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Outgoing CDC director says resignation spurred by sense of accomplishment and exhaustion
Read full article: Outgoing CDC director says resignation spurred by sense of accomplishment and exhaustionThe outgoing head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said her reasons for stepping down were complicated, driven in part by a desire to take a break from the frenetic pace of the job during a pandemic.
WHO, CDC: A record 40 million kids miss measles vaccine dose
Read full article: WHO, CDC: A record 40 million kids miss measles vaccine doseThe World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say measles immunization has dropped significantly since the coronavirus pandemic began, resulting in a record high of nearly 40 million children missing a vaccine dose last year.
Vaccine appears to protect against monkeypox, CDC says
Read full article: Vaccine appears to protect against monkeypox, CDC saysU.S. public health officials say at-risk people who have received just one dose of the monkeypox vaccine have appeared to be significantly less likely to get sick from the virus.
After Biden COVID recovery, admin launches new booster push
Read full article: After Biden COVID recovery, admin launches new booster pushPresident Joe Biden’s administration is launching a renewed push for COVID-19 booster shots for those eligible, pointing to the enhanced protections they offer against severe illness as the highly-transmissible BA.
Monkeypox virus could become entrenched as new STD in the US
Read full article: Monkeypox virus could become entrenched as new STD in the USThe spread of monkeypox in the U.S. could represent the dawn of a new sexually transmitted disease, though some health officials say the virus that causes pimple-like bumps might yet be contained before it gets firmly established.
US sees doubling in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 since April, reflecting spread of new subvariants
Read full article: US sees doubling in hospitalizations due to COVID-19 since April, reflecting spread of new subvariantsThe new variants, labeled BA.4 and BA.5, are offshoots of the omicron strain that has been been responsible for nearly all of the virus spread in the U.S. and are even more contagious than their predecessors.
White House urges caution on COVID variants, pushes boosters
Read full article: White House urges caution on COVID variants, pushes boostersThe Biden administration is calling on people to exercise renewed caution about COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of getting booster shots and wearing masks indoors.
White House officials encourage parents to vaccinate their younger children
Read full article: White House officials encourage parents to vaccinate their younger childrenThe White House COVID-19 response team is urging parents to get their young children vaccinated as the country begins to rollout vaccines to the youngest population.
A third of US should be considering masks, officials say
Read full article: A third of US should be considering masks, officials sayCOVID-19 cases are increasing in the United States — and could get even worse over the coming months, federal health officials warned in urging areas hardest hit to consider reissuing calls for indoor masking.
COVID-19 rates plunge as decision nears on US asylum limits
Read full article: COVID-19 rates plunge as decision nears on US asylum limitsCOVID-19 rates are plunging among migrants crossing the border from Mexico as the Biden administration faces a decision to end or extend sweeping restrictions on asylum that are aimed at limiting the virus’ spread.
US extends mask rule for travel while weighing new approach
Read full article: US extends mask rule for travel while weighing new approachFederal officials are extending the requirement for masks on planes and public transportation through mid-April while taking steps that could lead to lifting the rule.
Pelosi opens Biden State of the Union speech to full House
Read full article: Pelosi opens Biden State of the Union speech to full HouseDespite the pandemic, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has announced that all members of Congress are invited to attend President Joe Biden’s upcoming State of the Union address in the House chamber.
More virus rules fall as CDC hints at better times ahead
Read full article: More virus rules fall as CDC hints at better times aheadThe nation’s top federal health official says the U.S. is moving closer to the point that COVID-19 is no longer a “constant crisis” as more cities, businesses and sports venues began lifting pandemic restrictions around the country.
Under pressure to ease up, Biden weighs new virus response
Read full article: Under pressure to ease up, Biden weighs new virus responseFacing growing pressure to ease up on pandemic restrictions, the White House is insisting it is making plans for a less-disruptive phase of the national virus response.
After wave of cancellations, Delta sees recovery in 2022
Read full article: After wave of cancellations, Delta sees recovery in 2022Delta Air Lines is reporting a $408 million loss for the final quarter of 2021, dragged down by a COVID-19 surge that rocked the airline in December, and the carrier expects to suffer one more quarterly loss before travel picks up in the spring and summer.
CDC preparing to update mask information, director says
Read full article: CDC preparing to update mask information, director saysThe head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the agency is preparing to update information on its website about face masks but continues to recommend that everyone wear some type of mask.
Soaring COVID-19 cases renew US debate over mask mandates
Read full article: Soaring COVID-19 cases renew US debate over mask mandatesOfficials across the U.S. are again weighing how and whether to impose mask mandates as COVID-19 infections soar and the American public grows weary of pandemic-related restrictions.
