Ochsner Health is trying to help dispel vaccine misinformation for women of childbearing age. Brooke Thorington has more.
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Vaccinated people were not excluded from the statewide mask mandate that goes into effect today. Matt Doyle has the story…
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The Louisiana Workforce Commission is hosting job fairs in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Houma, Monroe, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria, and Shreveport today. Matt Doyle has more…
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Physicians at Ochsner Health are working to dispel common myths and misinformation about COVID vaccines, especially among women of childbearing age. Ochsner Baptist OBGYN Dr. Jane Martin, who was vaccinated for COVID during her own pregnancy says we have even more data now that the vaccines are safe.
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Martin says vaccine hesitancy is understandable and especially last year when we didn’t have as much data as we do now. Martin says her personal decision to be vaccinated while pregnant was easy after seeing many pregnant women hospitalized with COVID and data confirming their increased risk.
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Research previously indicated among non-COVID vaccines during pregnancy, that the mother will pass along protective antibodies through the placenta and breast milk to their child. Martin says now data shows it’s the same for COVID vaccinations.
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With the Delta variant, Ochsner healthcare providers say they are now seeing an increase of younger unvaccinated patients along with pregnant patients who do not have a preexisting condition, being admitted to the hospital.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends COVID vaccinations for all eligible persons including those who are pregnant and lactating.
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The statewide mask mandate takes effect today and both the unvaccinated and vaccinated will have to return to masking up while indoors.
Vaccinated people might be surprised to hear they’re included but State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says there’s growing evidence that those who suffer breakthrough cases can spread COVID quite easily.
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About 43 percent of the state has received at least one shot of a COVID vaccine.
Kanter says vaccines are still key because those who are vaccinated are about eight times less likely to be infected in the first place…
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Unvaccinated individuals account for 90 percent of all new COVID cases, 85 percent of all new COVID deaths, and 89 percent of COVID-related hospitalizations.
Louisiana is the first state to reinstitute a statewide mask mandate. Kanter says this is because we are in a particularly dire situation and every bit of mitigation helps.
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Senator Bill Cassidy says he along with other lawmakers in DC have been putting in extra long hours on the $1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act. Cassidy says it’s historical legislation that invests in our nation’s infrastructure.
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Cassidy says the Act includes $550-billion of new money on top of that which was already allocated. He says the bill is bipartisan, paid for, and doesn’t add to the debt or deficit. Cassidy believes the infrastructure act will make numerous impacts on the state, like reduced commute times and safer roads and bridges.
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Another benefit for Louisiana is funds dedicated to updating deteriorating water and sewer systems. Cassidy says the legislation will also help close the digital divide that was highlighted during the pandemic.
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Cassidy is confident the legislation will pass and, in the meantime, lawmakers are working on the amendment process of the legislation.
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The Louisiana Workforce Commission is holding in-person job fairs across the state today.
LWC Secretary Ava Cates says over 300 employers will be offering over 10,000 jobs to those who visit the job fairs.
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Job fairs will be held in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, Houma, Monroe, Lake Charles, Lafayette, Alexandria, and Shreveport.
Cates says if you show up and find a great job that you’re not quite qualified for yet they will work with you to get you into a training program that will get you certified.
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Cates says if you plan on attending bring your resume, ID, and any certifications or other professional credentials you possess.
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Cates says there are also 50,000 jobs available on Louisianaworks.net.