Tag:

Vaccination

COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC COVID-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC
Covid-19: Change In Isolation Guidelines For Those Infected With Virus Announced By CDC New isolation guidelines for those infected with COVID-19 or other respiratory infections have just been announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The agency said there is no longer a need to isolate for five days before returning to work or school in a statement issued Friday, March 1. The CDC said it's making updates to the recommendations now because the US is seeing "far fewer hospitalizations and deaths associated with COVID-19 and because we have more tools than ever to combat flu, COVID, and RSV." Three "core prevention tips" were also detaile…
Friends, Family Of Ana Walshe Face Grim Reality As Husband Faces Murder Charges Friends, Family Of Ana Walshe Face Grim Reality As Husband Faces Murder Charges
Friends, Family Of Ana Walshe Face Grim Reality As Husband Faces Murder Charges Ana Walshe disappeared early on New Year's Day, and while her family and friends have held out hope, as the weeks have passed and evidence mounts against her husband, they are forced to face a grim truth. They will likely never see her again.  Norfolk County prosecutors charged Brian Walshe, 47, with Ana Walshe's murder and explained during his arraignment on Wednesday that he likely killed and dismembered her body. Police have found blood in their Cohasset basement, a bloody hatchet, blood on several trash bags, and her Covid-19 vaccination card, authorities have said.  They also found Br…
COVID-19: 'Kraken' Subvariant XBB.1.5 Gaining More Ground Nationally, CDC Warns COVID-19: 'Kraken' Subvariant XBB.1.5 Gaining More Ground Nationally, CDC Warns
Covid-19: 'Kraken' Subvariant XBB.1.5 Gaining More Ground Nationally, CDC Warns Omicron strain called XBB.1.5 which accounts for a large majority of COVID-19 cases from the New York tristate area through New England, is gaining more ground nationally. Nicknamed the "Kraken" subvariant, it now makes up 43 percent of cases nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  "XBB.1.5 is the most transmissible form of COVID-19 that we know of to date and may be more likely to infect people who have been vaccinated or already had COVID-19," the CDC said in a statement posted on Twitter on Friday, Jan. 13. According to updated CDC data released …
CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of COVID-19, Flu, RSV CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of COVID-19, Flu, RSV
CDC Encouraging Americans To Mask Up For The Holidays Amid Tripledemic Of Covid-19, Flu, RSV The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging Americans to wear masks during the holiday season to help prevent the spread of the so-called tripledemic of COVID-19, influenza, and Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It's especially important for people living in areas with high levels of COVID transmission to mask up, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said on Monday, Dec. 5. “The past several years have certainly not been easy, and we now face yet another surge of ailments, another moment of overstretched capacity, and really one of tragic and often preventab…
Massachusetts Residents Can Get $75 For Getting Vaccinated, Boosted: Report Massachusetts Residents Can Get $75 For Getting Vaccinated, Boosted: Report
Massachusetts Residents Can Get $75 For Getting Vaccinated, Boosted: Report COVID-19 vaccinations can help prevent hospitalizations and death, and now they also get you a $75 gift card. As part of a program called Get Boosted, Massachusetts residents can receive a gift card to local retailers now through Dec. 31 when they receive a first or second dose of the COVID vaccine, or a booster, while supplies last. The program is designed to improve vaccine access in communities that are most affected by COVID, working with the Vaccine Equity Initiative to target high-need areas with the lowest booster rates and highest BIPOC populations. The Vaccine Equity Initiative…
COVID-19: Repeat Infections Can Be Dangerous, Even Deadly, Brand-New Study Reveals COVID-19: Repeat Infections Can Be Dangerous, Even Deadly, Brand-New Study Reveals
Covid-19: Repeat Infections Can Be Dangerous, Even Deadly, Brand-New Study Reveals Repeat COVID-19 infections can be dangerous, even deadly, including for those who have been vaccinated and boosted, according to a brand-new study.  The study by the Washington University School of Medicine and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care system found that "repeat SARS-CoV-2 infections contribute significant additional risk of adverse health conditions in multiple organ systems." The findings, published Thursday, Nov. 10 in Nature Medicine, reported that such outcomes include: hospitalization;  disorders affecting the lungs, heart, brain, and the body’s blood, mus…
COVID-19: These Groups Of People Most Prone To Getting 'Long COVID,' New Report Says COVID-19: These Groups Of People Most Prone To Getting 'Long COVID,' New Report Says
Covid-19: These Groups Of People Most Prone To Getting 'Long COVID,' New Report Says A new report lists several groups of people who experts believe may be more at risk of developing long COVID. Long COVID refers to a wide range of long-term health problems people can experience following their COVID-19 infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) "There is no test to diagnose post-COVID conditions, and people may have a wide variety of symptoms that could come from other health problems," the CDC said. "This can make it difficult for healthcare providers to recognize post-COVID conditions." The CDC said researchers are working to discover …
