1st confirmed omicron variant case in Minnesota connected to NY anime convention
The first case of the omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed in Minnesota, the Minnesota Department of Health announced Thursday. The confirmation comes one day after the first U.S. cases of the omicron variant were detected in California.
Vaccine inequity: Global initiative to share shots struggles to meet goal
The vaccine alliance that helps run COVAX warned in internal documents that a substantial number of doses might only show up in late 2022 or even 2023.
Pfizer asks FDA to expand emergency use of COVID-19 booster to include 16, 17-year-olds
The request comes as the world rushes to learn more about the new and highly transmissible omicron variant first discovered by South Africa.
Oklahoma files lawsuit over National Guard COVID-19 vaccine mandate
“Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate ensures that many Oklahoma National Guard members will simply quit instead of getting a vaccine, a situation that will irreparably harm Oklahomans’ safety and security,” said Attorney General John O’Connor.
NFL suspends Bucs' Antonio Brown, Mike Edwards for violating COVID-19 protocols
The NFL has suspended Antonio Brown and Mike Edwards of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for violating the league's COVID-19 protocols after finding they misrepresented their vaccination status.
US to require all inbound travelers to take COVID-19 test 1 day before flight
All travelers to the U.S. must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test within one day of boarding their flights, regardless of nationality or vaccination status, the White House said.
President Biden launching winter COVID-19 booster, testing campaign
Biden said Wednesday that the forthcoming strategy, to be unveiled during a speech at the National Institutes of Health, would fight the virus "not with shutdowns or lockdowns but with more widespread vaccinations, boosters, testing, and more."
Greece to impose monthly fine on unvaccinated residents over 60
Greek residents have until Jan. 16 to get their first jabs, or will be fined 100 euros ($113) for every month they remain unvaccinated.
Omicron-specific vaccine testing underway: Moderna chairman responds to first omicron variant detected in US
Moderna chairman Noubar Afeyan joined "The Claman Countdown" Wednesday shortly after the first case of the omicron variant was reportedly detected in the U.S. to express concern for the nature of the new strand.
Pentagon chief says National Guard members who refuse vaccine cannot train to maintain status
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has decided that National Guard members who refuse COVID-19 vaccination will be barred from federally funded drills and training required to maintain their Guard status, saying, "Vaccination is essential to the health and readiness of the force."
Omicron variant spreading more quickly than any other strain, health experts say
Moderna and Pfizer announced they could release a new vaccine to protect against the omicron variant within 100 days.
COVID-19 vaccine makers exploring if omicron versions of shots are needed
Officials from Moderna and Pfizer are assessing their responses to the new COVID-19 variant omicron and say it will take months to develop a tweaked shot if needed.
Central Florida research center ready for trials if new coronavirus vaccine is developed
As Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson start looking at ways to fight the new omicron variant, Central Florida research labs are preparing just in case they're needed for testing.
Omicron variant: CDC expands COVID-19 booster recommendation to all adults 18 and older
"Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
CDC 'strengthens' recommendation on booster doses for everyone 18 and older
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said Monday that it is "strengthening its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older."
Judge to look again at health care shots mandate
Pointing to a new state law, a federal judge has decided to reconsider Florida’s request for an injunction against a Biden administration requirement that workers at hospitals, nursing homes and other health-care providers be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Merriam-Webster declares 'vaccine' as 2021 word of the year
Merriam-Webster has declared an omnipresent truth as its 2021 word of the year: vaccine. Last year, it chose “pandemic.”
Young COVID-19 ‘long haulers’ promote vaccine in new ad campaign
“I have a lot of debilitating nausea, dizziness and a racing heart. I can't comprehend words at times,” 26-year old Isiah said in one video after getting COVID-19 in October 2020.
Fauci says omicron variant could be ‘red flag,’ urges COVID-19 boosters for all
“I keep saying it over and over, the next couple of months are going to be up to us. I mean, we, right now, have a tool, a very effective tool,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said, urging vaccination amid news of the worrying new omicron variant.
Moderna testing 3 COVID-19 booster vaccines on omicron variant, Pfizer ready to adapt
Pfizer said if any coronavirus variant ever evades the protection offered by its COVID-19 vaccine, it expects to be able to produce a “tailor-made” adapted version of its vaccine to fight that variant in approximately 100 days, pending approval from federal regulators.