September 3rd 2024
The updated COVID-19 vaccine targets the currently circulating Omicron variant JN.1 strain of SARS-CoV-2.
August 23rd 2024
Topics include declining vaccine coverage among kindergarten-aged children and key changes in recommendations for adult vaccination.
August 22nd 2024
The updated COVID-19 vaccines will include a monovalent component corresponding to KP.2, a strain of the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2.
July 9th 2024
A new study shows that higher vaccination rates were associated with a decrease in the prevalence of parent-reported asthma symptoms in children.
June 28th 2024
Individuals 6 months and older should receive updated COVID-19 and influenza vaccines for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season, the agency recommended.
Survey: Americans are Emerging, Vaccinated or Not
COVID-19 vaccination numbers are climbing and US adults feel better about eating out, visiting friends, etc. A new survey suggests it may not be vaccinated individuals leading the way.
Flu Shot May Protect Against COVID-19, Reduce Severity, Study Finds
Individuals vaccinated against influenza were 24% less likely to be infected with COVID-19 than those who did not get the flu shot, according to Michigan Medicine researchers.
MMWR: Majority of COVID-19 Vaccine Recipients Complete 2-dose Series
Nearly 90% of vaccine recipients who received a first dose of either the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine got the booster shot within the prescribed interval, according to new research from the CDC.
UPDATE: AstraZenca-Oxford Vaccine 79% Effective in US Phase 3 Interim Analysis
Updated: The vaccine, AZD1222, showed 100% efficacy against severe disease/hospitalization and, notably, 80% efficacy in trial participants aged ≥65 years, the company reports.
Top 10 States: Percentage of Population Fully Vaccinated
In percentage of population fully vaccinated against COVID-19, Alaska currently leads and Utah brings up the rear. Find out which states are in between.
CDC Lifts Masking, Distancing Requirements for Fully Vaccinated Individuals
The CDC on March 8, 2021, lifted some COVID-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated Americans, including the need for a mask and social distancing in certain situations.
Routine Adult Vaccination Rates Still Low: Slow Post-lockdown Rebound
Routine adult vaccination rates have yet to reach pre-pandemic levels, according to a report in MMWR this week. Which vaccines are most affected and which groups are lagging?
ID Expert Talks about the Year that Brought Us the COVID-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine development story of 2020 was the focus when infectious disease specialist and AIDS researcher Dr Rodger MacArthur spoke with Patient Care Online in January.
ACIP 2021 Adult Immunization Schedule Changes: A Quick Take
Review changes to the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' 2021 recommended vaccination schedule for adults with this short slide-show review.
Top 10 States Ranked by Percentage of COVID-19 Vaccines Given
COVID-19 vaccination progress based on proportion of vaccines administered is currently best in New Mexico and worst in Tennessee. Find out which states are in between.
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Found Effective in Large, “Real World” Study
Results of a new study show that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is 92% effective at preventing severe COVID-19 after 2 doses in over half a million study participants.
COVID-19 State Vaccination Priorities Change, As Needed
As states implement the CDC ACIP's COVID-19 vaccination priorities, they are revising them as needed based on federal, state, and local conditions. Here is a recent snapshot.
ACC Policy Statement: Prioritize COVID-19 Vaccine for Highest-risk CVD Patients
To ensure COVID-19 vaccination priority for the sickest CVD patients, the ACC statement identifies highest risk conditions within CVD to aid clinician decision making.
The COVID-19 Vaccine "Wait and See Group: Who are they?
As a group, Americans who want to wait and see how the COVID-19 vaccine works for others are younger and more diverse than those who want it ASAP.
COVID-19 Pandemic State Death Rates: Highest, Lowest
In the state with the highest COVID-19 death rate, 1 in every 406 residents has died; in the state with the lowest rate, the number is 1 in every 3436. Which states are they?
COVID-19 Updates: US and Global Cases, Deaths, and Recoveries as of February 8, 2021
Global confirmed cases of COVID-19 have surpassed 106 million. We summarize more of today's data from the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 interactive map.
Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination: Data from 23 States
Kaiser Family Foundation: New data from 23 states show consistently smaller shares of vaccination among Blacks vs Whites based on share of cases and deaths and of total population.
Pfizer, Oxford-AstraZeneca Vaccines to be Studied in Alternating Doses
Oxford researchers will evaluate the interchangeability of the vaccines, the impact of different dosing intervals, and the potential for enhanced immune response.
Patients Often Miss Boosters in 2-dose Vaccine Regimens
Patients most often blame forgetfulness for not getting a second shot so reminders are key; just don't rely on a message via a patient portal to reach them.
Novavax, J&J Vaccine Candidates Effective Against COVID-19, Variants
Vaccines from both companies were significantly effective against COVID-19 and show promise against variants from the UK and South Africa.
COVID-19 Vaccine: US Cities in Greatest Immediate Need
Availability of the COVID-19 vaccine cannot come fast enough for many large US cities, based on the share in each of the most vulnerable populations.
FDA Update: Blood Donation During COVID-19 Pandemic
The FDA provides details on how COVID-19 infection or vaccination against the virus affects a waiting period to donate. Please share the information with your patients.
7 Myths and Facts about the COVID-19 Vaccines for PCPs and Patients
Patients trust primary care providers for accurate information on the COVID-19 vaccines. Here are 7 of the many myths now widespread you may need to explain to your patients.
PCP Survey Finds Patient Vaccine Distrust High, Health Issues More Complex
A majority of primary care clinicians report their patients worry about COVID-19 vaccine side effects and the speed of vaccine development. Most do plan to be vaccinated themselves.
The View from One Hospital's COVID-19 Trenches
The bad news, writes ID expert and AIDS researcher Rodger MacArthur, MD, is the New Year's surge in his hospital's COVID-19 cases. The good news? Vaccines.
J&J COVID-19 Single-dose Vaccine Candidate Shows Promise
Johnson & Johnson single-dose COVID-19 vaccine candidate induces durable immune response in participants aged 18 to 55 years; results support further development.
The COVID-19 Variants: What We Know So Far
What are the implications of the global emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants in terms of disease severity and vaccine and treatment efficacy?
COVID-19: ACP Releases Statement on Vaccine Provision, Payment
Recommendations address the role of clinicians as vaccinators and stress as essential communication and collaboration with patients' primary care team.
Pfizer & Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines: Side-by-side Comparison
The 2 FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines are similarly effective but also very different in a number of ways that will affect distribution.
Trust in the COVID-19 Vaccine is Fluid: KFF Vaccine Monitor Project Explains
A new Kaiser Family Foundation survey project found 85% of respondents trust their regular healthcare provider for information COVID-19 vaccination. PCPs, read more.