New COVID booster shot rollout expected near Labor Day: officials
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 25, 2022
The FDA expects to soon authorize omicron-targeting shots. The White House is planning to distribute them as part of a fall vaccination campaign, federal officials say.
Variant-adapted COVID shot approved in U.K.; Novavax requests U.S. booster nod
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 16, 2022
Novavax wants its U.S. vaccine authorization to extend to a booster shot, and the U.K. has approved a two-component vaccine that directly tackles the omicron variant.
Poll: Most vaccinated seniors plan to pursue updated COVID booster shots
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2022
Fully 61% of previously vaccinated seniors are “very likely” to pursue vaccination with the upgraded shots expected to be authorized this fall.
FDA greenlights Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine, adding unique option to U.S. arsenal
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jul 14, 2022
The FDA late Wednesday authorized Novavax’s adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in adults aged 18 years and older.
CMS no longer requiring surveyors to be fully vaccinated in order to inspect facilities
By
Danielle Brown
Jun 17, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has rescinded guidance that says surveyors who are not fully vaccinated shouldn’t participate on the onsite survey team when inspecting certified providers.
CMS withholds another $1-plus million over vaccine mandate compliance
By
Danielle Brown
Jun 14, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has withheld $1.2 million in funding from Florida over the state’s refusal to monitor facilities ability to meet the federal COVID-19 vaccine requirement...
FDA advisers vote unanimously to endorse Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
Jun 08, 2022
Independent advisers have voted 21 to 0 to recommend the authorization of Novavax’s COVID-19 protein-based vaccine for pandemic emergency use.
Vaccines highly effective against severe omicron illness, CDC research assures
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 22, 2022
Two or three COVID-19 vaccine doses provided 90% protection against invasive mechanical ventilation or in-hospital death during both the delta and omicron periods, according to new CDC data.
Unvaccinated have highest SARS-CoV-2 incidence, hospitalization
Feb 02, 2022
COVID-19 incidence and hospitalization rates are consistently higher for unvaccinated persons, and lowest for those fully vaccinated with a booster, according to research published Monday by the CDC.
HHS to LTC operators: Step up your booster clinic timelines before year ends
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2021
Long-term care operators should speed up plans to help residents boost their immunity before an expected COVID-19 surge hits, a federal official told virtual town hall attendees Tuesday.