May 10th 2024
While Moderna expects mRNA-1345 to be approved later this month, the company cites FDA administrative constraints as reason for delay.
April 30th 2024
Your daily dose of the clinical news you may have missed.
April 22nd 2024
Researchers found that the COVID-19 booster dose elicited a 71%-84% increase in the median anti-spike half-life over that of the primary series.
March 29th 2024
Investigators found vaccine uptake of 41% among unvaccinated individuals who were part of a messaging intervention in the emergency department.
March 19th 2024
The novel 21-valent pneumococcal vaccine remains on track for the FDA PDUFA date of June 17, 2024; Merck adds this new data to the body of positive evidence.
The SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant: Current Facts, Figures, & Some Predictions
The Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 now accounts for >20% of new US infections and WHO estimates is has spread to 96 countries. We summarize current data and perspective.
OSHA COVID-19 Health Screening & Medical Management for Health Care Employees
The OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard ensures health care employees the right to full protection from COVID-19 exposure, ongoing remuneration in case of illness, and immunity from retaliation.
CDC Ups SARS-CoV-2 Delta Mutation to "Variant of Concern"
The CDC has intensified surveillance of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 which now accounts for 10% of new US COVID-19 infections.
FDA-approved: Pneumococcal 20-Valent Conjugate Vaccine for Adults
The vaccine is indicated for prevention of invasive disease and pneumonia caused by 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.
5 Myths that Persist about COVID-19 Vaccines
Truth: 67% of US unvaccinated adults believe or cannot judge the veracity of the 5 myths that follow. With more than half the population not fully vaccinated, there is more work to do.
Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine Found Safe, 100% Effective in Adolescents Aged 12-17 Years
In the phase 2/3 TeenCOVE study, Moderna's mRNA-1273 demonstrated immunogenicity noninferior to that seen in the phase 3 adult study comparator group.
SARS-CoV-2 Variants: Update on CDC Classifications
The CDC defines SARS-CoV-2 variants as of interest, of concern, and of high consequence. Get a quick update on how knowledge of known variants is changing.
10 States with the Highest Percentage of Fully Vaccinated Population
Maine continues to lead the country in percentage of population fully vaccinated at 51.82%, according to CDC data. Mississippi has shifted into the 51st spot.
Updated CDC Guidance for Fully Vaccinated People: Takeaways for Primary Care
The newest CDC guidance greatly reduces situations that require use of masks, distancing, and testing but has raised many questions. Here's help to answer the ones your patients may ask.
FDA Expands Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine EUA for Adolescents Aged 12-15 Years
Agency expansion of the COVID-19 vaccine EUA to include this younger group is an important step toward achieving herd immunity in the US, particularly as vaccine uptake slows across the country.
Vaccine Clinic: If Abuelo Could See Me Now
As a second-year medical student volunteers at a COVID-19 vaccine clinic, the Spanish last name shared by the elderly couple now in front of her is a poignant reminder of why she chose medicine.
COVID-19 Vaccine Tipping Points: KFF Data on States at Risk
A number of US states fall below the national average of ~50% adults having received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine and could be at risk of future virus spread.
COVID-19 Updates: US Vaccinations and Global Cases and Deaths as of May 4, 2021
Data from the Johns Hopkins COVID-19 interactive map and the CDC on COVID-19 vaccinations, cases, and deaths in the US and on cases and deaths worldwide.
Fauci: Widespread COVID-19 Vaccination, Precautions Key to Ending Pandemic
The NIAID head said the timing of the end of the pandemic is really up to the public.
10 States with the Highest Percentage of Population Fully Vaccinated
Maine currently leads the country in percentage of population fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Wherever you practice primary care, please keep the vaccine conversation going.
Hotspots, Vaccines, Hesitancy, and the Road Ahead
ID expert Rodger MacArthur, MD, explains hotspot dynamics, the essential role of clinicians as vaccine advocates, and how medical students are engaging and educating the community.
FDA/CDC Recommend Pause on J&J Vaccine Use After Reports of Blood Clots
Reports of a rare, severe type of blood clot in 6 women in the US led the agencies to halt use of the J&J product, out of an abundance of caution.
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID Vaccine Efficacy High at 6 Months, Companies Report
The COVID-19 vaccine partners announced an efficacy rate of >90% for BNT162b2 among 12 000 trial participants at up to 6 months after the second dose.
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine Found 100% Effective in Younger Teens
Pfizer-BioNTech announced today the complete protection against infection with SARS-CoV-2 among youth aged 12 to 15 years.
SARS-CoV-2 Variants: How Many and How Dangerous?
The CDC defines 3 classes of SARS-CoV-2 variants: Variants of interest, of concern, and of high consequence. Find out more about the 8 variants now being closely observed.
COVID-19 Vaccination Stats: Frontline Health Care Workers
Survey: Slightly more than one-half of US frontline healthcare workers have received at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. But some still plan not to get vaccinated at all.
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.