COVID-19: US To End Requirement Air Travelers Show Negative Test COVID-19: US To End Requirement Air Travelers Show Negative Test
Covid-19: US To End Requirement Air Travelers Show Negative Test International travelers arriving to the United States by air will no longer have to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test, The Hill reports. After nearly 18 months in effect, the Biden administration is doing away with the obligation at 12:01 a.m. ET Sunday, June 12, the outlet reports. It comes after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) determined the move is no longer necessary “based on the science and data,” according to The Hill. Up until now, travelers hoping to catch a flight to the US had been required to show proof of a negative test one day before their flight. …
COVID-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Massachusetts Counties COVID-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Massachusetts Counties
Covid-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Massachusetts Counties Mask mandates in Massachusetts are being eased by federal health officials as the state recovers from the surge of new infections in early spring. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on mask-wearing to concentrate on COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and newly reported infections, leaving some parts of the state still encouraged to continue masking up indoors. With the state's seven-day average COVID-19 positivity rate nearly 10 percent, with 83 virus-related deaths in the past week, some counties in Massachusetts are being encouraged to con…
COVID-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Massachusetts Counties COVID-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Massachusetts Counties
Covid-19: CDC Recommends Wearing Masks Indoors In These Massachusetts Counties Massachusetts residents are being advised by federal health officials to start masking back up amid the latest spike in new COVID-19 cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its guidance on mask-wearing to concentrate on COVID-19 hospitalizations, hospital capacity, and newly reported infections, leaving most of the state being encouraged to return to wearing facial coverings indoors. According to the CDC, in the past seven days, there have been more than 13,000 new COVID-19 cases confirmed in Massachusetts, including 50 new patients that were admitted to hospital…
COVID-19: FDA Expands Eligibility For Pfizer Booster To Children 5 Through 11 COVID-19: FDA Expands Eligibility For Pfizer Booster To Children 5 Through 11
Covid-19: FDA Expands Eligibility For Pfizer Booster To Children 5 Through 11 Federal health officials have granted emergency use authorization for a booster dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children. On Tuesday, May 17, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it is expanding eligibility for boosters to include children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old. That age group will be permitted to receive their booster shot five months after completing their initial COVID-19 vaccination series, officials said. FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said that while data shows COVID-19 is less severe in children, the vaccine and boosters can help …
COVID-19: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Tests Positive COVID-19: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Tests Positive
Covid-19: NY Gov. Kathy Hochul Tests Positive New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced she has tested positive for COVID-19.  Hochul said that she received her positive test result on Sunday, May 8, adding that she is not experiencing symptoms.  She said she plans to continue working remotely during the week. "Today I tested positive for COVID-19," Hochul tweeted. "Thankfully, I’m vaccinated and boosted, and I’m asymptomatic. I’ll be isolating and working remotely this week. A reminder to all New Yorkers: get vaccinated and boosted, get tested, and stay home if you don’t feel well." Today I tested positive for COVID-19. Thankfully, I…
COVID-19: Massachusetts Comedian Fills In After Jimmy Kimmel Gets Virus COVID-19: Massachusetts Comedian Fills In After Jimmy Kimmel Gets Virus
Covid-19: Massachusetts Comedian Fills In After Jimmy Kimmel Gets Virus Mike Birbiglia, a comedian from Massachusetts, is guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live after Kimmel tested positive for COVID-19. Kimmel announced on Monday, May 2, that he was feeling well after receiving his positive test, adding that he has been fully vaccinated and received a booster vaccine. Our daughter brought us covid (even though we specifically asked her not to) All feeling fine, I am double vaxxed and boosted but the show must not go on. Apologies to @TomCruise & @iliza and thanks to Mike Birbiglia @birbigs who'll be filling in for me starting tomorrow night — Jimmy Kimmel (@j…
COVID-19: Moderna Seeks Vaccine Authorization For Kids Under Age 6 COVID-19: Moderna Seeks Vaccine Authorization For Kids Under Age 6
