Key TakeawaysThe CDC now requires all incoming travelers from abroad to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding their flight.The announcement comes at a time when new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus are spreading from places like the U.K., Brazil, and South Africa.Some airlines are offering at-home testing services and resources to help passengers understand testing requirements at their destinations. Key Takeaways The CDC now requires all incoming travelers from abroad to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test result before boarding their flight....

Key Takeaways U.S. health officials voted August 13, 2021 to recommend an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine for some immunocompromised people. A panel of eight advisors to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) voted unanimously in favor of the recommendation. Soon after, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky signed the recommendation, allowing millions of moderately and severely immunocompromised people to get a third shot of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. For individuals whose immune response was weak or non-existent after the initial doses, the additional shot may grant them a higher degree of protection against COVID-19....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC revised their vaccine distribution plan due to increased hospitalizations and deaths among those 75 and older. Phase 1b now prioritizes people ages 75 and up who are not in long-term care facilities and frontline (non-healthcare) essential workers.Phase 1c includes adults ages 65 to 75, people ages 16 to 64 with high-risk medical conditions, and other essential workers not recommended for Phase 1b.The length of each phase is currently unknown....

Key TakeawaysThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is acknowledging COVID-19 can be spread through airborne transmission.The World Health Organization has recognized airborne transmission as a possibility since July.The CDC says larger respiratory droplets are more likely to spread COVID-19 than the small aerosols spread via airborne transmission.Wearing a mask—especially indoors, when the space is poorly ventilated—is the best way to protect against airborne transmission. Key Takeaways The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is acknowledging COVID-19 can be spread through airborne transmission....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC said adults 65 years and older should get another dose of COVID-19 vaccine four months after their last shot.The booster shot is meant to top-up immunity for people most vulnerable to infection before a new round of COVID vaccines roll out this fall.The recommendation may also encourage people to get a first dose of the updated vaccine if they haven’t yet done so. Key Takeaways The CDC said adults 65 years and older should get another dose of COVID-19 vaccine four months after their last shot....

Key TakeawaysThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends Pfizer booster shots for children ages 5 and older.Pediatricians say boosters are important to keep young children safe from the virus, but more children need to get their initial vaccine series. Key Takeaways The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends Pfizer booster shots for children ages 5 and older.Pediatricians say boosters are important to keep young children safe from the virus, but more children need to get their initial vaccine series....

Key Takeaways The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Tuesday issued an official recommendation for vaccinating children aged 5 to 11 against COVID-19. The move represents a landmark moment in the pandemic, allowing families to seek out vaccine protection for their children as they return to in-person schooling and activities. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, an advisory panel to the CDC, voted 14-to-0 to recommend Pfizer’s vaccine for children after a day of data review and deliberation....

Key Takeaways The vaccine, called Abrysvo, is given to pregnant mothers so that the antibodies can transfer to their newborns and protect them against RSV. How to Prevent RSV in Adults and Children Most Children Only Need One RSV Vaccination Most infants will not need both Abrysvo and Beyfortus. Abrysvo is recommended for people who are between 32 and 36 weeks pregnant in the fall and winter, when RSV cases peak....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC released guidance for healthcare providers on treating long COVID.The agency urges practitioners to take their patients’ symptoms seriously, and refrain from immediately attributing them to mental health issues.Doctors applaud the move, but point out there are still many unanswered questions regarding the condition. Key Takeaways The CDC released guidance for healthcare providers on treating long COVID.The agency urges practitioners to take their patients’ symptoms seriously, and refrain from immediately attributing them to mental health issues....

Key TakeawaysRoutine vaccination rates for children and teens declined significantly from pre-pandemic levels between March and September of 2020, according to the CDC.It’s important that as many kids as possible get vaccinated against preventable diseases like measles, HPV, and diphtheria in order to maintain herd immunity.The CDC is urging parents and healthcare providers to get kids caught up on all routine vaccinations, especially as capacity limitations, online learning, and other COVID-19 restrictions are lifted....

Key TakeawaysSevere allergic reactions to the currently-authorized COVID-19 vaccines are rare.People who have had a previous severe allergic reaction to a vaccine should wait 30 minutes at the vaccine clinic after getting a vaccine. That way, if a reaction does occur, it can be treated immediately. Key Takeaways Severe allergic reactions to the currently-authorized COVID-19 vaccines are rare.People who have had a previous severe allergic reaction to a vaccine should wait 30 minutes at the vaccine clinic after getting a vaccine....

Key TakeawaysA small number of recipients at vaccination clinics in two states had adverse reactions to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, causing temporary shutdowns.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that there are no safety issues or cause for concern and sites are free to continue distributing the doses.The reactions with the vaccine seen were common symptoms that can be attributed to nervousness or anxiety. Key Takeaways A small number of recipients at vaccination clinics in two states had adverse reactions to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, causing temporary shutdowns....

Key TakeawaysThe CDC updated its list of high-risk conditions for COVID-19 to include certain mental health disorders, like schizophrenia and depression.Experts say that social factors and physical manifestations of mental disorders contribute to an increased risk of COVID-19.Unfortunately, uncertainties from the pandemic have also increased risk of mental health issues, too. Key Takeaways The CDC updated its list of high-risk conditions for COVID-19 to include certain mental health disorders, like schizophrenia and depression....