Advertised?”

As bivalent boosters rolled out last year, the Florida health department’s homepage removed information on Covid vaccines. In its place were rules against mandates and details on how to obtain vaccine exemptions. Then, early this year, the department advised against vaccinating children and teens.

The state’s advice changed once more when the CDC recommended updated covid vaccines in September.

DeSantis incorrectly said the vaccines had “not been proven to be safe or effective.”

And the health department amended its guidance to say men under age 40 should not be vaccinated because the department had conducted research and deemed the risk of heart complications like myocarditis unacceptable. It refers to a short, authorless document posted online rather than in a scientific journal where it would have been vetted for accuracy. The report uses an unusual method to analyze health records of vaccinated Floridians. Citing serious flaws, most other researchers call it misinformation.

KFF Health News, formerly known as Kaiser Health News (KHN), is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism.

States Are Witholding Vaccine Information: YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST

Posted on November 9, 2023 by John Bailey

States are withholding vaccine information

And why they should be working in overdrive to do the opposite.

By Dr. KATELYN JETELINA (Reprinted with permission)

NOV 9, 2023

Yesterday, one of my favorite science writers published an important piece: “Legislatures and politicians are pressuring public health officials to keep quiet about Covid vaccines.” Texas and Florida were called out, and Tennessee was briefly mentioned.

I can attest to this. One of these states recently invited me to speak at an event. Before going on stage, I was told what I could and could not say.

These states, in particular, should be doing the opposite: working overdrive in vaccine education given their excess deaths and poor health landscape.

Let’s dig in.

We (still) have excess deaths.

Excess deaths (i.e., the number of weekly deaths above “normal”) have ebbed and flowed. The national average has declined thanks to immunity but remains above pre-pandemic times.

Given myriad complex factors, the cumulative number of excess deaths differs by state. Since 2020, Texas has experienced the highest cumulative number of excess deaths. Florida and Tennessee rank among the top 10.

Total number of deaths above average since 2/1/2020, by jurisdiction (CDC)

When these excess deaths racked up varies greatly across states. For example, FL had relatively low excess deaths before vaccines but high excess deaths after vaccines (which seems counterintuitive). In 2022, excess deaths in TX remained consistently higher than the national average.

Some other causes of death (car accidents) have decreased over time, which would impact overall excess death. So for a comprehensive picture, we need to look at Covid-19 specific deaths, too.

In 2022, Covid-19 remained the 4th leading cause of death.
Today, TN and FL rank high—5th and 8th place—for Covid-19 death rates. (TX is somewhere in the middle.)

Overall health is poor.

Theoretically, states with populations that have more risk factors (i.e., poorer health) should shoot for more vaccine education and higher coverage to save lives and keep hospitals below capacity.

According to America’s Health Ratings, residents in FL, TN, and TX have, on average, poor overall health (ranked #27, #44, and #38 out of 50, respectfully). This is true for high-risk conditions too, like low birth weight and multiple chronic conditions.

Access to care is poor.

In addition, states with poor healthcare access should push for more public education campaigns to reach and prevent illness among everyone (instead of just those with a doctor who can provide information).

Unfortunately, FL, TN, and TX rank as some of the lowest in terms of access to healthcare, poverty, and people avoiding care because of costs.

Vaccines can help.

Vaccines continue to work well against severe disease. We’ve consistently seen this story, for example in the U.K.

In the U.S., we don’t have a universal healthcare system to make the above graph, but we can look at effectiveness. Last fall’s vaccines provided 50-60% additional protection among older adults compared to people who didn’t get the fall vaccine.

We see this on a state level, too. The higher the state vaccination rate, the lower the state death rate.

Unfortunately, vaccination coverage remains incredibly low.

Some states, including TX, FL, and TN, remain below average. In fall 2022, they reached a vaccination rate of 11% for the general population and 30% for those over 65+ years old.

