U.S. regulators approve new COVID-19 vaccine option
Novavax makes a more traditional type of shot than the three other COVID-19 vaccines available for use in the U.S.—and one that’s already available in Europe and multiple other countries.
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Pandemic fueled surge in superbug infections, deaths, CDC says
The surge reversed years of progress fighting one of the gravest public health challenges in modern medicine, according to a new analysis released Tuesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Biden officials push to offer second booster shots to all adults
Virus levels have risen across the country, fueled by ever-more-contagious omicron subvariants such as BA. 5 that evade some immune protections and have increased the risk of reinfections.
Latest variant driving new wave of coronavirus infections
Officials warn of a possible fall or winter wave—perhaps as many as 100 million infections in the United States—that could again flood hospitals with COVID patients.
Juul, FDA suspend court case while e-cigarette ban on hold
The agreement comes one day after the FDA placed a hold on its initial order banning Juul’s products from the market, saying that Juul’s application warranted “additional review.”
Indiana lawmakers to weigh THC regulations, marijuana decriminalization
While lawmakers said total marijuana decriminalization is on the table for debate during summer study meetings, they will also explore restrictions involving the sale of products like delta-8, including age requirements for purchasing.
U.S. officials announce more steps against monkeypox outbreak
Reacting to a surprising and growing monkeypox outbreak, U.S. health officials on Tuesday expanded the group of people recommended to get vaccinated against the monkeypox virus.
Commission says $250M investment needed for Indiana public health
A commission tasked with reviewing Indiana’s public health infrastructure has found spending per capita lags and is set to pitch a significant investment.
Pfizer says tweaked COVID-19 shots boost omicron protection
The FDA is considering ordering a recipe change for the vaccines made by both Pfizer and rival Moderna in hopes that modified boosters could better protect against another COVID surge expected this fall and winter.
Dr. Michael Weiner and Sandeep Puri: Business should take metrics-based approach to COVID
In a new phase of long-term strategies, businesses can consider a metrics-based approach, lobby legislators and local officials to rely on evidence, provide employees and customers with predictability around mask-wearing, and protect health and business operations.
COVID-19 vaccines saved 20M lives in 1st year, scientists say
The researchers used data from 185 countries to estimate that vaccines prevented 4.2 million COVID-19 deaths in India, 1.9 million in the United States, 1 million in Brazil, 631,000 in France and 507,000 in the United Kingdom.
FDA bans Juul e-cigarettes tied to teen vaping surge
The action is part of a sweeping effort by the Food and Drug Administration to bring scientific scrutiny to the multibillion-dollar vaping industry after years of regulatory delays.
CDC panel recommends U.S. seniors get souped-up flu vaccines
The panel unanimously recommended certain flu vaccines that might offer more or longer protection for seniors, whose weakened immune systems don’t respond as well to traditional shots.
Moderna says updated COVID shot boosts omicron protection
COVID-19 vaccine makers are studying updated boosters that might be offered in the fall to better protect people against future coronavirus surges.
Pfizer seeks authorization of coronavirus shot for children under 5
The advance toward a vaccine for infants, toddlers and preschoolers has been an achingly slow and incremental process, with pediatricians and families waiting for an opportunity to vaccinate young children.
Gridlock could delay more COVID funds until fall, or longer
Administration officials say they’re running low on money to stock up on, or even begin to order, the latest vaccines, tests and treatments. Also lacking are funds to reimburse doctors treating uninsured patients and to help poor countries control the pandemic.
U.S. making COVID antiviral drug more available at test sites
Despite a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases, deaths from the virus have remained largely stable over the past eight weeks.
Vaccines might not prevent many symptoms of long COVID, study suggests
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new estimates of the syndrome’s toll in the United States, suggesting it affects one in five adults younger than 65 who had COVID, and one in four of those aged 65 and older.
Pfizer says three low-dose COVID shots protect children under 5
Pfizer plans to give the data to U.S. regulators later this week in a step toward letting the littlest children get the shots. The 18 million tots under 5 make up the only group in the U.S. not yet eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
FDA clears COVID booster shot for healthy children ages 5-11
There is one more hurdle: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must decide whether to formally recommend the booster for this age group. The CDC’s scientific advisers are scheduled to meet on Thursday.