Covid-19: Moderna Seeks Vaccine Authorization For Kids Under Age 6 Moderna says it has submitted a request to the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 6. The company made the announcement on Thursday, April 28, saying it submitted a request to FDA to authorize its vaccine for children from ages 6 months to 6 years old. Moderna's vaccines are currently only authorized for individuals aged 18 and older. "We are proud to share that we have initiated our EUA submission for authorization for our COVID-19 vaccine for young children," Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said. "We believe mRNA-1273…
COVID-19: VP Kamala Harris Tests Positive COVID-19: VP Kamala Harris Tests Positive
Covid-19: VP Kamala Harris Tests Positive Fully vaccinated Vice President Kamala Harris has become the latest high-ranking elected official to test positive for COVID-19 amid an outbreak of cases in the Biden Administration. Harris tested positive for COVID-19 on both rapid and PCR tests, her office announced on Tuesday, April 26. According to Kirsten Allen, the press secretary to the vice president, Harris has exhibited no symptoms, is in isolation, and will continue to work from the Vice President’s residence. Harris "has not been a close contact to the President or First Lady due to their respective recent travel schedules,” …
COVID-19: 'This Is Not Going To Be Eradicated,' Individuals Should Assess Risk, Fauci Says COVID-19: 'This Is Not Going To Be Eradicated,' Individuals Should Assess Risk, Fauci Says
Covid-19: 'This Is Not Going To Be Eradicated,' Individuals Should Assess Risk, Fauci Says Infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said that with a new wave of COVID-19 cases potentially on the horizon as new sub-variants emerge, it will be up to Americans to assess their own risk and potential to spread the virus. Fauci cautioned that with new infections on the rise across the country, it will be up to individuals to help curtail the spread of COVID-19. Earlier story - COVID-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Few Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says “It's going to be a person's decision about the individual risks they're going to take," Fauci told ABC "This Week" c…
COVID-19: First Spread In US Due To New Sub-Variants Of 'Stealth Omicron' Reported In NY COVID-19: First Spread In US Due To New Sub-Variants Of 'Stealth Omicron' Reported In NY
Covid-19: First Spread In US Due To New Sub-Variants Of 'Stealth Omicron' Reported In NY Two new sub-variants of BA.2. or the so-called COVID-19 "Stealth Omicron" strain, could be considerably more contagious, say health officials who are reporting a surge in cases in Central New York State,  the first such outbreak in the nation. The New York State Department of Health on Wednesday, April 13 announced the emergence of the two Omicron sub-variants: BA.2.12 and BA.2.12.1.  BA.2 now accounts for more than 50 percent of COVID cases nationally and 80.6 percent in New York.  The sub-variants have been estimated to have a 23- to 27-percent growth advantage above …
COVID-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says COVID-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says
Covid-19: Expect Increases In Cases Next Weeks Followed By New Fall Surge, Fauci Says A fall COVID-19 surge is likely due to the highly transmissible "stealth Omicron" sub-variant, Dr. Anthony Fauci is now saying. "It is likely that we will see a surge in the fall," Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the chief medical advisor to the president, said in an interview with Bloomberg conducted last week. "I would think that we should expect that we are going to see some increase in cases as you get to the colder weather in the fall." The BA.2, more commonly known as “stealth Omicron," now accounts for …
COVID-19: CDC Unveils New Strategy Allowing Communities To Ease Masking, Social Distancing COVID-19: CDC Unveils New Strategy Allowing Communities To Ease Masking, Social Distancing
Covid-19: CDC Unveils New Strategy Allowing Communities To Ease Masking, Social Distancing The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance to permit most healthy Americans to ditch their masks indoors, including students. On Friday, Feb. 25, the CDC announced it was altering its metrics that are used to determine which communities can begin lifting their mask mandates with a focus less on positive test results and more on virus-related hospitalization numbers. Previously, the CDC’s prevention guidance for local communities focused on the rate of new COVID-19 cases and the seven-day average positive infection rate; however, as the ongoing fight aga…
COVID-19: US Exiting 'Full-Blown' Phase Of Pandemic, Restrictions Could End Soon, Fauci Says COVID-19: US Exiting 'Full-Blown' Phase Of Pandemic, Restrictions Could End Soon, Fauci Says
Covid-19: US Exiting 'Full-Blown' Phase Of Pandemic, Restrictions Could End Soon, Fauci Says The light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel may be fast approaching, according to infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci. With the number of new infections and hospitalizations plummeting over the past several weeks, Fauci, President Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, said that the US is almost past the “full-blown” pandemic phase. If Fauci’s prediction holds true, it could lead to a rollback of virus-related restrictions and mandates sooner than later, including an end to mandatory mask wearing by the end of 2022. 
