Feds shrink Pfizer booster interval to 5 months as omicron surges
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 05, 2022
The decision is part of an effort to increase the number of booster shot recipients and build up Americans’ immunity in response to skyrocketing COVID-19 cases, officials said.
Clinical briefs for Friday, Feb. 18
By
Amy Novotney
Feb 18, 2022
CDC reforming COVID-19 guidance … Nearly three-quarters of the U.S. now estimated to be immune to omicron variant … Brain synapse destruction culprit behind Alzheimer’s cognitive decline … Treatment...
Antigen tests may be less sensitive to omicron, FDA says
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 04, 2022
Antigen tests may not be able to detect the omicron SARS-CoV-2 variant as well as they could previous variants, an early laboratory study has found.
No quarantine for certain workers as CDC faces down omicron, staff shortages
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 04, 2022
Healthcare workers infected with SARS-CoV-2 may now return to work in seven days or less — and some exposed workers may be advised to remain on the job, the CDC now says.
Fauci: Early data show omicron spreads quickly but with less severity than delta
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 08, 2021
Omicron cases appear to have led to fewer hospitalizations and patients have been less likely to need oxygen, the White House’s infectious disease expert said Tuesday.
Skilled nursing’s bigger COVID killer
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 25, 2022
Perhaps I shouldn’t have been surprised about some of the latest news about COVID and its effects on the skilled nursing sector. But I was. And you can be sure there’s more to come in the future.
Study pinpoints factors than cut residents’ risk of omicron infection
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 30, 2023
A study of nearly 1,000 residents underscores the importance of vaccine type and number of doses in maintaining protective immunity, and reducing the risk of breakthrough infections, investigators say.
CDC: New SNF data show COVID-19 booster improves omicron protection
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
May 06, 2022
Data from thousands of U.S. skilled nursing facilities show that a COVID-19 booster shot is more protective against omicron than an initial series alone, investigators say.
Feds gauging threat to vaccine, test and treatment efficacy in face of omicron variant
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 01, 2021
The United States is prepared to address any potential threat to the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, tests and treatments posed by the new variant, according to the White House and federal health officials.
Docs push for new COVID-19 funding as signs point to rebound in U.S. omicron cases
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 17, 2022
The alternative is to risk leaving patients without access to needed vaccines, treatments and testing, the American College of Physicians has told Congress.