Top health officials testify before US senators about response to omicron variant
Read full article: Top health officials testify before US senators about response to omicron variantThe nation’s top health officials testified Tuesday before United States senators about the federal government’s response to the omicron variant of the coronavirus.
Florida sets new 1-day record for COVID-19 cases as hospitalizations of young children soar in US
Read full article: Florida sets new 1-day record for COVID-19 cases as hospitalizations of young children soar in USA total of 76,887 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Florida on Thursday, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data.
Omicron variant now makes up 95% of new COVID-19 cases, CDC says
Read full article: Omicron variant now makes up 95% of new COVID-19 cases, CDC saysThe White House COVID-19 Response Team held a briefing Wednesday as the number of COVID-19 cases continues to surge, fueled by the highly contagious omicron variant.
FDA expands Pfizer COVID-19 boosters for US children as young as 12
Read full article: FDA expands Pfizer COVID-19 boosters for US children as young as 12The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters as it confronts the omicron surge, with the Food and Drug Administration allowing extra Pfizer shots for children as young as 12.
White House COVID-19 Response Team stands by shorter isolation, quarantine recommendations
Read full article: White House COVID-19 Response Team stands by shorter isolation, quarantine recommendationsNew cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. have soared to their highest level on record at over 265,000 per day on average, a surge driven largely by the highly contagious omicron variant.
Local health expert’s take on when to seek monoclonal antibody treatment
Read full article: Local health expert’s take on when to seek monoclonal antibody treatmentUF Health Jacksonville had considered no longer ordering the Regeneron monoclonal antibody treatment but with the new numbers from the CDC, they backed off that decision and will continue to offer Regeneron treatment, Neilsen said.
US move to shorten COVID-19 isolation stirs confusion, doubt
Read full article: US move to shorten COVID-19 isolation stirs confusion, doubtU.S. health officials’ decision to shorten the recommended COVID-19 isolation and quarantine period from 10 days to five is drawing criticism from some medical experts and could create confusion among many Americans.
US officials recommend shorter COVID isolation, quarantine
Read full article: US officials recommend shorter COVID isolation, quarantineU.S. health officials are cutting isolation restrictions for asymptomatic Americans who test positive for the coronavirus and shortening the time that close contacts have to quarantine.
Search for a COVID-19 test means sold-out signs, long lines
Read full article: Search for a COVID-19 test means sold-out signs, long linesPresident Joe Biden promised to distribute hundreds of millions of free COVID-19 tests and to open more testing sites, but the stepped-up efforts will not come in time for the holidays.
Omicron sweeps across nation, now 73% of new US COVID cases
Read full article: Omicron sweeps across nation, now 73% of new US COVID casesOmicron has raced ahead of other variants and is now the dominant version of the coronavirus in the U.S. Federal health officials said Monday that omicron accounted for an estimated 73% of new infections last week.
CDC endorses schools' coronavirus 'test-to-stay' policies
Read full article: CDC endorses schools' coronavirus 'test-to-stay' policiesU.S. health officials are endorsing “test-to-stay” policies that allow close contacts of students infected with the coronavirus to remain in classrooms if they test negative.
Fauci: ‘At this point, there is no need for a variant-specific booster’
Read full article: Fauci: ‘At this point, there is no need for a variant-specific booster’The White House says America has made significant progress on COVID-19 boosters and vaccines in recent weeks, but COVID-19 cases are on the rise as scientists try to learn more about the omicron variant.
US faces a double coronavirus surge as omicron advances
Read full article: US faces a double coronavirus surge as omicron advancesThe new omicron coronavirus mutant speeding around the world may bring another wave of chaos, as it threatens to further stretch hospital workers already struggling with a surge of delta cases and upend holiday plans for the second year in a row.
The AP Interview: CDC chief says omicron mostly mild so far
Read full article: The AP Interview: CDC chief says omicron mostly mild so farThe chief of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 40 people in the country have been found to be infected with the omicron variant so far and more than three-quarters of them had been vaccinated.
US moving to toughen testing requirement for travelers
Read full article: US moving to toughen testing requirement for travelersThe Biden administration is moving to toughen testing requirements for international travelers to the U.S., for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people, amid the spread of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus.
‘Too early to tell’ level of severity of omicron variant, Fauci says
Read full article: ‘Too early to tell’ level of severity of omicron variant, Fauci saysIt’s still too early to tell: That is the message from the White House COVID-19 Response Team as scientists race to find out more about the omicron variant.
