California and major health insurers are proactively continuing to cover COVID-19 vaccines through 2026, despite the CDC considering changing its recommendations, ensuring broader access and aligning with scientific guidance from medical groups.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends COVID-19, flu, and RSV vaccines for pregnant women, diverging from CDC guidance, emphasizing the safety and protective benefits of vaccination during pregnancy to reduce severe illness and protect newborns, especially during the upcoming respiratory season.
Marin County's health officer urges residents to get the 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccine amid changing CDC recommendations and FDA approvals, highlighting concerns over recent policy shifts and emphasizing the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups like pregnant women and children.
A new study reveals that long COVID affects young children differently, with distinct symptoms in those under 2 and aged 3-5, highlighting the need for age-specific screening and raising concerns about vaccination policies for children.
Vietnam reports its first human infection from H9 avian flu virus, a 37-year-old man from Tien Giang province; new research highlights the health and financial impact of inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene in healthcare facilities in sub-Saharan African countries; a study shows that family practice physicians who see the largest share of patients unvaccinated against COVID-19 are more likely to practice in marginalized, lower-income neighborhoods; a systematic review and meta-analysis found that antibiotics before invasive dental procedures reduced the risk of infective endocarditis in high-risk patients; the US reports 16 more measles cases, bringing the national total to 113, and the WHO extends the polio public health emergency of international concern due to ongoing risks in critical areas.
NHL Stanley Cup contenders make pre-deadline trades, Health Canada clarifies eligibility for national dental care plan, school bus driver charged after rollover, "hypervaccinated" patient had 217 COVID-19 jabs, UK woman's cancer diagnosis highlights long waiting times.
A study from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) reveals that receiving an mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination or booster during pregnancy provides infants with strong protection against symptomatic COVID-19 infection for at least six months after birth. The study, published in Pediatrics, emphasizes the importance of maternal vaccination to ensure infants are born with lasting protection until they are old enough to be vaccinated themselves. Infants born to mothers who received a COVID-19 vaccine and booster during pregnancy showed higher levels of antibodies at birth and greater protection from COVID-19 infection during their first six months, highlighting the significant benefits of maternal vaccination for newborns.
Researchers from the University of Birmingham have identified the mechanism behind deadly blood clots in patients with Vaccine-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia and Thrombosis (VITT) following certain COVID-19 vaccinations. The study found that a protein called Platelet factor 4 (PF4) triggers the activation of platelets, leading to clotting. By blocking the receptor triggered by PF4, a drug used to treat blood cancer called ruxolitinib showed potential in protecting VITT patients from clotting. The findings contribute to understanding blood clot formation and may have implications for other related diseases. Ongoing research aims to identify patients at risk of VITT to manage potential risks in future vaccine programs.
A study funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) found that receiving a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine or booster during pregnancy can benefit pregnant people and their newborn infants. The study tracked the COVID-19 antibody levels of pregnant participants who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines and found that the antibodies effectively crossed the placenta and were present in the cord blood of vaccinated participants, providing some protection to newborns against COVID-19. Pregnant participants who received a booster dose had substantially more antibodies, suggesting that boosting also increased their newborns' immune defenses. The researchers recommend COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses, during pregnancy for the protection of mothers and newborns.
An independent arbitrator has ruled that Massachusetts State Police must reinstate seven troopers who refused to be vaccinated for COVID-19, stating that the agency violated a collective bargaining agreement by summarily dismissing the troopers instead of reviewing their accommodation requests. The troopers, who have been on unpaid leave, can now return to work with retroactive pay if they choose. The union representing state troopers plans to hold a news conference to address the issue and continue fighting for the reinstatement of 13 other troopers who were fired or dishonorably discharged for failing to get vaccinated.
Yale researchers have discovered that the cases of myocarditis observed in young males after receiving COVID-19 vaccines are linked to a generalized immune response rather than vaccine-generated antibodies. This finding rules out some potential causes and suggests ways to reduce this rare side effect. The risk of myocarditis is significantly higher in unvaccinated individuals who contract the virus. The study provides insights into the immune signature of heart inflammation cases and highlights the importance of vaccination in protecting against COVID-19-related diseases.
Linn Grant, a Swedish golfer, is making her first major start on American soil as a professional at the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship after being barred from playing in the United States until last month due to her COVID-19 vaccination status. Grant established herself as one of the game’s best players on the Ladies European Tour, claiming four wins and the circuit's Order of Merit and Rookie of the Year award in 2022. Despite facing criticism for her choice to remain unvaccinated, Grant received a lot of support and has found a silver lining in not being able to play in the U.S. earlier, as it allowed her to gain more confidence and comfort playing as a pro.
Venezuelan migrant Enderson Amaya Blanco describes the conditions inside an El Paso detention center, where he spent four days in a holding pen with over 400 other men. Blanco received a yellow bracelet indicating his COVID-19 vaccination and was given a burrito, an orange, and a bottle of water for food. He was eventually given a permit and papers to travel in the U.S. but will have to show up for immigration court dates. Blanco plans to sleep near Sacred Heart Church until he can come up with a plan.