New Bird Flu Cases

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12
PROGRAM #10590 11:00 AM PT

New Bird Flu Cases. 

Bird flu has spread from dairy cows to humans, and at least 20 people in California are infected with the virus. Bird flu has already infected wild birds, poultry and dairy cows in the San Joaquin Valley. A federal agency is stepping in to help local rural clinics to provide free flu vaccine doses in twelve states to protect livestock, dairy, and poultry workers. How to distinguish between seasonal flu and H5 bird flu cases? Experts discuss this question and also talk about the importance to get vaccinated ahead of the holidays.

Guest: Paula Andalo, Ethnic Media Editor, KFF Health News, Silver Spring, MD.

Enrolling in Health Care Plans. Covered California kicked off 2025 open enrollment, launching a campaign across the state to reach California’s remaining uninsured before the deadline at the end of January. Californians can sign up for, renew or shop for a new health insurance plan and now more financial help is available through the Inflation Reduction Act. During 2025, DACA recipients will be eligible to enroll in Covered California due to a rule change by the Biden-Harris administration. Experts also comment on the challenges Medi-Cal enrollees are facing to reenroll in the state program and the expansion of these services to undocumented residents.

Guests: Dr. Susana Ramirez, Associate Professor, Public Health Communication and Health Literacy Researcher, University of California at Merced (UC Merced), Merced, CA; Patricia Izquierdo, Public Information Officer, Communications and Public Relations, Covered California, Los Angeles, CA.

Photo: California Department of Public Health

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