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☆ Moderna says new Covid vaccine showed stronger immune response than current shot in study
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Moderna on Tuesday said a new version of its Covid vaccine triggered a stronger immune response against the virus than its current shot in a late-stage trial. Moderna's current Covid vaccine, known as Spikevax, is its only commercially available product. The biotech company's new shot could offer a longer shelf life and easier storage than its Covid vaccine. The company will accomplish that by shortening the length of the mRNA strand in the vaccine, Moderna previously told CNBC. The company's shot against respiratory syncytial virus is expected to win Food and Drug Administration approval in May.

Persons: Moderna Organizations: Moderna, Pfizer, CNBC, subvariants, Food, Drug Locations: U.S, Canada, Covid

Omicron subvariant JN.1 is causing nearly all new coronavirus cases in the U.S., according to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The strain, which was responsible for just over 3% of infections in mid-November, has virtually taken over the COVID-19 variant scene in the U.S. in recent months. It was responsible for more than 96% of new infections over the past two weeks, according to the estimates . JN.1, which is closely related to BA.2.86, or “pirola,” is also the top variant globally. But the levels, which reflect both symptomatic and asymptomatic infections, are trending downward.

Organizations: subvariant, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, WHO, CDC Locations: U.S

The latest COVID-19 wave in the U.S. appears to have peaked and started retreating, but concerns over a new variant are always lurking. Data indicates the latest increase in COVID-19 activity was significantly lower – and significantly less dangerous – than the COVID-19 surges the U.S. saw early in the pandemic. There are also concerns beyond just surviving a coronavirus infection, such as long COVID and the risks posed by reinfection . Meanwhile, as is always the case with COVID-19, there’s the possibility a new variant could change everything. Yet despite those changes, existing immunity from vaccines and previous infections still provides good protection,” the CDC said.

Persons: That’s, ” Maria Van Kerkhove, we're, ”, reinfection, ” Van Kerkhove, ” JN Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, CDC, Washington Post Locations: U.S, –, COVID, South Africa

☆ When Covid-19 finally got me, here’s what I did next
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-12 | by ( Katia Hetter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

Story highlights Getting a Covid-19 vaccination reduces risk of hospitalization or death All should have a plan in the event of infection, our medical expert advises There are treatments available for patients not eligible for PaxlovidCNN —Covid-19 finally got me. There are more key points I want to emphasize: The Covid-19 vaccine is not going to protect you 100% from contracting the virus. That’s because the viral load may not be high enough initially to trigger a positive test. You should also consider getting tested for the flu, as antiviral treatments are available for influenza, too. Wen: Individuals who test positive should stay home for at least five days and isolate from others, according to CDC guidance.

Persons: Paxlovid CNN —, I’ve, “ Hamilton, Leana Wen, Wen, it’s, It’s, Joe Raedle, Covid Organizations: Paxlovid CNN, CNN Health, World Health, WHO, George Washington University, CNN, Covid, US Centers for Disease Control, Paxlovid Locations: naps, Covid

The U.S. is in the midst of a winter wave of COVID-19. COVID-19 is not the problem it once was in the U.S. Americans have access to tests, treatments and vaccines. Here are three things to know about the current COVID-19 surge in the U.S.COVID-19 Levels in the U.S. Are ElevatedWastewater viral activity for COVID-19 is “very high” nationally, surpassing last winter’s levels, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “All regions show high and increasing levels, with the highest regional levels in the South and Midwest,” the CDC reported last week. “COVID-19 surveillance data, hospital admission forecasts and growth estimates indicate that COVID-19 activity has increased and is likely to continue increasing into January,” the agency said.

Persons: it’s, ”, “, They’re, Luo Organizations: U.S, Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Department, omicron, JN Locations: U.S, South, Midwest, COVID

☆ Covid vaccine rates in the U.S. are slumping — and it will be a challenge to boost them
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +10 min

In this article PFEMRNANVAX Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTA sign advertises Covid vaccine shots at a Walgreens Pharmacy in Somerville, Massachusetts, on Aug. 14, 2023. Brian Snyder | ReutersThree years into the Covid-19 pandemic, few Americans are rolling up their sleeves to get a Covid vaccine. Experts and vaccine makers can agree that low Covid vaccination rates are concerning, even as cases of the virus dwindle from their pandemic highs. However, Iovine of the University of Florida doesn't believe combination shots will have a significant effect on Covid vaccination rates. If combination shots don't do the trick, it's unclear what else could boost Covid vaccination rates down the line.

