Journal of Urgent Care Medicine

Our Organs and Tissues Are Steeping In Microplastics

Global plastic production has more than doubled since 2000, resulting in microplastic (any plastic fragment smaller than 5 millimeters) contamination in air, food, and water. Plastic contamination can cause concerning health effects, according to an online post in JAMA. Tiny plastic particles—generally those with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less—can enter the human body through inhalation or ingestion, and evidence shows they have been detected in multiple organs, including the lungs, brain, liver, and …

Measles Surge Isn’t Behind Us Just Yet

As of October 8, 2025, there have been a total of 1,563 confirmed measles cases reported in 42 states this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The largest proportion of cases are among those ages 5-19 years (39%), and 92% of all cases are among unvaccinated people or those with unknown vaccine status. However, experts speaking to NPR believe the numbers are actually much higher than what has been reported and …

CUCM Creates New Opportunity For NP, PA Leadership

The College of Urgent Care Medicine (CUCM) has formed a new special interest group for nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) who practice urgent care medicine. The purpose of the group is to connect NP and PA clinicians in the industry through a professional community to address topics unique to their roles, while amplifying their voices and contributions to patient care and organizational success. The group will promote continuing education, encourage leadership, and support …

Urgent Care Operators Sue Digital Health Platform

More than a dozen urgent care operators across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have filed a federal lawsuit against Solv Health, a platform that hosts a directory of urgent cares with digital features allowing consumers to book appointments. The urgent cares allege in Excel Urgent Care of Astoria PLLC et al. v. Solv Health, Inc. that Solv misrepresented their services, including claims that certain centers did not offer online scheduling when in fact they …

Large Majority of Families Use Urgent Care at Least Once a Year

A recent survey by WellNow Urgent Care across 5 states shows 90% of all adults are likely to consider going to an urgent care for minor medical emergencies or illnesses—highlighting urgent care’s convenience, after-hours care, and affordability. The survey also shows nearly two-thirds of mothers say cost is the primary factor influencing whether they seek care. Three-quarters of surveyed moms report using vacation days from work to attend medical appointments, and 57% say they have …

Emphasize Caution With Consumer Blood Pressure Devices

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a new warning for patients and providers to be aware of risks related to unauthorized devices that claim to measure or estimate blood pressure. Many blood pressure devices currently sold directly to consumers have not been evaluated for safety and effectiveness. Such devices are required to receive FDA marketing authorization to be lawfully marketed in the United States. With the rise in wearables, more consumers are looking to …

Last Flu Season Came In With Highest Severity in 14 Years

The cumulative influenza-associated hospitalization rate for the 2024–2025 season was the highest since 2010–2011, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which classified the season overall as “high severity.” Hospital admissions from October 1, 2024, through April 30, 2025, reached 127.1 per 100,000 population and were highest among Americans aged 75 years and older (598.8). Across age groups, hospitalization rates during last season were 1.8 to 2.8 times higher …

COVID Vaccines Approved For 2025-2026 Respiratory Virus Season

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week approved 3 COVID-19 vaccines for the upcoming flu season. However, key restrictions that differ from years past include: fewer vaccine options for the youngest pediatric population; and generally no eligibility for those ages 5-64 who are healthy and not high-risk. In addition, FDA revoked emergency use authorizations for the vaccines, which had included a lower-dose option for children ages 6 months to 4 years. Announcements were posted …

Chronic Infant Mortality Leads Miss. To Declare Unusual Public Health Emergency

Mississippi health officials this week declared a public health emergency after new data showed the state’s infant mortality rate has soared. In 2024, 9.7 infants died for every 1,000 live births, up from 8.9 in 2023 and nearly double the national average of 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the state. Since 2014, 3,527 infants in Mississippi have died before their first birthday. Officials say the declaration will speed up efforts to expand …

AAP Recommends Kids Get COVID Vaccines

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) this week released an immunization schedule including evidence-based guidance for COVID-19 vaccines for children and adolescents. What some see as controversial, however, is the fact that the AAP schedule doesn’t align with recent government agency announcements. Specifically, AAP recommends the COVID vaccine for all children 6 months to 23 months of age as well as older children who are in several risk groups. By contrast, the latest Food and …

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