COVID-19

Health care workers who got 4 total doses against COVID-19, 2 doses of which are boosters, experienced more than 10% lower breakthrough infection rate than those with only 3 total doses.

A new neutralizing monoclonal antibody could become an inhaled cocktail for long-term COVID-19 prevention.

The CDC published a new study, which found that a second mRNA booster shot would be effective against the Omicron variants of COVID-19.

In addition to expanding patient access to Paxlovid, the recent authorization of pharmacists to prescribe the drug marks a step toward provider status.

While the vaccines continue to provide critical, evidence-based protection against the coronavirus, rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis have been reported.

The suggested wave 4 of the opioid crisis saw high opioid-involved overdose death rates in urban counties and high acceleration of overdose deaths in rural counties, indicating that the opioid crisis worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delays in anticancer drug therapy, radiation, and surgery were found to be associated with factors such as race and ethnicity, multimorbidity, COVID-19 vaccination, and severity of COVID-19, suggesting disparities in cancer care.

Increasing population immunity decreased transmission of COVID-19 and allowed for reductions in quarantine and testing, encouraging 2-dose vaccine and booster uptake.

The next-generation vaccine candidate, BNT162b5, consists of RNAs encoding enhanced prefusion spike proteins for the SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strain and an Omicron variant.

Health care facilities in counties with higher Black populations and in rural areas were less likely to serve as COVID-19 vaccination facilities during May 2021, indicating disparities in vaccine distribution.

Researchers found high levels of childcare stress among female and racial minority health care workers, supporting new programs and wellbeing initiatives.

A majority of long-term care patients who received a fourth vaccination against COVID-19 were found to have increased protection against the omicron variant.

The pandemic saw reductions in the supply of methadone but no disruption to the supply of more easily accessible buprenorphine, though disparities in supply were observed across states.

People who are afraid of shots or feel lightheaded and dizzy while near vaccine injection sites are less likely to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

The immune responses to the Omicron variant waned substantially with neutralizing antibody levels decreasing 2.4- to 5.3-fold by 3 months after the booster dose.

After a second booster dose, efficacy against COVID-19 Omicron subvariants rose to 80% within the first 6 months, according to results of a study by the CDC.

No differences were found among placenta health indictors, birth weights, or well-being scores between vaccinated and unvaccinated pregnant women, indicating that COVID-19 vaccination is safe for use in pregnant women.

SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with post-COVID-19 conditions for children, with associated risk factors including length of hospitalization, number of acute symptoms, and older age.

Study findings coincide with the US government considering recommendations of a second COVID-19 booster dose for adults under 50 years of age.

Daniel Gagnon, VP of Global UPS Healthcare, discusses vaccine equity panel discussion at the UPS Impact Summit in Atlanta, which was held at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights.

COVID-19 vaccination averted infection in 10% of NHS health care workers and reduced absence from work by nearly 70%.

Fewer than half of eligible veterans enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration have received their COVID-19 booster.

Results of analysis also show they have a much higher incidence of dying in the hospital than those without the virus.

The numbers dropped sharply in March 2020 from before the pandemic among men who have sex with men and individuals who inject drugs.

Unvaccinated first responders were more likely to doubt the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines than vaccinated counterparts, reporting low trust in the government.

The FDA granted the vaccine series Emergency Use Authorization on July 14, based on clinical trial data showing significant efficacy and safety.

For coinfected patients who first contract influenza A, replication of SARS-CoV-2 may be suppressed, even 1 week after clearance of influenza A.

Individuals vaccinated simultaneously with COVID-19 booster and influenza vaccines may be more likely to experience systemic reactions and adverse health impacts.

It's really important that we capitalize on this time and the impact that pharmacists had to make some of this reform permanent.

Debbie Weitzman of Cardinal Health, discussed how independent retail pharmacies quickly adjusted during the pandemic.