CDC Votes to Allow Use of Omicron Vaccine Boosters

CDC Votes to Allow Use of Omicron Vaccine Boosters

Sept. 1, 2022 — A panel of advisors to the CDC today supported use of vaccines designed to target both Omicron and the older variants of the coronavirus, a step that may aid a goal of a widespread immunization campaign before winter arrives in the U.S. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 13-1 … Read more

COVID Omicron Boosters About to Arrive, With Some Controversy

COVID Omicron Boosters About to Arrive, With Some Controversy

Aug. 31, 2022 – COVID-19 booster vaccines targeting the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants currently dominating in the United States could be available in the next few days, but their arrival comes with some controversy. The FDA granted emergency approval to the mRNA boosters from Pfizer and Moderna today. Next up are meetings of the … Read more

Monkeypox Outbreak: White House Announces New Response Actions

Monkeypox Outbreak: White House Announces New Response Actions

Aug. 18, 2022 – Acknowledging the seriousness of the monkeypox outbreak in the United States, the White House announced today that 1.8 million more vaccine doses will be available to order by local and state jurisdictions that are running low on supply starting next week. At the same time, U.S. officials will send 50,000 more … Read more

Countries With Universal Health Care Had Better Child Vaccination Rates During Pandemic

Countries With Universal Health Care Had Better Child Vaccination Rates During Pandemic

By Cara Murez HealthDay ReporterHealthDay Reporter THURSDAY, Aug. 18, 2022 (HealthDay News) — Countries that are closer to achieving universal health coverage saw smaller declines in routine childhood vaccinations during the pandemic, a new study reveals. The World Health Organization describes universal health coverage as “all individuals and communities receive the health services they need … Read more

Large Study Confirms COVID Vaccines Safe for Pregnant Women

Large Study Confirms COVID Vaccines Safe for Pregnant Women

Aug. 11, 2022 – Pregnant women should feel confident that Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines against COVID-19 are safe, according to a large new study published today. In fact, pregnant vaccinated women had lower odds of a significant health event, compared with nonpregnant vaccinated women, after both doses of either mRNA vaccination, the researchers reported in … Read more

FDA Expands Home Testing Guidelines for COVID Exposures

FDA Expands Home Testing Guidelines for COVID Exposures

Editor’s note: This story will be updated. Aug. 11, 2022 – It might be a good time to stock up on home COVID-19 tests. Today, the FDA issued new guidance on at-home COVID testing. It still recommends repeat testing after a negative result, but is also recommending that people who have no symptoms but think … Read more