Pfizer seeks OK of updated COVID vaccine booster for fall
Pfizer asked U.S. regulators Monday to authorize its combination COVID-19 vaccine that adds protection against the newest omicron relatives—a key step toward opening a fall booster campaign.
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CDC drops quarantine, screening recommendations for COVID-19
The changes are driven by a recognition that an estimated 95% of Americans 16 and older have acquired some level of immunity, either from being vaccinated or infected, agency officials said.
Indiana needs to boost spending by $242M a year to modernize public health system, commission says
The commission said more money is needed because the state ranks among the worst in the nation for obesity, smoking, infant mortality and other critical measures, and the life expectancy of Hoosiers has declined in recent years.
New studies bolster theory coronavirus emerged from the wild
The research, published online Tuesday by the journal Science, shows that the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market was likely the early epicenter of the scourge that has now killed nearly 6.4 million people around the world.
25M children missed routine vaccinations because of COVID
Experts said this “historic backsliding” in vaccination coverage was especially disturbing since it was occurring as rates of severe malnutrition were rising.
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.
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.