COVID-19 omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 could be ‘worst’ so far, doctors say

Subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 are more transmissible, and early evidence shows both are capable of evading immune responses from previous infection as well as current COVID-19 vaccines.

Beijing appears to retract vaccine mandate after pushback

The Chinese capital Beijing appears to have backed off a plan to launch a vaccine mandate for entry into certain public spaces after pushback from residents.

Beijing mandates COVID vaccines to enter some public spaces

The Chinese capital has issued a mandate requiring people to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination before they can enter some public spaces including gyms, museums and libraries, drawing concern from city residents.

THC edibles in Minnesota: Cities, counties left to regulate after legalization

After legalizing THC edibles throughout Minnesota, politicians that approved the law have begun grappling with how to regulate their sale a week later. 

Pharmacists can prescribe COVID treatment drug Paxlovid, FDA says

The FDA change will make thousands more pharmacies eligible to quickly prescribe and dispense the pill, which has been shown to curb the worst effects of COVID-19.

Parasitic worms found across US parks put kids, pet owners at risk

Eggs of the tiny worm, which are found in pets' fecal matter, have been widely detected in New York City public spaces, with evidence of significant levels of contamination in all five boroughs.

6 monkeypox cases in Twin Cities; MDH urges prompt care

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has now confirmed six cases of monkeypox in Minnesota, all of which are among Twin Cities residents. 

Fewer abortions performed in Minnesota in 2021, MDH says

The number of abortions performed in Minnesota dipped slightly in 2021, according to data provided by the Minnesota Department of Health. 

Interest in vasectomies spiked since Roe v. Wade overturned by Supreme Court

One clinic in Austin, Texas, said it usually gets about eight calls a day on average for a vasectomy consultation, but after last week’s Supreme Court decision, the number of calls has skyrocketed to 100 a day, on average.

US health officials grapple with whether to offer new COVID-19 booster shots this fall

"This is science at its toughest," FDA vaccine chief Dr. Peter Mark said of whether to offer modified COVID-19 booster shots this fall due to the changing coronavirus.

Here's who should get vaccines for monkeypox

Reacting to a surprising and growing monkeypox outbreak, U.S. health officials on Tuesday expanded the group of people recommended to get vaccinated against the monkeypox virus.