Israel to offer 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine to most vulnerable
Israel approved a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose for people most vulnerable to the virus, the first country to do so.
J&J COVID-19 booster found to cut omicron hospitalizations in South African study
Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 booster shot was found to reduce the risk of omicron-related hospitalization by about 85%, according to a South African clinical trial.
1st person in US to get COVID-19 shot now a vaccine activist
The first person in the U.S. to get a COVID-19 vaccine, New York nurse Sandra Lindsay, has since become a prominent face in the vaccination campaign.
Fauci: 4th COVID-19 vaccine dose too ‘premature’ to discuss
Dr. Anthony Fauci said it’s too soon to decide if Americans would need a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
MDH: Omicron now believed to be dominant COVID strain in Minnesota
The omicron variant is now estimated to be the dominant COVID-19 strain in Minnesota, state health officials said Wednesday.
San Jose mayor pushes for mandatory booster; could be 1st in California
In what could be an unprecedented move in California, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said he wants to make all city employees and visitors who enter city-owned facilities, to have a booster shot or third round of vaccinations. There will surely be pushback to the plan.
Moderna: COVID booster effective against omicron in tests, will still develop new shot
Moderna said its COVID-19 booster shot appears to provide protection against the omicron variant but it will continue developing a tweaked jab.
Pfizer testing third COVID-19 vaccine dose for kids under 5
Pfizer said its special low-dose COVID-19 vaccine didn’t have as strong an immune response as expected in 2- to 4-year-olds, and it’s now testing three doses.
Smart Health Cards: Could it become an alternative to vaccine passports?
SmartHealth Cards have been adopted by over 20 states and it’s considered by some as a trusted source for people to access and verify their vaccine status.
Study: Omicron variant is 'markedly resistant' to vaccine, booster shot
According to the study, existing antibody therapies like monoclonal antibody cocktails are largely ineffective against omicron, along with natural antibodies from previous infections.
COVID in Minnesota: 1 year of vaccines, expanded testing for holidays
State officials are encouraging Minnesotans to celebrate as safely as they can this holiday season. Here’s an information guide to getting tested, vaccinated, and boosted in Minnesota to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Omicron variant is milder but better at evading vaccines, South African data indicates
The omicron variant appears to cause less severe disease than previous strains, South African data suggests. But the Pfizer vaccine seems to offer less defense against infection.
Pfizer: COVID-19 pill remains effective against severe disease, omicron variant
Pfizer said its experimental COVID-19 pill Paxlovid reduced hospitalizations and deaths by 89% among high-risk adults when taken shortly after initial symptoms.
2nd Minnesota student wins $100,000 scholarship for COVID vaccine
Parents must enter their child by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Dec. 13 to be eligible for the final $100,000 college scholarship drawing for student COVID vaccines.
Fauci: Americans may 'just have to deal with' more COVID boosters
Dr. Anthony Fauci made the statement on Sunday morning and said that the level of protection that the current coronavirus booster shots give to individuals will have to be monitored closely over the next several months.
Navy commander loses job after refusing COVID-19 vaccine
Cmdr. Lucian Kins was relieved of his duties Friday as second in command of the USS Winston Churchill, a destroyer, by Navy Capt. Ken Anderson, commander of Naval Surface Squadron 14.
In US, more than 200 million people now fully vaccinated against COVID-19
Over 200 million people in the U.S. — or about 60% of the total population — are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, even as cases and hospitalizations climb.
Can't find a COVID booster shot? Blame the worker shortage
This week, Minnesota health officials launched a campaign encouraging people to get their COVID-19 booster shots in time for holiday gatherings later this month.
Omicron basics: Mayo Clinic expert on severity, vaccine resilience
“Let me make this clear, we can no longer eradicate this virus and this disease. Your great great great grandchildren will be getting immunized against this disease," said Director/Founder of Mayo Clinic Vaccine Research Group, Dr. Greg Poland.
Pfizer: COVID-19 booster offers protection against omicron in early study
Pfizer said its COVID-19 booster dose may protect against the new omicron variant, but the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.