FDA expands Pfizer COVID booster, 3rd dose available for 16 and 17 years olds
The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters, opening a third dose of Pfizer's vaccine to people as young as age 16.
Tri-state COVID cases on the rise as threat of Omicron looms
New Jersey's COVID positivity rate has reached over 9%, while New York's number of COVID hospitalizations has jumped 86% in just the last month.
COVID-19 vaccines for kids: What if your child gets the wrong dose?
As efforts continue to vaccinate the nation’s younger population, some parents have reported their kids getting the wrong dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. While parents should remain diligent, health experts say it’s no cause for concern.
Senate rejects Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses
The Senate has narrowly approved a resolution to nullify the Biden administration’s requirement that businesses with 100 or more workers have their employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing.
Medicago's plant-based COVID-19 vaccine showing promising trial results, company says
Medicago announced Tuesday that its two-dose vaccine was 71% effective at preventing COVID-19 infection in a large, late-stage study that included several variants including the delta variant.
Omicron is less severe than delta but more transmissible, says Dr. Fauci
Due to its high transmissibility, omicron could soon overtake delta as the dominant strain. Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci says omicron appears to cause less severe symptoms than delta.
Pfizer: COVID-19 booster offers protection against omicron in early study
Pfizer said its COVID-19 booster dose may protect against the new omicron variant, but the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.
WHO advises against use of COVID-19 survivors' plasma to treat patients battling virus
Experts at the World Health Organization recommended Tuesday against using blood plasma from people who have recovered from COVID-19.
NYRR races will require runners to be vaccinated against COVID
After consulting public health experts and government officials, NYRR said it will require all runners of its adult races to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
Unvaccinated Illinois residents to pay own COVID-19 hospital bill, state lawmaker proposes
State Rep. Jonathan Carroll is proposing that any Illinois resident who refuses to get the COVID-19 vaccine should pay their own bill if hospitalized with the virus.
Truck company offering $10,000 to vaccinated drivers as deadline nears
A trucking company is offering a $10,000 bonus to all drivers who have received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine by mid-January.
US to boost COVID-19 vaccine global distribution with $400M investment
“This money will speed efforts both to get shots in arms and to support vaccine manufacturing in low-and-middle-income countries,” USAID administrator Samantha Power announced Monday.
NYC announces new vaccine mandate for all private sector employers
Beginning Dec. 27, all private-sector employers in New York City must require that their employees be fully vaccinated for the coronavirus, announced Mayor Bill de Blasio.
NYC vaccine mandate includes children as young as 5
Children as young as 5 years old will be required to get vaccines in New York City to enter restaurants and other indoor venues.
Booster shot demand increases but appointments scarce in Manhattan
For those wanting to get that booster shot, you may have to wait as appointments in Manhattan are hard to find.
Omicron variant may be less dangerous than delta, US health officials say
“Thus far, it does not look like there’s a great degree of severity to it,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said.
SC nurse charged with creating fake COVID-19 vaccine cards, DOJ says
Tammy McDonald pleaded not guilty Thursday during an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Shiva Hodges.
Dentist tries to get vaccine in fake silicone arm
A dentist in Italy faces possible criminal charges after trying to receive a coronavirus vaccine in a fake arm made of silicone.
Omicron variant popping up in more states as hospitals keep up with COVID-19 spike
The arrival of omicron comes as hospitals statewide continue to strain under a surge in coronavirus cases, most traced to the delta variant, along with staffing shortages.
Gov. Hochul: Three new Omicron variant cases found in NY
“Keep using the tools to help prevent the spread of COVID & its variants,” Hochul said in a tweet. “Get vaccinated, get your booster, & wear your mask.”