“As we get out of the full-blown pandemic phase of COVID-19,” Fauci s…
COVID-19: Massachusetts School Mask Mandate Update Announced COVID-19: Massachusetts School Mask Mandate Update Announced
Covid-19: Massachusetts School Mask Mandate Update Announced Massachusetts Gov. Charlie announced that he's recommending the state school mask mandate be lifted, following the lead of neighboring states that have already announced similar measures. Beginning on Monday, Feb. 28, the requirement that students, teachers, and staff wear masks inside Massachusetts schools will be rescinded, the governor announced, touting the state’s improved COVID-19 data. "Our kids have had to put up with a lot of disruption, a lot of time alone, and has suffered a real learning loss over the past two years. There's no debating those points, no matter where you stand," …
COVID-19: Poll Reveals Percentage Of Americans Who Say ‘We Just Need To Get On With Our Lives' COVID-19: Poll Reveals Percentage Of Americans Who Say ‘We Just Need To Get On With Our Lives'
Covid-19: Poll Reveals Percentage Of Americans Who Say ‘We Just Need To Get On With Our Lives' The majority of Americans are ready to move on from the COVID-19 pandemic and simply accept it as a part of everyday life and move on, according to a newly released national poll. Monmouth University released the results of a new study, which found that seven in 10 Americans agree with the sentiment “it’s time that we accept that COVID-19 is here to stay and we just need to get on with our lives.” Of that 70 percent, 78 percent of those polled reported that they had previously contracted COVID-19, and 65 percent of whom have not been infected. The largest divide came between conservatives…
COVID-19: US Army Announces Plans To 'Immediately' Start Discharging Unvaccinated Soldiers COVID-19: US Army Announces Plans To 'Immediately' Start Discharging Unvaccinated Soldiers
Covid-19: US Army Announces Plans To 'Immediately' Start Discharging Unvaccinated Soldiers The United States Army announced plans to begin discharging soldiers who refuse to get vaccinated against COVID-19. The military branch made the announcement on Wednesday, Feb. 2, saying the Army will "immediately begin separating Soldiers from the service" following a directive issued by Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth. The order applies to regular Army soldiers, reserve-component soldiers serving on Title 10 active-duty and cadets who do not have an approved or pending vaccine exemption request. “Army readiness depends on Soldiers who are prepared to train, deploy, figh…
COVID-19: Moderna Vaccine Gets Full Approval From FDA COVID-19: Moderna Vaccine Gets Full Approval From FDA
Covid-19: Moderna Vaccine Gets Full Approval From FDA Federal officials have granted full approval to Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine following its authorization last year for emergency use. On Monday, Jan. 31, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Moderna’s vaccine has been granted its full approval, joining the Pfizer shot which was authorized months ago. The move comes after tens of millions of doses of the Moderna vaccine have already been administered across the country. It also represents Moderna’s first FDA-approved product in the US. Officials said the FDA reviewed months of additional follow-up data submitted by Moderna to…
COVID-19: Unvaxxed Sarah Palin Tests Positive Just As Her Defamation Trial Vs. NY Times Starts COVID-19: Unvaxxed Sarah Palin Tests Positive Just As Her Defamation Trial Vs. NY Times Starts
Covid-19: Unvaxxed Sarah Palin Tests Positive Just As Her Defamation Trial Vs. NY Times Starts Former Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin tested positive for COVID-19 just as a civil defamation trial involving her and the New York Times was set to begin. A lawyer for Palin, who remains defiantly unvaccinated, announced on Monday, Jan. 24 that the one-time Alaska governor tested positive for COVID-19 following a diagnosis last year for the virus. Palin said last month that she would get a COVID-19 vaccine “over (her) dead body.” Manhattan federal court judge Jed Rakoff said on Monday that he had learned the previous day that Palin, age 57, tested positive for COVID. T…
COVID-19: Starbucks Reverses Policy On Vaccine Mandates COVID-19: Starbucks Reverses Policy On Vaccine Mandates
