Health

The contracts would have been used to assist with the public health department's rollout of a COVID-19 vaccine education campaign using federal funds already approved by the commission.

After a long wait, children aged five to 11 are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. While many parents and children breathed a sigh of relief, others might be questioning the necessity of a vaccine for one of the most resilient age groups. Wyoming Public Radio's Jeff Victor spoke with Wyoming Public Health Officer Alexia Harrist, who said children and their communities benefit from vaccination.

The infrastructure bill President Biden signed last week contains potentially big boosts in pay for wildland firefighters as well as expanded mental health services and more opportunities for permanent, year-round work.

"It's the most gratifying job I'll ever have," says a former hotshot. "But it's also a job that made me contemplate suicide and think that my family was better off with a life insurance check than being around what turned into seasonal depression."

Sheriff’s deputies in Washoe County, Nev., responded to two fentanyl overdoses in a 12-hour span earlier this month.

Kinli is a Laramie Middle School student with asthma and congenital lung conditions. She lost a family member to COVID and almost lost a second. Wyoming Public Radio's Jeff Victor spoke to Kinli about finally getting vaccinated. She says everyone who is able to get a vaccine should get one — especially to protect the immunocompromised people who can't get one themselves.

The effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines seems to wane over time. And Pfizer and Moderna booster shots are currently being recommended for fully vaccinated Americans who are 18 and older. Wyoming Public Radio's Jeff Victor wondered if it's still a good idea to get one.

Sheridan County School Districts 1 and 2 voted to discontinue their mask mandates for students at board meetings on November 16. They were the only two districts to issue mask mandates this school year in northeast Wyoming.

After another historic wildfire season, scientists from across the region will gather virtually to discuss what to do about the health impacts of wildfire smoke.

Retired Cody, Wyoming family physician Dr. Greg McCue says the current pace of the virus could seriously affect patient care. He's taking his time to recruit signatures of doctors, physician's assistants, and nurse practitioners that will appear in advertisements in support of the vaccine.