Income test for Medicare dental under debate, gets pushback
The so-called “means test” is drawing internal opposition from many Democratic lawmakers, as well as advocacy groups for older people, like AARP.
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Businesses nervously await fine print of federal vax-or-test rule
An obscure White House office is expected to give the green light any day to the rule’s fine print detailing how and when companies will have to require their employees to be vaccinated or undergo weekly testing.
Indiana’s death toll from COVID-19 increases by 61
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 decreased from 1,576 on Sunday to 1,551 on Monday, their lowest number since Aug. 16.
Vaccine booster mix-and-match approach poised for FDA clearance
Preliminary results of a U.S. government-sponsored trial found that mixing coronavirus vaccines produces as much or more antibodies as using the same shot as a booster.
Supply-chain crunch creating shortages of some foods
More than a year and a half after the coronavirus pandemic upended daily life, the supply of basic goods at U.S. grocery stores and restaurants is once again falling victim to intermittent shortages and delays.
Here’s why COVID boosters weren’t tweaked to better match variants
More COVID-19 booster shots may be on the way—but when it’s your turn, you’ll get an extra dose of the original vaccine. And that has some experts wondering if the booster campaign is a bit of a missed opportunity to target delta and its likely descendants.
Marion County offers free at-home COVID-19 rapid testing kits for targeted areas
Residents who live in 23 targeted ZIP codes with high rates of COVID-19 and lower-than-average rates of vaccination can get free, rapid, at-home testing kits that health officials hope will reduce the spread of the deadly virus.
Indiana passes million-case mark for official COVID-19 infections
More than 235,000 Hoosiers have already gotten COVID-19 vaccine boosters, with a weekend increase of nearly 15,000.
Cities seek to loosen rules on spending federal pandemic aid
At issue is $350 billion for states, counties and cities that was part of the massive COVID-19 relief bill signed in March. Under rules developed by the U.S. Treasury Department, some governments have more flexibility than others to spend their share of the money as they want.
FDA panel endorses booster shot for J&J COVID-19 vaccine
U.S. health advisers endorsed a booster of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine Friday, citing growing worry that Americans who got the single-dose shot aren’t as protected as those given two-dose brands.
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 drop below 1,600
According to the state health department’s latest breakthrough statistics, nearly 500 people in Indiana have died of COVID-19 despite being fully vaccinated.
FDA panel takes up tough questions on J&J COVID-19 boosters
U.S. health advisers on Friday tackled who should get boosters of Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot COVID-19 vaccine and when—and whether using a competing brand for the second dose might provide better protection.
FDA panel endorses lower-dose Moderna COVID shot for booster
The panel of outside advisers to the FDA voted unanimously to recommend a booster shot for seniors, as well as younger adults with other health problems, jobs or living situations that put them at increased risk from COVID-19.
IMF warns economic recovery threatened by virus, inflation
The International Monetary Fund called Thursday for greater efforts from wealthy nations to boost COVID vaccination rates in poorer countries, while also urging the Federal Reserve and other central banks to respond quickly if current inflation pressures prove not to be transitory.
Indiana’s COVID-19 death toll rises by 78
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 decreased from 1,708 on Tuesday to 1,634 on Wednesday, the lowest number since Aug. 17.
More questions about J&J vaccine boosters ahead of FDA review
FDA scientists didn’t reach a firm conclusion about whether there’s enough evidence for J&J boosters, citing shortcomings with the company’s data and little information on protection against the extra-contagious delta variant.
Indiana reports 2,773 new COVID-19 cases, 32 more deaths
Statewide hospitalizations due to COVID-19 decreased from 1,729 on Monday to 1,708 on Tuesday. More than 21% of Indiana’s intensive care unit beds are occupied by COVID patients.
FDA authorizes first e-cigarette, cites benefit for smokers
The Food and Drug Administration said the vaping device from R.J. Reynolds can help smokers cut back on conventional cigarettes.
FDA review finds Moderna booster strengthens COVID-fighting response
On Thursday, advisers are expected to consider data supporting a third shot of Moderna, which would be the equivalent of a half-dose of the original shot. The booster would be administered at least six months after initial vaccination.
Indiana’s COVID-19 vaccination pace falls to lowest level
The state health department’s tracking shows Indiana giving about 6,000 shots a day through last week—about half the rate from early September.