Higher risk for COVID? CDC and FDA recommend updated, bivalent booster

An older couple walking down a dirt road.

Following FDA regulatory action, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) met today to discuss these COVID-19 vaccine recommendation changes, and the associated implications and implementation. Although…

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NEW: Moderna announces new booster that is Omicron variant specific

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Moderna announces new booster that is Omicron variant specific Moderna, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines, today announced new clinical data on its Omicron-containing bivalent COVID booster candidate, mRNA-1273.214, containing mRNA-1273 (Spikevax) and a vaccine candidate targeting the Omicron variant of concern. A 50 µg booster dose of mRNA-1273.214 met…

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Moderna joins Pfizer in recommending 4th vaccine, but expands to all adults, 18+

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Moderna, Inc., a biotechnology company pioneering messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutics and vaccines, today announced that it has submitted a request to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for an amendment to the emergency use authorization (EUA) to allow for a fourth dose of its COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA-1273) in adults 18 years of age and…

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Expanded use of Pfizer boosters for some children approved by FDA.

Red shadows of people on a blue background.

The 3-step process of to bring vaccinations to the American public has become familiar. First, the FDA acts through either an EUA or general approval, then the AICP, a committee of the CDC grants approval, followed by the 3rd step of full CDC approval. At that point – all expected in this latest EUA to…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Dec. 29, 2021

Two military men wearing face masks and gloves.

Photo: Stars & Stripes RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY Some hospitals are calling on the Governor to call in the National Guard – as RI hospitals now have the highest percentage of people in the hospital in the United States. An updated COVID-19 vaccine policy for City of Providence employees was announced, requiring all employees to…

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Your Coronavirus Update – Dec. 28, 2021

Updated isolation & quarantine recommendations.

RHODE ISLAND & VICINITY The VA Medical Center is first hospital in RI to completely stop visitation due to omicron variant (exception for end-of-life). President Biden says the federal government will support the states and they should let him know if they need anything – but it is the states that will handle the COVID…

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NEW: CDC recommends immunocompromised get additional vaccine 28 days after 2nd vaccine

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COVID-19 Vaccines for Moderately to Severely Immunocompromised People What You Need to Know People with moderately to severely compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to COVID-19, and may not build the same level of immunity to 2-dose vaccine series compared to people who are not immunocompromised. CDC recommends that people with moderately to severely compromised…

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NEW: Single-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine goes from 79% to 94% efficacy with booster

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Johnson & Johnson Announces Real-World Evidence and Phase 3 Data Confirming Strong and Long-Lasting Protection of Single-Shot COVID-19 Vaccine in the U.S. Additional data show a booster increases protection 94 percent protection in the U.S. with booster given at two monthsFour-fold increase in antibodies when given at two months 12-fold increase in antibodies when booster…

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