Persons: Brian Snyder, Ali Mokdad, Mokdad, Irfan Khan, Jennifer Kates, Brad Pollock, Nicole Iovine, epidemiologist, Iovine, Michael Yee, Albert Bourla, Arpa Garay, Garay, John Trizzino, Trizzino, Jamey Mock, Andrew Pekosz, Jefferies, Yee, doesn't Organizations: Walgreens, Reuters, Pfizer, Moderna, Centers for Disease Control, CDC, University of Washington, CVS Pharmacy, Los Angeles Times, KFF, UC Davis Health's, University of Florida, Jefferies, Arpa, CNBC, Istock, Getty, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Locations: Somerville , Massachusetts, U.S, Novavax, Covid, Eagle Rock , California

When the COVID-19 strain BA.2.86 entered the scene over the summer, it quickly captured the attention of officials who were concerned about the variant’s large number of mutations. The organization said that there has been a “slow but steady increase in the proportion of BA.2.86 reported” globally. The CDC said in a statement this week that BA.2.86 has also been slowly increasing in the U.S. since August. “These numbers are based on a relatively small number of BA.2.86 sequences, so should be interpreted with caution, as should BA.2.86 growth rates and other extrapolations based on these numbers,” the CDC said. COVID-19 tests and treatment are also expected to work on BA.2.86.

Persons: “ pirola, ”, Maria Van Kerkhove, ” Van Kerkhove, “, It’s Organizations: World Health Organization, WHO, Centers for Disease Control, CDC Locations: hospitalizations, U.S

☆ Here's why the U.S. stock market and economy don't need or even miss China
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( Jim Cramer | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +16 min

Yet, the Fed chief was roundly criticized for avoiding tightening because the economy wouldn't slow down; nor would inflation. The country adopted a strict Covid policy that prevailed through 2022 causing its GDP to fall to 3% way below the Chinese government's 5.5% target. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping acted as if nothing had weakened and only strengthened his hold on lifetime power. The S&P 500 advanced 14% over the next two years, but China's market sank nearly 1.5% during the same period. Meanwhile, Chinese President Xi Jinping acted as if nothing had weakened and only strengthened his hold on lifetime power.

Persons: Jerome Powell, couldn't, Powell, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Nancy Pelosi, Pelosi, Biden, Xi Jinping, Xi, It's, China hasn't, Trump, Jim Cramer's, Jim Cramer, Jim, Tasos Katopodis, Brendan Smialowski Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, Initiative, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Nike, Apple, Starbucks, Trump, Nvidia, United Auto Workers, UAW, Pfizer, CNBC, Federal, Financial, Treasury Department, Capitol, Reuters, Economic Cooperation, Afp, Getty Locations: U.S, China, United States, Taiwan, San Francisco, Mexico, Washington , U.S, Asia

☆ Omicron, Now 2 Years Old, Is Not Done With Us Yet
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-21 | by ( Carl Zimmer | More About Carl Zimmer | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

By November 2021, nearly two years after the coronavirus emerged in Wuhan and spread across the world, the surprises seemed to be over. Researchers in Botswana and South Africa alerted the world that a highly mutated version of the virus had emerged and was spreading fast. Omicron, as the World Health Organization called the variant, swiftly overtook other forms of the virus. In the two years since its emergence, Omicron has proved to be not only staggeringly infectious, but an evolutionary marvel, challenging many assumptions virologists had before the pandemic. “It was almost like there was another pandemic,” said Adam Lauring, a virologist at the University of Michigan.

Persons: virologists, ”, Adam Lauring Organizations: Alpha, World Health Organization, University of Michigan Locations: Wuhan, Botswana, South Africa

WASHINGTON (AP) — Americans can order more free COVID-19 tests online for home delivery. Anyone who did not order a batch of four COVID-19 tests in September can secure up to eight of them this time around starting Monday at COVIDtests.gov. The new release of free COVID-19 nasal swab tests also comes ahead of the first winter since the pandemic started that insurers are no longer required to cover the cost of them. Political Cartoons View All 1256 ImagesThe Food and Drug Administration also approved updated COVID-19 vaccines in September in the hopes of revving up protection for Americans this winter. U.S. taxpayers have spent tens of billions of dollars to develop COVID-19 tests, vaccines and treatments in the three years since the pandemic started.