Percent of the Total Population with 2022 Fall vaccine (CDC)

Bottom line

Communities need public health information, especially those with low access to care and many pre-disposing factors. Actively suppressing evidence-based information about a tool that can prevent the 4th leading cause of death is atrocious. Everyone deserves a fair opportunity to make healthy decisions.

Love, YLE

In case you missed it:

2023 RE-CAP OF THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS

Posted on November 8, 2023 by John Bailey

WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2023 News & Comment By Professor Stephen Rolandi. November 9, 2023:

While turnout was somewhat down compared to the 2019 off year elections, Democrats overall did somewhat better than expected in yesterday’s off-year elections, particularly Virginia, Ohio, Rhode Island and Kentucky. The losing Democratic gubernatorial candidate in Mississippi did better than expected for a Democrat in that state. Mr. Trump’s endorsements did not seem to help anyone he endorsed.

Closer to home, Mike Spano’s impressive (61%) re-election to an unprecedented 4^th term as Mayor of Yonkers sets him as a likely competitive candidate for Westchester County Executive in 2025, when incumbent CE George Latimer is term-limited (I would not be surprised if Mr. Latimer runs for Congress next year).

Kudos to the new-Mayor elect in New Rochelle, Hon. Yadira Ramos-Herbert, who is the first woman of color to become New Rochelle’s chief executive.

We now turn our attention to the 2024 Presidential elections, with the first vote schedule for January 15 with the Iowa Caucuses. Polling indicates a likely rematch between President Biden and former President Trump, with a good prospect of a strong third and fourth party candidacies.

Bottom Line:

The economy/inflation, abortion, border security, foreign affairs and gun safety will all be key issues next year. The polling is fluid right now; and I would not write-off President Joe Biden’s re-election chances, based on yesterday’s results. And the GOP would be wise to nominate someone other than Donald Trump, preferably a more moderate conservative candidate such as former SC Governor Nikki Haley or NJ former Governor Chris Christie. In addition, the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, needs to broaden his base if he seeks to become a full governing partner. Time will tell.

(Professor Stephen Rolandi previously served as Deputy Commissioner for the New York State Division of Human Rights, and the New York City Department of Records and Information Services. A political scientist, he is an Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Pace University and John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY. His views do not necessarily reflect those of his current/former employers).

WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

VACCINATIONS DROP. MORE INFECTIONS OF PREVIOUSLY IRRADICATED DISEASES EXPECTED

Drop in routine vaccinations

Driven by an increase in vaccine exemptions and misinformation.

Routine vaccinations decline

The role of exemptions

What is indirectly causing a decline in vaccinations?

What does this mean for you?

Bottom line

I SAW THE FUTURE AT WHITE PLAINS LIBRARY THIS MORNING IN THE BRAIN OF TOMORROW THE OPTIMUM IGLOO

OUTBREAK OUTLOOK NORTHEAST

Outbreak Outlook – Northeast – November 13

Respiratory diseases

Influenza-like illness

Covid-19

RSV

Other Respiratory + Stomach Bugs

Food recalls

In Other News

WHITE PLAINS HONORS VETERANS ON CITY HALL STEPS

WHITE PLAINS WEEK THE NOV 10 REPORT ON www.wpcommunitymedia.org

MARYJANE SHIMSKY REPORT FROM ALBANY

SATURDAY NIGHT AT 7: HEZI ARIS ON THE ISRAEL-PALISTINE WAR : THE BACKSTORY, WHERE IT’S GOING, THE ONLY SOLUTION ISRAEL WILL ACCEPT. OF YONKERS TRIBUNE/WESTCHESTER ON THE LEVEL ON PEOPLE TO HEARD ON WHITE PLAINS TV FIOS CH 45 COUNTYWIDE, AND OPTIMUM CH. 76 AND WWW.WPCOMMUNITY MEDIA.ORG

HOW LAWMAKERS UNDERMINE COVID VACCINATION EFFORTS

States Are Witholding Vaccine Information: YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST

Your Local Epidemiologist

2023 RE-CAP OF THE 2023 GENERAL ELECTIONS