COVID-19 Latest News

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African CDC Calls for Covid-19 Vaccine Doses with a Shelf life of 3 to 6 Months

Covid-19 Vaccines (Post ID: 1030)

In Africa .5% of delivered vaccines doses have expired according to Africa CDC.  Africa CDC renews calls for extended expiry dates for donated doses.

Last updated on 01/20/2022 03:03 PM

What We Actually Know About Waning Immunity Reports of vaccines’ decline have been greatly overstated.

Covid 19 (Post ID: 1029)

Vaccines don’t last forever. This is by design: Like many of the microbes they mimic, the contents of the shots stick around only as long as it takes the body to eliminate them, a tenure on the order of days, perhaps a few weeks.

What does have staying power, though, is the immunological impression that vaccines leave behind. Defensive cells study decoy pathogens even as they purge them; the recollections that they form can last for years or decades after an injection. The learned response becomes a reflex, ingrained and automatic, a “robust immune memory” that far outlives the shot itself, Ali Ellebedy, an immunologist at Washington University in St. Louis, told me. That’s what happens with the COVID-19 vaccines, and Ellebedy and others told me they expect the memory to remain with us for a while yet, staving off severe disease and death from the virus at extraordinary rates.  Full Story: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2021/09/waning-immunity-not-crisis-right-now/619965/

Last updated on 09/11/2021 03:13 PM

The Pfizer BioNTech (BNT162b2) COVID-19 vaccine: What you need to know

Covid-19 Vaccine (Post ID: 1028)

Updated 25 June 2021, pursuant to updated interim recommendations 

WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) has issued its policy recommendations for the rollout of  the first COVID-19 vaccine approved for emergency use, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine.

According to SAGE, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is safe and effective. The priority is to start vaccinating health workers at high risk of exposure, followed by older adults, before immunizing the rest of the population. 

Full Article: https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/who-can-take-the-pfizer-biontech-covid-19--vaccine

Last updated on 08/22/2021 12:31 AM

Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines

Covid-19 Vaccine (Post ID: 1027)

This article is part of a series of explainers on vaccine development and distribution. Learn more about vaccines – from how they work and how they’re made to ensuring safety and equitable access – in WHO’s Vaccines Explained series.

 

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and getting vaccinated will help protect you against developing severe COVID-19 disease and dying from COVID-19. You may experience some mild side effects after getting vaccinated, which are signs that your body is building protection.

Full Article:https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/side-effects-of-covid-19-vaccines

Last updated on 08/17/2021 08:28 PM

Vaccine efficacy, effectiveness and protection

Covid-19 Vaccine (Post ID: 1026)

This article is part of a series of explainers on vaccine development and distribution. Learn more about vaccines – from how they work and how they’re made to ensuring safety and equitable access – in WHO’s Vaccines Explained series.

COVID-19 vaccines have proven to be safe, effective and life-saving. Like all vaccines, they do not fully protect everyone who is vaccinated, and  we do not yet know how well they can prevent people from transmitting the virus to others. So as well as getting vaccinated, we must also continue with other measures to fight the pandemic.

Full Article: 

Last updated on 08/17/2021 08:25 PM

How do vaccines work?

Covid-19 Vaccine (Post ID: 1025)

This article is part of a series of explainers on vaccine development and distribution. Learn more about vaccines – from how they work and how they’re made to ensuring safety and equitable access – in WHO’s Vaccines Explained series.

Germs are all around us, both in our environment and in our bodies. When a person is susceptible and they encounter a harmful organism, it can lead to disease and death.

The body has many ways of defending itself against pathogens (disease-causing organisms). Skin, mucus, and cilia (microscopic hairs that move debris away from the lungs) all work as physical barriers to prevent pathogens from entering the body in the first place. 

When a pathogen does infect the body, our body’s defences, called the immune system, are triggered and the pathogen is attacked and destroyed or overcome.

Full Article: https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/how-do-vaccines-work

Last updated on 08/17/2021 08:16 PM

WHO says some Covid data may suggest increased risk of hospitalization from delta variant

Delta Variant (Post ID: 1024)

Last updated on 08/17/2021 08:12 PM

A new estimate of Covid-19 deaths in India could double 2021’s global toll

Covid-19 (Post ID: 1023)

If India was to accurately account for all the Covid-19 deaths in the country, it would likely double the confirmed global death toll for 2021.

