White House updates response plan for infectious COVID variants; pushes boosters
“If you’re over 50 and you haven’t gotten the shot this year, you should go get a shot," said White House COVID-19 coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha. "It’s going to save your life.”
Evictions in Arizona’s largest county at pre-pandemic levels
Evictions in the greater Phoenix area have returned to pre-pandemic levels. However, applications for rental assistance are still being accepted.
EU urges second COVID-19 boosters for people ages 60 to 79
The European Union said Monday it's “critical” that authorities in the 27-nation bloc consider giving second coronavirus booster shots as a new wave of the pandemic sweeps over the continent.
NYC COVID: Health department urges use of masks in public places and in crowds outdoors
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene is recommending all New Yorkers wear masks in certain settings, again, in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 could be ‘worst’ so far, doctors say
Subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are more transmissible, and early evidence shows both are capable of evading immune responses from previous infection as well as current COVID-19 vaccines.
Beijing appears to retract vaccine mandate after pushback
The Chinese capital Beijing appears to have backed off a plan to launch a vaccine mandate for entry into certain public spaces after pushback from residents.
Beijing mandates COVID vaccines to enter some public spaces
The Chinese capital has issued a mandate requiring people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before they can enter some public spaces including gyms, museums and libraries, drawing concern from city residents.
COVID-19 endemic stage could be two years away
The coronavirus pandemic could last for nearly two more years before becoming an endemic according to new Yale research.
Pharmacists can prescribe COVID treatment drug Paxlovid, FDA says
The FDA change will make thousands more pharmacies eligible to quickly prescribe and dispense the pill, which has been shown to curb the worst effects of COVID-19.
COVID-19: CDC officials recommends indoor mask use in parts of Arizona
Officials with CDC say people in 9 Arizona counties should wear mask indoors, as the state experiences an uptick in new cases.
North Korea suggests balloons flown from South brought COVID-19
Activists for years have flown balloons across the border to distribute propaganda leaflets critical of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
How families are handling the end of pandemic-era free school meals
The pandemic-era federal aid that made school meals available for free to all public school students — regardless of family income levels — is ending, raising fears about the effects in the upcoming school year for families already struggling with rising food and fuel costs.
Convicted killer Scott Peterson's court hearing delayed because of COVID
A San Mateo County court hearing scheduled for convicted murderer Scott Peterson was delayed because of COVID,
FDA advisers recommend updating COVID booster shots for fall
Some U.S. adults are a step closer to getting updated COVID-19 boosters this fall, as government advisers voted Tuesday that it’s time to tweak shots to better match the most recent virus variants.
Dr. Birx describes a White House divided on COVID response
Birx has projected that 130,000 Americans' lives could have been saved after the first wave of the pandemic if the federal government had implemented “optimal mitigation."
Biden visits COVID-19 vaccine clinic as kids 6 months and up receive their 1st shot
The nation’s youngest children are getting their chance at vaccines for COVID-19. Shots began Monday at a few locations, though they were expected to ramp up after the Juneteenth federal holiday.
Families now deciding if they want to get their kids the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine
Young families like the Thorstesens have some decisions to make regarding the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine for infants and toddlers. Dr. Andrew Carroll has the pediatric doses of Pfizer and is ready to administer them in his Chandler office. He says it’s important to get the pediatric COVID-19 vaccine to protect the child and other family members.
COVID-19 vaccine: FDA authorizes 1st shots for kids under 5; CDC review next
The CDC recommends how to use vaccines and its vaccine advisers are set to discuss the shots for the youngest kids Friday and vote on Saturday.
Florida surgeon general disagrees with FDA on COVID vaccines for kids under 5; state does not pre-order doses
Parents are in the home stretch with COVID-19 vaccines for babies and their youngest children after Wednesday’s FDA advisory panel meeting. But once those vaccines are approved, parents in Florida who want their kids to get inoculated may face a longer wait. That's because Florida's surgeon general Dr. Joseph Ladapo says he does not support giving the COVID vaccine to babies and children under the age of 5 – so Florida is the only state that did not pre-order any doses.
FDA panel greenlights COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 5
COVID-19 shots for U.S. infants, toddlers and preschoolers moved a step closer Wednesday.