COVID-19 vaccine mandates in Minnesota: What to know
As the omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to surge in Minnesota, vaccine mandates in Minneapolis and St. Paul begin Wednesday, Jan. 19. But what does that mean? Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about the vaccine mandate and its impacts:
U of M imposing temporary COVID vaccine mandate for large events
The University of Minnesota is imposing a temporary vaccine mandate for large indoor events.
Supreme Court blocks COVID-19 vaccine mandate for US businesses
The Supreme Court has stopped the Biden administration from enforcing a requirement that employees at large businesses be vaccinated against COVID-19 or undergo weekly testing and wear a mask on the job.
Pfizer: Omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine human trials to begin late January
Pfizer confirmed it plans to start human trials of its omicron-specific COVID-19 vaccine later this month, potentially making it available to the public as soon as March.
COVID vaccine mandate: Supreme Court weighs rules for businesses, health care
The Supreme Court is hearing arguments about the vaccine-or-testing requirement for large employers and a separate mandate for health care workers.
Boosters available for ages 12-15 as COVID continues to impact schools
Families have a new tool in their fight against COVID-19 as cases of the omicron variant continue to spike. On Wednesday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention endorsed a plan to give Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to kids from ages 12 to 15.
New HealthPartners research shows COVID-19 vaccine does not cause preterm births
New research on childbirths conducted in part by the HealthPartners Institute shows the COVID-19 vaccine does not result in preterm birth or low birth weight.
CDC panel endorses Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine booster for 12- to 15-year-olds
The CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, will weigh the panel’s advice before making a final decision soon.
Navy stopped from reprimanding sailors over COVID-19 vaccine refusal
The injunction is a new challenge to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin's decision to make vaccinations mandatory for all members of the military.
CDC reduces recommended wait time for getting Pfizer COVID-19 booster shot
The agency also recommended that severely immunocompromised kids ages 5-11 should get an additional primary dose of the Pfizer vaccine 28 days after their second shot.
Marine Corps removes 206 service members for refusing to get COVID-19 vaccine
Dozens of Marines have been discharged over the past week for their refusal to comply with the military’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
Israel to offer 4th dose of COVID-19 vaccine to most vulnerable
Israel approved a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose for people most vulnerable to the virus, the first country to do so.
J&J COVID-19 booster found to cut omicron hospitalizations in South African study
Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 booster shot was found to reduce the risk of omicron-related hospitalization by about 85%, according to a South African clinical trial.
1st person in US to get COVID-19 shot now a vaccine activist
The first person in the U.S. to get a COVID-19 vaccine, New York nurse Sandra Lindsay, has since become a prominent face in the vaccination campaign.
Fauci: 4th COVID-19 vaccine dose too ‘premature’ to discuss
Dr. Anthony Fauci said it’s too soon to decide if Americans would need a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
MDH: Omicron now believed to be dominant COVID strain in Minnesota
The omicron variant is now estimated to be the dominant COVID-19 strain in Minnesota, state health officials said Wednesday.
San Jose mayor pushes for mandatory booster; could be 1st in California
In what could be an unprecedented move in California, San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo said he wants to make all city employees and visitors who enter city-owned facilities, to have a booster shot or third round of vaccinations. There will surely be pushback to the plan.
Moderna: COVID booster effective against omicron in tests, will still develop new shot
Moderna said its COVID-19 booster shot appears to provide protection against the omicron variant but it will continue developing a tweaked jab.
Pfizer testing third COVID-19 vaccine dose for kids under 5
Pfizer said its special low-dose COVID-19 vaccine didn’t have as strong an immune response as expected in 2- to 4-year-olds, and it’s now testing three doses.
Smart Health Cards: Could it become an alternative to vaccine passports?
SmartHealth Cards have been adopted by over 20 states and it’s considered by some as a trusted source for people to access and verify their vaccine status.