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.

No omicron variant cases detected in NYC yet, mayor says

There were no confirmed cases of the new omicron variant of the coronavirus detected in New York City as of Monday, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

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.”

WHO disagrees with flight bans over omicron variant

WHO's regional director for Africa, Matshidiso Moeti, called on countries to follow science and international health regulations in order to avoid using travel restrictions.

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.

State Department issues 'do not travel' warnings to 8 countries amid omicron variant concerns

South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana were all put under a level 4 “do not travel” advisory by the U.S. State Department on Saturday.

NY awards first round of vax scholarships for kids 5 to 11

Ten preteens from around New York have won college scholarships for 5-to-11-year-olds who get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Florida reports lowest daily coronavirus cases per capita in nation

Florida is reporting the lowest amount of coronavirus cases per capita in the nation after Gov. Ron DeSantis was widely criticized by media outlets for his handling of the virus. 

Nassau County ER to reopen after resolving staffing shortages

A Nassau County emergency room will reopen after resolving staffing shortages related to the state’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for health care workers.

'It's Coming' - Gov. Hochul declares State of Emergency in NY amid omicron fears

"We continue to see warning signs of spikes this upcoming winter and while the new Omicron variant has yet to be detected in New York State, it's coming," Hochul said.

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.

Omicron variant: World races to contain new 'highly transmissible' COVID-19 strain

The world is racing to contain a new coronavirus variant that is potentially more dangerous than the one that has fueled waves of infection on nearly every continent.

US, Canada, EU, Japan restrict South Africa travel over Omicron variant

Advisers to the World Health Organization held a special session Friday to flesh out information about the worrying new variant of the coronavirus that has been detected in South Africa.

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.

Omicron variant: What to know about the new COVID-19 strain

South African scientists identified a new version of the coronavirus this week that they say is behind a recent spike in COVID-19 infections in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province.