Covid-19: Starbucks Reverses Policy On Vaccine Mandates Starbucks announced that it will no longer require its employees in the United States to get vaccinated against COVID-19. ABC News reported that the coffee shop chain made the announcement in a memo to employees on Tuesday, Jan. 18. The company reportedly said it made the decision in light of the Supreme Court's ruling, which rejected the Biden administration's effort to require companies with more than 100 employees to mandate vaccines or regular testing. Starbucks previously had announced it would require employees to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by Sunday, Feb. 9 or require that they…
COVID-19: CDC Reveals If Getting Vaxxed Is More Effective Than Natural Immunity COVID-19: CDC Reveals If Getting Vaxxed Is More Effective Than Natural Immunity
Covid-19: CDC Reveals If Getting Vaxxed Is More Effective Than Natural Immunity Top federal health officials have dispelled the long-standing question regarding the efficacy of COVID-19 vaccinations versus natural immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report of a new study that found that both vaccinations and prior infection help to protect against new COVID-19 infections, though the former has proven far more effective in preventing virus-related hospitalizations. In the study, researchers evaluated more than a million COVID-19 cases in California and New York to analyze the risk of COVID-19 infection and hospitalizations among fou…
COVID-19: Here's How Massachusetts Residents Can Access Vaccine Card, History Digitally COVID-19: Here's How Massachusetts Residents Can Access Vaccine Card, History Digitally
Covid-19: Here's How Massachusetts Residents Can Access Vaccine Card, History Digitally Massachusetts has launched a brand-new tool for residents to access their digital COVID-19 vaccine card and vaccination history. "My Vax Records" allows those who received their vaccine in Massachusetts to access their vaccination history and receive a digital vaccine card, state officials announced on Monday, Jan. 10. To use the tool, people can enter their name, date of birth and cellphone number or email address associated with their vaccine record, and will receive a link to their vaccine record. The vaccine record will display the same information as the paper CDC vaccine card, and a …
COVID-19: CDC Recommends Americans Avoid Travel To Canada COVID-19: CDC Recommends Americans Avoid Travel To Canada
Covid-19: CDC Recommends Americans Avoid Travel To Canada The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has advised against travel to Canada due to the risk of COVID-19.  The CDC added Canada to its list of countries that are considered "Very High" risk for COVID-19, the highest level of risk for COVID-19.  According to The Hill, the update was made to the agency's travel guidelines on Sunday, Jan. 9. The CDC said anyone who must travel to destinations listed in the highest risk category should be fully vaccinated before traveling.  The list includes many other destinations, including the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain and mo…
COVID-19: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Tests Positive COVID-19: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Tests Positive
Covid-19: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Tests Positive New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who grew up in Northern Westchester County and now represents parts of the Bronx and Queens, has tested positive for COVID-19. "She is experiencing symptoms and recovering at home," Ocasio-Cortez's office said in a statement released early Sunday evening, Jan. 9. "The congresswoman received her booster shot this fall, and encourages everyone to get their booster and follow all CDC guidelines." The 32-year-old Ocasio-Cortez, a 2007 graduate of Yorktown High School, recently returned from a trip to Florida. A photo of her dining outdoors in Miami m…
COVID-19: CDC Issues New Update On Isolation Guidance COVID-19: CDC Issues New Update On Isolation Guidance
Covid-19: CDC Issues New Update On Isolation Guidance The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance about who should isolate or quarantine if potentially exposed to someone who tests positive for COVID-19. The CDC had shortened its isolation and quarantine recommendations, while clarifying that the guidance applies to kids as well as adults. Under the new guidance, for people who catch COVID, testing is not required to emerge from five days of isolation instead of 10 days, much to the chagrin of some in the public. Previously, anyone who tested positive was required to isolate for no less than 10 days. The…