The country may have undercounted its pandemic fatalities by seven or eight times, a new study conducted by researchers in India, Canada, and the US has found. This would take India’s Covid-19 mortality from the official 422,022 to between 3.1 and 3.4 million. To date, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 4.18 million people have died of Covid-19, of which about 2 million were in 2021.  Full Story: https://qz.com/india/2039756/indias-actual-covid-19-death-toll-could-be-eight-times-higher/?utm_source=YPL

Last updated on 07/29/2021 08:27 PM

CDC head takes to the airwaves to sell change on face masks, as delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 spreads to 132 countries

Covid Infections Rise in United States (Post ID: 1022)

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention took to the airwaves on Wednesday to explain her agency’s renewed recommendation for face masks as a protective measure against COVID-19 even among vaccinated people, and to again encourage unvaccinated Americans to get their shots. 

Dr. Rochelle Walensky announced Tuesday that the CDC is now recommending resuming the use of face masks in public settings in areas with high rates of transmission, after dropping that guideline back in May. 

Walensky said the decision was made after data showed that vaccinated people who suffer breakthrough infections have the same viral load as unvaccinated people: “And that is very much leading us to believe that it is probably the case that those vaccinated breakthrough infections rare as they might be, have the potential to infect others,” the CDC director told SiriusXM’s Doctor Radio Reports, one of several media outlets on which she featured.  Full Story: https://www.marketwatch.com/story/cdc-head-explains-change-on-face-mask-policy-and-urges-unvaccinated-to-get-shots-as-delta-variant-of-covid-19-spreads-to-132-countries-11627482665

Last updated on 07/29/2021 08:24 PM

Infections rise in 42 states; Fauci says it's 'horrifying' to see people cheer lack of vaccinations: COVID-19 updates

Covid Infections Rise in United States (Post ID: 1021)

Forty-two states saw an increase in COVID-19 cases last week from the week before, a sign that the pandemic is not yet over in the United States.

Only Alaska, Delaware, Iowa, Maine, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota and West Virginia saw a decline in cases over the seven-day period that ended Saturday from the previous week.

The rate of vaccinations has slowed in recent weeks, and less than half of all Americans, 47.9%, are fully vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walinsky says more than 99% of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S. in June were among unvaccinated people. In addition, preliminary data indicates that over the past six months, nearly all of the COVID-19 deaths in various states have occurred in unvaccinated people, she said.

Full Story:    https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/07/11/infections-up-42-states-cpac-attendees-cheer-low-vaccination-rate/7928562002/

Last updated on 07/11/2021 05:27 PM

WHO says delta is the fastest and fittest Covid variant and will ‘pick off’ most vulnerable

Covid Variants (Post ID: 1020)

Last updated on 06/21/2021 08:52 PM

U.S. to split 55 million Covid vaccine doses between Latin America, Asia and Africa

Covid-19 Vaccine (Post ID: 1019)

  • The Biden administration announced it will send 55 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to countries in Latin America, Asia and Africa as the coronavirus continues to rapidly spread in low- and middle-income nations.
  • The 55 million vaccine doses are the remaining portion of 80 million shots President Joe Biden has committed to donating abroad.
  • Earlier this month, the administration said it would send the first 25 million doses to South and Central America, Asia, Africa, neighboring countries and U.S. allies.
  • Full Story: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/21/covid-vaccine-us-to-split-55-million-doses-between-latin-america-asia-and-africa-.html

Last updated on 06/21/2021 08:49 PM

U.S. official says Covid booster shots will also be free to the public

Covid-19 Vaccine (Post ID: 1018)

Last updated on 05/11/2021 08:29 PM

India Sees Deadliest Day Of Pandemic With COVID-19 Deaths Topping 4,000

Covid-19 (Post ID: 1017)

India reported its highest daily death toll — 4,187 people — on Saturday, weeks into the world's worst wave of coronavirus cases that's leaving people without lifesaving hospital beds, oxygen and drugs. 

In all, nearly 240,000 people in India are confirmed to have died from COVID-19, with reported infections topping 21 million.

