(PITTSBURGH, Pa.) Clinical trials and observational studies show that all COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the U.S. are extremely effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19. Hospitalizations, however, do occur among a small number of those who are fully vaccinated, and immunocompromised patients are at highest risk, according to a new study by infectious disease physicians at Allegheny Health Network (AHN).

With limited data available regarding such patients, AHN infectious disease specialists Matthew Moffa, DO, Nathan Shively, MD, and Thomas Walsh, MD, sought to better understand their characteristics and clinical outcomes. The team facilitated a study last summer of fully vaccinated patients who had been hospitalized with COVID-19 at eight AHN hospitals across western Pennsylvania. The study findings were recently published on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America in the medical journal Open Forum Infectious Diseases.

Included in the study were 473 inpatients treated at AHN hospitals over a period of approximately six weeks. Of those patients, 128 were fully vaccinated, but none had received a booster vaccine as these vaccines were not yet authorized at the time of the study. The remaining patients were either unvaccinated or did not receive a full vaccine course.

Among the fully vaccinated and hospitalized patients, nearly 90 percent were 65 years or older and/or severely immunocompromised, meaning they were being treated for cancer, had a prior organ transplant or stem cell transplant, or they were on medications to suppress their immune system.

About half of those who were fully vaccinated required intensive critical care, and 19 of the patients died. No fully vaccinated patient under the age of 50 required mechanical ventilation or died from COVID-19.

“Our experience at AHN underscores that while the vaccines are extremely effective in preventing hospitalization and death, some people are at risk despite being fully vaccinated, especially those who are medically vulnerable,” said Dr. Moffa. “Getting fully vaccinated and boosted, nevertheless, is still the most important thing anyone can do to avoid getting sick or severely ill with COVID-19, and to help prevent the spread of the virus to other vulnerable people.”

To schedule an appointment at AHN to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, visit www.ahn.org/coronavirus/vaccine.

(Pittsburgh, Pa.) The National Weather Service in Pittsburgh has issued a flood watch for Western Pennsylvania that took effect Tuesday morning and will last until sometime Wednesday. We are expecting rainfall throughout the area today with some possibly being heavy at times. The watch was issued due to possible run off of the rain after the ground has already been saturated from rain and snow showers late last week.

You can see a detailed forecast from the national Weather Service Below:

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(Photo Provided with release)
(BEAVER, PA) The Beaver County Chamber of Commerce announced today that it
has accepted the resignation of President & Executive Director Helen Kissick. Kissick will leave the Chamber by early summer following a successful three-year term. She provided advance notification of her intention to leave her post to provide for an orderly transition and give the Board ample time to consider a replacement.

As the Chamber’s Board Chair, Brittney Golden commented, “Helen Kissick has made important contributions to the Chamber during her term. During the COVID-19 pandemic, especially, she navigated the Chamber through unparalleled times, when many businesses in our community struggled to remain open. We are especially thankful for her work assisting members in navigating the Paycheck Protection
Program loan and other federal and state programs that were designed to help small businesses stay afloat.” Golden added, “She was – and will continue to be – a real advocate for the business community and exemplifies the true meaning of community service.”
In announcing her resignation, Kissick expressed that her work with Chamber members, the Board and staff has been entirely fulfilling. “The level of collaboration amongst parties who have a sincere interest in moving Beaver County forward is invigorating. For example, programs like Leadership Beaver County (prepares future leaders in our county) and the Rooted Locally e-gift card program (to encourage
spending locally to support small businesses) happen only when people and the community at large passionately and consistently engage in building the greater good”. She further commented, “I’m particularly proud of the way our Chamber’s workplace has evolved these past few years to a hybrid setting. We continue to meet member needs while benefitting from an agile office footprint, providing
flexible work arrangements, in tune with today’s workforce needs.”
Kissick plans to stay involved in direct alignment with the Chamber’s vision to positively impacting Beaver County to be the chosen place to live and work, through her business consulting business and other community involvement. “Leaving the Chamber will provide an opportunity to step back, reassess and identify the next best way to personally learn, grow and contribute. I am grateful for the great relationships formed with the staff, Chamber members and Board along the way.”

Golden said that the Chamber Board will immediately form a committee to search for a new President & Executive Director. “We expect to have a qualified candidate identified soon to allow for an efficient transition in leadership. As an organization, we’re fortunate to have an excellent staff and an engaged board. As in past leadership changes, the Chamber will continue to provide uninterrupted service to our
members.”

This year, the Chamber is celebrating it’s 50th year of service to Beaver County businesses. Throughout its history, the Chamber has been a leading advocate for business and economic development. For more information on the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce, you can visit the Chamber’s website at www.bcchamber.com, or call the Chamber at 724-775-3944.

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Today is Presidents Day, which is a federal holiday that began as a celebration of President George Washington’s birthday. Over the years it has transitioned into a holiday to include a celebration of all the U.S. presidents.
All federal government offices and most state and county offices are closed today. There is also no mail delivery today and most banks credit unions are also closed.
The US Stock exchange is also closed today.
If you are expecting a package from UPS, FedEx or any other delivery company they are open and running today.
Some school districts have the day off today and if you’re a shopper many retailers are running specials sales for the Presidents Day Holiday.

By R.J. RICO Associated Press
Rents have exploded across the country, causing many to fall behind on payments, dig deep into their savings or downsize to subpar units. According to Realtor.com, median rent rose an astounding 19.3% from December 2020 to December 2021 in the 50 largest metro areas in the U.S. Experts say many factors are responsible, including a nationwide shortage of housing, extremely low rental vacancies and unrelenting demand as young adults continue to enter the crowded market. Rising rents are an increasing driver of high inflation in the U.S. Analysts expect rents to continue to rise this year, but at a slower pace, thanks to increased construction.