COVID-19

Many clinical trials are underway in a race to develop a safe and effective vaccine against severe acute respiratory SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.

Although researchers are testing modifications of a drug used to cure a fatal coronavirus found in cats, it shows enough action against SARS-CoV-2 to proceed to clinical trials.

According to the study authors, with a higher antigen valency, antibodies have more sites to latch onto; however, including a higher antigen valency in a vaccine does not mean it will work better.

At the Smilow Cancer Hospital, oncology pharmacists play an important role in the delivery of care for patients with cancer.

The patients were identified for testing through contact tracing or by developing symptoms, with 22% never developing symptoms, 20% initially asymptomatic but developing symptoms later, and 58% being symptomatic at their initial test.

Although 68% of adults say they get a flu vaccine at least some years, poll results found that younger adults and Black Americans are significantly less likely.

Necessary measures taken during the pandemic may exacerbate some underlying factors that can lead to decline.

In a Pharmacy Times' webcast on immunization practices during the pandemic, thought leaders discussed considerations and best practices regarding the administration of vaccinations.

In a viewpoint article published in JAMA, researchers proposed reforms that could improve the authorization and approval process during public health crises to increase the public’s trust in the agency.

The development of the COVID-19 vaccine AZD1222 has expanded into a phase 3 trial that is enrolling 30,000 adults aged 18 years or older to assess its safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity.

From navigating online classes to adjusting to either cancelled or switched experiential learning rotations, the pandemic has changed the lives of pharmacy students worldwide.

A recent survey showed that 86% of community pharmacists plan to offer the COVID-19 vaccines once they become available, whereas another 12% responded that they want more information to determine their decision.

Although some similarities exist, a few key differences can help differentiate the symptoms.

More than 69% of survey respondents reported using more hand soap, and 59% said they have used more hand sanitizer since learning about the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Pharmacists are likely to encounter patients seeking counsel on the use of nonprescription drugs for the symptomatic relief of some of the common mild symptoms associated with COVID-19 that may be amenable to self-treatment.

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) has urged governors and state executive teams to take actions to support vaccine access for patients from their local pharmacies.

Although a study suggests that patients may show a clinical improvement when receiving a 5-day course of remdesivir, investigators said this is of uncertain clinical significance.

The new studies found that for some patients, the use of steroid medications to reduce inflammation slighly increased the likelihood of needing hospital care for COVID-19.

Researchers at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa observed a statistically significant correlation between the occurrence of obesity and negative outcomes from COVID-19.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists has issued a list of best practices to ensure an equitable distribution of the vaccine.

The US government will purchase 150 million of the new rapid COVID-19 tests in a $750 million deal with Abbott Laboratories, according to CNBC.

Following the issuance of several emergency use authorizations by the FDA that allow at-home sample collection, it is imperative for the pharmacy team to stay abreast of current testing recommendations and limitations.

In an analysis, participants ages 56 and older produced neutralizing antibodies higher than those seen among patients who have recovered from COVID-19.

A recent study found that masks are still an effective way to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), although the material of the mask can help determine the limit of the spread.