Full Story: https://www.npr.org/2021/05/08/995021124/india-sees-deadliest-day-of-pandemic-with-covid-19-deaths-topping-4-000

Last updated on 05/09/2021 10:07 PM

U.S. to restrict travel from India effective May 4 amid massive Covid surge

Covid-19 (Post ID: 1016)

  • The Biden administration will restrict travel from India as that country grapples with a gigantic surge in coronavirus cases, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said.
  • The policy will take effect Tuesday, May 4, Psaki said.
  • The administration made the decision on the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Psaki said.
  • Full Story:  U.S. to restrict travel from India effective May 4 amid massive Covid surge

Last updated on 04/30/2021 08:15 PM

U.S. to share 60 million doses of AstraZeneca Covid vaccine with other countries

Covid - 19 Vaccine - AstraZeneca (Post ID: 1015)

  • The United States will share 60 million doses of the AstraZeneca Covid vaccine with other countries.
  • Cases continue to spike around the world.
  • New infections in the U.S. have slowed, and the Biden administration said it would make materials for vaccine production available to India as the country deals with a surge of cases. Full Story. U.S. to share 60 million doses of AstraZeneca Covid vaccine with other countries

Last updated on 04/26/2021 06:32 PM

U.S. to give India raw materials for vaccines, medical supplies to help fight Covid surge

Covid-19 in India (Post ID: 1014)

Last updated on 04/26/2021 02:55 PM

Photos show the deadly toll of Covid in India as coronavirus cases top 17 million

Covid-19 in India (Post ID: 1013)

  • India has reported a record number of coronavirus cases for the fifth day in a row, with a second wave pushing its health care system to the brink.
  • There were some 352,991 new cases of Covid-19 reported in the last 24 hours, seeing India’s total number of infections top 17 million, with 5 million cases counted in April alone.  Full Story.  Deadly toll of Covid in India

Last updated on 04/26/2021 02:48 PM

Pfizer Covid vaccine is 91% effective in updated data, protective against South African variant

Find Vaccine Now (Post ID: 1012)

  • Pfizer and BioNTech said their vaccine is around 91% effective at preventing the disease, citing data that included people inoculated for up to six months.
  • The shot was also 100% effective in preventing illness among trial participants in South Africa, where a new variant is dominant, although the number of those participants was relatively small at 800.  Fully Story

Last updated on 04/01/2021 01:54 PM

New COVID-19 vaccine website offers efficient way to schedule appointments The site, findvaccinenow.com, provides schedule, location and vaccine brand information

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) (Post ID: 1011)

Published: Mar. 26, 2021 at 8:18 PM CDT|Updated: 20 hours ago

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) — More and more people are becoming eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. But there are still some issues with distribution in Idaho.

“Some of them are having unfilled appointments and they’re having some issues with having more vaccine available than they have people coming in,” says Idaho Public Health Administrator Elke Shaw-Tulloch.

The state urges you to use their online signup tool, some people have contacted KMVT with questions that aren’t easily being answered on that site.

What vaccines are available, when exactly are appointments and where will the appointment be are common concerns. Covid Vaccine In Idaho 

Last updated on 03/27/2021 09:46 PM

Odessa business owner launches website to help you get your vaccine dose

Covid Vaccine in Texas (Post ID: 1010)

An Odessa business owner has launched a new website meant to help people across the globe get a dose of the vaccine.

Hi Tech Owner Syed Ahmad launched Find Vaccine Now after working on it for three months.

All you have to do is type in your zip code or city and Find Vaccine Now will show you which nearby clinics have vaccines and walk you through the booking process.findvaccinenow.com On CBS7

Last updated on 03/27/2021 09:40 PM

How To Find a Vaccine Near You

Covid-19 Vaccine in New York, Covid Vaccine Houston, Covid Vaccine Los Angeles, Covid Vaccine Chicago, (Post ID: 1009)

How to find a covid vaccine near you.  Video:Covid Vaccine in United States, United Kingdom, India, Pakistan , and United Arab Emirates

Last updated on 03/27/2021 09:32 PM

Covid Vaccine Comparison

Covid 19 (Post ID: 1008)

Last updated on 03/22/2021 08:43 PM

Here's what experts say is needed for US to return to normal. But these barriers stand in the way

Find Vaccine Now (Post ID: 1007)

(CNN)States are pushing ahead with expanding Covid-19 vaccine access and rolling back restrictions on businesses and large gatherings as America seeks a return to normalcy.

But experts say two barriers stand in the way of reaching herd immunity and getting back to life as we knew it -- Covid-19 variants and vaccine hesitancy.
"We're seeing restrictions being lifted in so many parts of the country, we're seeing travel at an all-time high. People are already going back to pre-pandemic normal," emergency physician Dr. Leana Wen told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Thursday.

