All articles tagged with #booster
Michigan's chief medical executive has issued guidance allowing COVID-19 boosters for anyone over 6 months old without contraindications, clarifying federal restrictions that limited eligibility to older adults and high-risk individuals, to promote broader vaccine access amid ongoing respiratory virus season.
Florida residents face additional steps and limited access to COVID-19 booster shots due to new FDA criteria, restricting the vaccine to those over 65 or with high-risk health conditions, leading to challenges in vaccine access.
New Jersey has made it easier to get COVID-19 booster shots by removing the need for a prescription at local pharmacies, going against recent federal guidelines that have created confusion and barriers nationwide.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a standing order allowing all residents aged 5 and older to receive COVID booster shots through pharmacies, bypassing federal restrictions and CDC approval, in response to ongoing anti-vaccine actions and regulatory challenges.
The article discusses recent changes in COVID vaccine recommendations and policies, including the rescinding of emergency use authorizations for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., amid rising COVID cases and internal turmoil at the CDC. New booster approvals are available for high-risk groups, but pharmacists can no longer dispense vaccines, requiring patients to consult doctors. The policy updates also affect children and insurance coverage, with ongoing uncertainty about implementation and trust in vaccines.
Research suggests that US adults may not need routine tetanus and diphtheria booster shots if childhood vaccination coverage remains high, potentially saving billions annually and aligning US guidelines with WHO recommendations, as immunity from childhood vaccines appears to last over 30 years with minimal disease incidence.
NASA and Northrop Grumman conducted a successful static-fire test of the five-segment SLS rocket booster, producing 3.9 million pounds of thrust, with some anomalies observed. The test aims to optimize booster design for NASA's Artemis program, which plans to use these boosters for future lunar missions.
Moderna's new COVID vaccine, mNEXSPIKE, has been approved by the FDA for specific populations, including adults 65+ and at-risk individuals aged 12-64, offering improved efficacy as a booster. The vaccine targets two segments of the spike protein for longer-lasting immunity and easier distribution, with a safety profile similar to the original. However, approval limitations raise concerns about vaccinating healthy children and adults under 65, especially given the ongoing debate over COVID vaccination policies.
Australia will release a new COVID-19 vaccine targeting the Omicron subvariant JN.1 on December 9, 2023. The updated Pfizer vaccine, approved for those over six months old, aims to provide better protection than previous vaccines. Experts suggest booster shots are recommended for high-risk groups, while others may choose based on personal risk factors. Despite the vaccine's availability in other countries, Australia has lagged in its rollout, prompting calls for more efficient approval processes.
SpaceX is preparing for the sixth flight of its Starship, with Ship 31 and Booster 13 undergoing final checkouts before a planned launch on November 18. Extensive testing, including cryogenic proof tests and static fires, has been completed for both vehicles. The upcoming launch will be the last for a Block 1 Starship, as the company transitions to the Block 2 version. Meanwhile, significant infrastructure developments are underway at SpaceX's launch and production sites, including the construction of a new orbital launch mount and enhancements to the launch pads.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a prominent Arkansas booster, has been credited with playing a significant role in the hiring of coach John Calipari by his alma mater, Arkansas, away from Kentucky. Jones' status as a donor and his ability to potentially secure lucrative NIL deals for players have made Arkansas an attractive destination for Calipari. The influence of fellow Arkansas graduate and Broncos co-owner Rob Walton, whose family owns Wal-Mart, has also been noted in making Arkansas appealing to Calipari. Despite not spending much on free agents for the Cowboys, Jones' impact in college basketball has been substantial.
Mpox cases are on the rise in the U.S., with a focus on high-risk groups and individuals with potential exposure to the virus. The Jynneos vaccine is recommended for those who have been exposed to someone with mpox or have had a high-risk sexual history, with no current recommendations for a booster. While the vaccine primarily works to protect against severe illness, it may not guarantee avoiding infection. Public health authorities continue to investigate if a booster dose may be necessary in the future. In addition to vaccination, regular precautions and communication with partners are recommended to prevent infection, and an antiviral drug is available to treat more severe cases.
SpaceX is preparing for Flight Three with the rollout of Ship 28 to Suborbital Pad B. Ship 28 will undergo engine testing and upgrades, while Booster 10 has received its Hot Stage Ring and is being staged for rollout. The testing campaign for Ship 28 and Booster 10 is expected to be condensed, with a focus on cryo proof, engine spin prime, and static fire tests. SpaceX is aiming for a short preflight test campaign to support future missions, such as NASA's Human Landing System campaigns. The Orbital Launch Pad and Orbital Tank Farm are also undergoing upgrades to improve efficiency and loading capability. Future flights will involve additional ships and boosters, with plans for a new version of the Starship. The construction of a new High Bay at the production site will further increase SpaceX's ship and booster production capacity.
A doctor in Cook County, Illinois, has noticed a shift in the most common symptoms reported by COVID-19 patients this fall. Patients who haven't received the fall booster but were vaccinated or boosted roughly a year ago are still experiencing symptoms and getting very sick. The recent cases have shown less fever, body aches, and chills, and more sore throat, fatigue, and coughing. The guidelines for isolating after testing positive for COVID-19 remain the same, with mild symptom cases able to end isolation after five days if fever-free for 24 hours. Severe cases may need to wait until day 10. Long-term effects of COVID-19, known as long COVID or post-COVID conditions, can last for weeks, months, or years. Vaccination has been shown to lower the risk of symptomatic COVID-19 and protect against serious illness, hospitalization, and death.
Kohll's Pharmacy in Omaha, Nebraska, has administered over a thousand COVID-19 boosters since receiving their shipment last week. While demand for boosters is not as high as before, the supply is facing some bottlenecking. The pharmacy is giving out a couple hundred shots a day, down from a thousand earlier in the pandemic. The need for more doses continues to grow, and the pharmacy is hoping their current supply will last. They offer the COVID-19 and flu shots, as well as other recommended vaccines, at the same time to save patients from multiple visits.