The U.S. Food and Drug Administration will hold a key advisory panel meeting on coronavirus booster shots on Sept. 17, a mere three days before the Biden administration plans to begin offering third shots for Americans. While the public session could add clarity to what some feel has been a confusing decision-making process, it also… read on > read on >
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15 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Wasted in U.S. Since March 1
At least 15 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been thrown away in the United States since March 1, government data shows. That’s a far greater amount than previously known, but it is still just a small fraction of the total doses administered in this country, according to NBC News. The data is self-reported by… read on > read on >
Risk of Long COVID Falls by Half in ‘Breakthrough’ Cases
In a finding that should reassure Americans who have already lined up to get their coronavirus shots, a new study shows the risk of long COVID-19 is halved in fully vaccinated adults if they do get a breakthrough infection. Researchers analyzed data from people who provided information for a COVID symptom study in the U.K.… read on > read on >
COVID Vaccines’ Power Fades With Time, But Still Protective: Study
A new study of more than 19,000 San Diego health care workers finds that COVID-19 vaccination may have lost some of its power to ward off “breakthrough” infections. But that’s no reason to lose faith in the vaccines: In the study, the rate of COVID-19 infection in July among unvaccinated workers was nearly triple that… read on > read on >
Could Nose Cartilage Help Repair Worn-Out Knees?
When people have knee arthritis, cartilage cushioning the joint progressively breaks down. Now an early study hints at a possible solution: replacing it with cartilage from the nose. Researchers tested the approach in just two patients with knee arthritis, and said much work lies ahead. But the initial findings, published Sept. 1 in Science Translational… read on > read on >
COVID Vaccines Cut Odds of Hospitalization By Two-Thirds
If you’re vaccinated against COVID-19, you may still get infected — but the odds you’ll need hospitalization are reduced by about two-thirds compared to unvaccinated people, a new study reveals. Vaccination also greatly increases the chances that COVID-19 infection will be asymptomatic and halves the risk of long-haul symptoms — those lasting 28 days or… read on > read on >
Got ‘Zoom Fatigue’? Taking Breaks From the Camera Can Help
If you feel exhausted after a day filled with online meetings, well, you are not imagining it. A new study found that the pressure of having the camera on for a long time is draining. This so-called “Zoom fatigue” is even worse if you’re a woman or a new employee. “There’s always this assumption that… read on > read on >
Two Top Officials in FDA’s Vaccine Review Office to Retire
Two senior leaders in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine review office are stepping down, but their departures won’t slow efforts to combat the pandemic, the agency said Tuesday. “We are confident in the expertise and ability of our staff to continue our critical public health work, including evaluating COVID-19 vaccines,” FDA spokesperson Stephanie… read on > read on >
U.S. COVID Vaccination Rates Climb in August
Nearly 14 million Americans got their first dose of a coronavirus vaccine in August, a steep rise from July, White House officials said Tuesday. The statistic is a sign that vaccine skepticism may be waning, as the highly contagious Delta variant continues to fuel case surges across the United States. “We’ve accelerated the pace of… read on > read on >
Unvaccinated Should Not Travel This Labor Day Weekend: CDC
Unvaccinated Americans should stay home during the holiday weekend as COVID-19 cases surge due to the highly contagious Delta variant, the head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday. “First and foremost, if you are unvaccinated, we would recommend not traveling,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a White House… read on > read on >