Omicron variant: CDC expands COVID-19 booster recommendation to all adults 18 and older
"Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer or Moderna series or 2 months after their initial J&J vaccine," the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.
Merriam-Webster declares 'vaccine' as 2021 word of the year
Merriam-Webster has declared an omnipresent truth as its 2021 word of the year: vaccine. Last year, it chose “pandemic.”
Fauci says omicron variant could be ‘red flag,’ urges COVID-19 boosters for all
“I keep saying it over and over, the next couple of months are going to be up to us. I mean, we, right now, have a tool, a very effective tool,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said, urging vaccination amid news of the worrying new omicron variant.
FDA finds Merck COVID-19 pill effective, seeks outside experts on safety
U.S. health officials say Merck's experimental COVID-19 pill is effective but they raised questions about its safety during pregnancy.
European Union authorizes Pfizer's COVID vaccine for kids 5-11
The European Union has authorized Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine for use on children as young as 5 years old.
St. Paul police union file lawsuit against COVID-19 vaccine mandate
The union for St. Paul police officers has filed a lawsuit against the city's pending COVID-19 vaccine mandate.
White House: 92% of federal workers vaccinated under mandate with no apparent disruptions
On Tuesday, one day after the deadline for compliance, 92% of the 3.5 million federal workers covered by Biden’s mandate reported to the government that they are at least partially vaccinated, according to White House officials.
US mandating vaccines for all border crossers in January
President Joe Biden plans to require essential nonresident travelers crossing U.S. land borders, such as truck drivers and emergency response officials, to be fully vaccinated beginning on Jan. 22.
Proof of COVID-19 vaccine will be required for all US land border crossers
The rules pertain to non-U.S. nationals. American citizens and permanent residents may still enter the U.S. regardless of their vaccination status.
Health officials: It's OK to gather for Thanksgiving, just do it safer
Right now, Minnesota has some of the highest COVID-19 positivity rates than anywhere else in the country, but health officials have not issued stay home orders ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
More than 90% of federal workers get at least 1st COVID-19 shot by Monday deadline
More than 90% of federal workers have received at least one COVID-19 shot by President Biden's Monday deadline, a U.S. official said.
COVID-19 boosters: CDC director OKs shots for all adults after FDA approval
The FDA has authorized Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster shots to all U.S. adults, ahead of approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Paxlovid: US buys millions of Pfizer’s antiviral COVID-19 pills
The White House announced Friday that it has purchased 10 million treatment courses of Pfizer's investigational COVID-19 oral antiviral candidate Paxlovid.
10% of US kids 5 to 11 received COVID-19 vaccine in 1st 2 weeks, White House says
At least 2.6 million kids have received a shot, White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients says, with 1.7 million doses administered in the last week alone.
Moderna asks FDA to expand COVID-19 booster access to all adults 18 and older
In October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration granted emergency use authorization for Moderna's COVID-19 booster for adults who are 65 and older, as well as adults between 18 and 64 who are at risk for severe COVID-19.
US to invest billions in COVID-19 vaccine manufacturing to boost world supply
The Biden administration is making billions of dollars available to drugmakers to scale up domestic production of COVID-19 vaccines to share with the world.
Pfizer signs deal to let other companies make its COVID-19 pill
Pfizer has signed a deal with a U.N.-backed group to allow other manufacturers to make its experimental COVID-19 pill in an effort to expand access.
Vaccinated families can ‘feel good’ about holiday gatherings, Fauci says
"If you get vaccinated and your family's vaccinated, you can feel good about enjoying a typical Thanksgiving, Christmas with your family and close friends," Dr. Anthony Fauci said.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden arrives in Houston to encourage pediatric COVID-19 vaccinations
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden was joined by U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy at Texas Children's Hospital as part of efforts to visit pediatric vaccination clinics across the country over the coming weeks to encourage shots.
Minnesota hospitals strained from influx of COVID-19 patients
Two major hospital systems in Minnesota both made very public pleas Friday -- they need help slowing the spread of COVID-19. And in one case, they need actual help in the form of workers.