2.6M children ages 5-11 will have received their 1st COVID-19 shot by end of Wednesday, WH says
Read full article: 2.6M children ages 5-11 will have received their 1st COVID-19 shot by end of Wednesday, WH saysThe White House says about 10% of eligible children ages 5 to 11 have received a dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine since its approval for their age group two weeks ago.
Roll up your sleeves: Kids' turn arrives for COVID-19 shots
Read full article: Roll up your sleeves: Kids' turn arrives for COVID-19 shotsSchoolchildren take the spotlight this week as the U.S. enters a new phase in COVID-19 vaccination aimed at curbing deaths, hospitalizations and more than a year of disrupted education.
As COVID cases fall, Halloween brings more fun and less fear
Read full article: As COVID cases fall, Halloween brings more fun and less fearWitches and warlocks, ghosts and ghouls can breathe a little easier this Halloween: Coronavirus cases in the U.S. are generally on the decline, and trick-or-treaters can feel safer collecting candy.
Children ages 5 to 11 may soon be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s a look at the plans
Read full article: Children ages 5 to 11 may soon be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Here’s a look at the plansSome 28 million children ages 5 to 11 in the United States may soon be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, and plans are underway to help them get it.
CDC considers updating fully-vaccinated definition to include a booster shot
Read full article: CDC considers updating fully-vaccinated definition to include a booster shotTaking the recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses may no longer be enough to be considered “fully vaccinated” in the future. The CDC is considering updating its definition to include a booster shot.
Next on FDA's agenda: Booster shots of Moderna, J&J vaccines
Read full article: Next on FDA's agenda: Booster shots of Moderna, J&J vaccinesWith many Americans who got Pfizer vaccinations already rolling up their sleeves for a booster shot, millions of others who received the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine wait anxiously to learn when it’s their turn.
Should kids go trick-or-treating? CDC director says: ‘If you’re able to be outdoors, absolutely’
Read full article: Should kids go trick-or-treating? CDC director says: ‘If you’re able to be outdoors, absolutely’Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that children should be able to trick-or-treat safely this Halloween as long as they’re outdoors and in small groups.
The Latest: NY teacher vaccine mandate temporarily blocked
Read full article: The Latest: NY teacher vaccine mandate temporarily blockedNew York City schools have been temporarily blocked from enforcing a vaccine mandate for its teachers and other workers by a federal appeals judge days before it was to take effect.
US booster shots start, even as millions remain unprotected
Read full article: US booster shots start, even as millions remain unprotectedThe U.S. launched a campaign to offer boosters of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to millions of Americans on Friday even as health officials stressed the real problem remains getting first shots to the unvaccinated.
FDA experts among group opposing US booster shot plan
Read full article: FDA experts among group opposing US booster shot planAn international group of scientists is arguing the average person doesn't need a COVID-19 booster yet — an opinion that highlights the intense scientific divide over the question.
Americans eager to travel over Labor Day as CDC recommends those unvaccinated stay home
Read full article: Americans eager to travel over Labor Day as CDC recommends those unvaccinated stay homeThe director of the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention this week asked Americans who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 to stay home during the Labor Day holiday weekend.
US booster plan faces complications, some may miss Sept. 20
Read full article: US booster plan faces complications, some may miss Sept. 20President Joe Biden’s plans to start delivery of booster shots by Sept. 20 for most Americans who received COVID-19 vaccines are facing new complications that could delay the availability for those who received the Moderna vaccine.
The Latest: US says high vaccination areas protect children
Read full article: The Latest: US says high vaccination areas protect childrenU.S. states with high COVID-19 vaccination rates are protecting children from hospitalization, according to an analysis by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
‘It’s hard for me to say go do this’: DeSantis stops short of endorsing booster shot
Read full article: ‘It’s hard for me to say go do this’: DeSantis stops short of endorsing booster shotAs U.S. health officials plan to offer COVID-19 booster shots to vaccinated Americans, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Thursday he’s not ready to endorse the shot.
US health officials call for booster shots against COVID-19
Read full article: US health officials call for booster shots against COVID-19U.S. health officials have announced plans to dispense COVID-19 booster shots to all Americans to shore up their protection amid the surging delta variant and evidence that the vaccines’ effectiveness is falling.
Extra COVID vaccine OK’d for those with weak immune systems
Read full article: Extra COVID vaccine OK’d for those with weak immune systemsU.S. health regulators have authorized an extra dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines in people with weakened immune systems to better protect them from the virus.