Vaccines

Anthony Fauci (left), director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and chief medical advisor to the President, listens as President Joe Biden (right) delivers remarks on the Omicron Covid-19 variant. Fauci has warned that Omicron could reach most of the population.

Covid-19

Seven Key Questions About Omicron Answered

As the variant spreads and more studies have been done, experts share what they know

More than a quarter of American ICU beds are currently occupied by Covid-19 patients.

U.S. Sets Record With Over 1 Million New Daily Covid-19 Cases

Experts credit the recent surge to the spreading omicron variant and a lag in case reporting over the holidays

From amazing firsts on Mars to the impacts of climate change on Earth, these science stories stood out as the most important of 2021

The Ten Most Significant Science Stories of 2021

Thrilling discoveries, hurdles in the fight against Covid and advancements in space exploration defined the past year

The CDC said Thursday that “receiving any vaccine is better than being unvaccinated.”

The CDC Now Recommends Pfizer and Moderna Covid-19 Vaccines Over J&J

The decision comes after more evidence linking the Johnson & Johnson shot to a rare blood clotting syndrome

A booster shot is administered in Stony Brook, New York in November. Such a shot can help spur a person’s immune system to ramp up defenses against Covid-19.

Six Questions About Waning Immunity to Covid-19 Answered

Experts weigh in on when a reduced immune response occurs and how boosters can help restore defenses

To reduce the risk of contracting and spreading Omicron, experts offer the same proven advice as they do against all Covid-19 variants: social distancing, masking, and getting vaccinated and boosted.

What Experts Do and Don't Know About the Omicron Covid-19 Variant

Scientists have dubbed Omicron a “variant of concern,” but warn against panic

The letter will be sold alongside a portrait of the Russian empress on December 1.

Catherine the Great Letter Extolling the Virtues of Vaccination Is Up for Auction

The Russian empress, who was inoculated against smallpox in 1768, was an early proponent of the practice

Experts aren’t recommending one jab over the other, instead advising individuals to make the decision be made based on personal factors.

CDC Panel and FDA Authorize Covid-19 Boosters for All Adults

Americans 18 and older will be eligible for a booster shot of their choice, pending approval from CDC Director Rochelle Walensky

Humans contract Lyme disease from the bite of a blacklegged tick, which carries the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Humans contract Lyme disease from the bite of a blacklegged tick, which carries the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.

First-Ever mRNA Vaccine for Lyme Disease Shows Promise in Guinea Pigs

Instead of eliciting an immune response for the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, the vaccine targets proteins found in tick saliva

If regulators approve the request, roughly 181 million fully vaccinated Americans will be able to get an additional jab.

Pfizer Asks FDA to Expand Booster Eligibility to All Adults

Experts are optimistic the request will be granted before the winter holiday season

Cervical cancer rates in women who received the vaccine when they were between 14 and 16 were reduced by 62 percent. Women who received the vaccine in their late teens between 16 to 18 had a 34 percent reduction in cervical cancer rates.

U.K. Study Finds HPV Vaccine Reduced Cervical Cancer Rates by 87%

When children are inoculated between 12 and 13 years old, the vaccine is most effective

Results from clinical trials show Pfizer’s vaccine was around 91 percent effective in preventing symptomatic Covid-19 infections in kids ages 5 to 11.

CDC Recommends Pfizer's Covid-19 Vaccine for Children Ages 5 to 11

About 28 million kids are immediately eligible for the safe and effective lower-dose vaccine

The recent decision expands vaccine eligibility to roughly 28 million American children.

FDA Authorizes Pfizer's Covid-19 Vaccine for Kids 5 to 11

The lower-dose vaccine could be administered as soon as this Wednesday, pending CDC approval

The CDC added mental health disorders to the list of primarily physical conditions that increase the risk of Covid-19 hospitalization or death. 

The CDC Adds Mental Health Conditions to High-Risk Covid-19 List

The addition of mood disorders expands the list of Americans eligible for booster shots by millions

The skin patch vaccine is administered by a pocket-sized device with 5,000 needle-like projections.

Covid-19

Could Skin Patches Be the Future of Covid Vaccines?

The device might survive longer storage times and pose a better option for people afraid of needles

Those currently eligible for a booster shot include older and high-risk recipients of the Pfizer and Moderna jabs, and those who received the one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Mixing and Matching Covid-19 Vaccines Could Impact Immunity

Because public health officials aren’t recommending one booster shot over another, individuals are left to make a choice based on personal factors

The Food and Drug Administration And Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are likely to authorize the vaccine for young kids within the next few days.

FDA Panel Recommends Pfizer Vaccine for Children 5 to 11

The lower-dose vaccine was deemed safe and highly effective at preventing symptomatic Covid-19 infections in young children

Kids given two low-dose versions of the Moderna vaccine a month apart showed antibody levels 1.5 times higher than those seen in young adults. 

Moderna Says Covid-19 Vaccine Is Safe and Effective for Kids 6 to 11

The trial of nearly 5,000 children showed a strong immune response from two low-dose shots

Other actions that curbed the spread of the virus include vaccine education programs, vaccination events, lockdowns, curfew times, and rigorous sanitary measures.

Puerto Rico Has the Highest Covid-19 Vaccination Rate Among the United States and Its Territories

Mass vaccination events and compliance with restrictions to prevent the spread of the virus helped control community transmission rates

Since the country’s first booster shot was approved last month, some 11.6 million individuals have received the additional jab.

FDA Backs Moderna and J&J Boosters, Plus Mix-and-Match Strategy

Experts say fully vaccinated Americans are still well protected, but boosters could provide added immunity for millions

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