    "We have a pretty narrow window of opportunity to make clear what the benefits of vaccinations are. We know that these vaccines are really effective at preventing severe disease. They also do substantially reduce your risk in each of these different types of settings, whether it's going to the restaurant or gym, or seeing family and friends." Full Story

    Last updated on 03/19/2021 09:25 PM

    Fauci says the variant from the U.K. likely accounts for up to 30% of Covid infections in U.S.

    Covid-19 Vaccine (Post ID: 1006)

    • The highly contagious variant first identified in the U.K. likely accounts for up to 30% of Covid-19 infections in the United States, White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci said.
    • The variant, called B.1.1.7, has been reported in at least 94 countries and detected in 50 jurisdictions in the U.S., Fauci said.
    • U.S. health officials say the variant could become the dominant strain in the U.S. by the end of this month or in early April.Full Story

    Last updated on 03/19/2021 09:19 PM

    Novavax vaccine 96% effective against original coronavirus version in UK trial

    Covid-19 Vaccine (Post ID: 1005)

    • Novavax’s Covid-19 vaccine was 96% effective in preventing cases caused by the original version of the coronavirus in a late-stage trial conducted in the United Kingdom.
    • The vaccine was also about 86% effective in protecting against the more contagious virus variant first discovered and now prevalent in the UK.
    • It was only around 55% effective in a separate, smaller trial in South Africa, where volunteers were primarily exposed to another newer, more contagious variant.Full Story

    Last updated on 03/11/2021 10:17 PM

    US is at a tipping point of another Covid-19 surge, expert says. That's why safety measures remain crucial now

    Covid-19 (Post ID: 1004)

    (CNN)With each day and each vaccination, the US inches closer to the finish line of what has been a brutal battle against Covid-19.

    But it's not over just yet.
    Infection numbers, after weeks of declines, now seem to have plateaued at high levels. The US has averaged more than 60,000 Covid-19 cases daily in the past week. More than 41,000 people remain hospitalized with the virus nationwide, according to the COVID Tracking Project.And an average of more than 1,700 US Covid-19 deaths were reported every day for the past seven days.
      And highly contagious variants that are already circulating have experts worried another Covid-19 spike could be just weeks away. More than 2,700 cases of variants first spotted in the UK, South Africa and Brazil have been reported in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- but the agency has cautioned that's not the total number of cases in the country, but rather those that have been spotted with the help of genomic sequencing.  Full Story

      Last updated on 03/07/2021 05:07 PM

      New York Covid Variant

      Covid-19 (Post ID: 1006)

      Apoorva Mandavilli

      By Apoorva Mandavilli

      Published Feb. 24, 2021

      Updated Feb. 25, 2021

      A new form of the coronavirus is spreading rapidly in New York City, and it carries a worrisome mutation that may weaken the effectiveness of vaccines, two teams of researchers have found.


      The new variant, called B.1.526, first appeared in samples collected in the city in November. By the middle of this month, it accounted for about one in four viral sequences appearing in a database shared by scientists.


      One study of the new variant, led by a group at Caltech, was posted online on Tuesday. The other, by researchers at Columbia University, was published on Thursday morning.


      Neither study has been vetted by peer review nor published in a scientific journal. But the consistent results suggest that the variant’s spread is real, experts said. To Read full Story Click


      Link: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/health/coronavirus-variant-nyc.html

      Last updated on 03/06/2021 09:22 PM

      Tags: New Covid Variant

      White House moves up vaccine supply timeline, says U.S. will have enough for every adult by end of May

      Findvaccinenow.com (Post ID: 1008)

      Last updated on 03/03/2021 03:35 AM

      FDA approves Johnson & Johnson’s single-shot Covid vaccine for emergency use

      Covid-19 Vaccine (Post ID: 1007)

      • The FDA has approved J&J’s Covid-19 vaccine for emergency use, giving the U.S. a third tool to fight the pandemic.
      • Unlike Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines, J&J’s one-dose regimen eliminates the need for patients to return for a second dose and it can be stored at refrigerator temperatures for months.
      • The federal government plans to distribute nearly 4 million doses of J&J’s vaccine to states, pharmacies and community health centers across the nation next week.
      • To Read Full Story Click on the following link: https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/27/fda-approves-jjs-single-shot-covid-vaccine-for-emergency-use.html

      Last updated on 03/01/2021 10:16 PM

      Tags: J&J Covid Vaccine