Organizations: WASHINGTON, U.S . Postal Service, Drug Administration Locations: U.S, COVIDtests.gov, COVID, United States

☆ The Covid Vaccine Windfall Turns for Pfizer and Moderna
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Allysia Finley | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Journal Editorial Report: The week’s best and worst from Kim Strassel, Kyle Peterson, Mary O'Grady and Dan Henninger. Images: AP/AFP/Getty Images/Reuters/Zuma Press Composite: Mark KellyThe U.S. was in a fit of Covid panic during Thanksgiving week two years ago. Share prices in Pfizer and Moderna surged. By month’s end, Pfizer’s stock-market value had surpassed $300 billion, up 50% from the start of the pandemic. In 2022 Pfizer became the first pharmaceutical company to book more than $100 billion in annual sales owing to government purchases of its vaccines and antiviral pill.

Persons: Kim Strassel, Kyle Peterson, Mary O'Grady, Dan Henninger, Mark Kelly The Organizations: Getty, Zuma, Pfizer, Moderna Locations: Mark Kelly The U.S

☆ The stock market incorrectly priced in dovish Fed pivots 6 times in the last few years. Will this 7th time be any different?
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

But the market wrongly priced in a looser stance at least six times in the last few years, Deutsche Bank wrote. The S&P 500 advanced 3.6% that month as bond yields fell. AdvertisementThe S&P 500 jumped 6.6% in the week ending May 27, its strongest weekly performance of 2022. The S&P 500 surged 5.7% over October 3-4, marking the biggest two-day rally since April 2020. Yields on 2-year Treasurys tumbled, and the S&P 500 jumped 7% from a low in the immediate aftermath of SVB's collapse to the end of the March.

Persons: —, Jerome Powell Organizations: Federal Reserve, Deutsche Bank, Service, Fed, Bank Locations: Ukraine

Over 16,200 new COVID-19 hospital admissions were reported last week – an increase of more than 8% over the week prior. CDC continues to monitor HV.1, EG.5 and all other lineages.”HV.1 was responsible for 29% of new COVID-19 cases in recent weeks, according to estimates from the CDC. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to work on HV.1, which is a descendant of EG.5. Political Cartoons on Women’s Issues View All 73 ImagesNearly 15% of American adults have received the updated COVID-19 shot, according to a survey from the federal government. While the COVID-19 vaccine coverage so far is comparable to the last updated COVID-19 vaccine, it’s still lower than experts were hoping for ahead of the holiday season.

Persons: “, EG Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, CDC, EG Locations: U.S

A new COVID-19 variant has entered the scene in the U.S.HV.1 was documented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in low numbers over the summer. It’s a descendent of EG.5, which is the second most common variant in the U.S. at nearly 22% of new cases, according to estimates from the CDC. That estimate also includes cases from HV.1 and another similar strain, HK.5. The CDC is predicting a “moderate” COVID-19 wave, according to its respiratory disease season outlook. “COVID-19 variants continue to emerge but have not resulted in rapid disease surges,” the CDC said in an update to its respiratory disease season outlook published last month.

Persons: eris, ”, Perry, We've, ” Halkitis, “ Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, EG, World Health Organization doesn’t, WHO, HK, Rutgers School of Public Health, CDC Locations: U.S

☆ CDC to expand disease surveillance at four major US airports to include flu, RSV
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Manav Tanneeru | Amanda Musa | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expanding its infectious disease surveillance program at four major US airports to more than 30 pathogens, including flu, RSV and other respiratory viruses. The program currently operates Covid-19 surveillance at seven major international airports in the United States. The traveler surveillance program was introduced in 2021 when the CDC began collecting nasal swab samples from anonymous international travelers arriving at participating airports who volunteer to get swabbed. The program has collected samples from travelers from more than 135 countries and has sequenced more than 14,000 samples for further analysis. The wastewater program, which was introduced in August 2022, collects wastewater from a single plane using a custom-made collection device.

Persons: Dr, Cindy Friedman, John F, “, ” Friedman, Friedman, Ginkgo Bioworks, Matthew McKnight, ” McKnight, Sanjay Gupta, Deidre McPhillips Organizations: CNN, Centers for Disease Control, CDC’s, Health, Boston Logan International Airport, San Francisco International Airport, Dulles International, Washington , D.C, Kennedy International, CDC, Get CNN, CNN Health Locations: United States, Washington ,, New York, Ginkgo

NEW YORK (AP) — A month after federal officials recommended new versions of COVID-19 vaccines, 7% of U.S. adults and 2% of children have gotten a shot. The data also indicated that nearly 40% of adults said they probably or definitely will not get the shot. In the late summer, government health officials made the nation's COVID-19 vaccination campaign more like the annual flu campaign. Even so, health officials say about 18,000 hospitalization and 1,200 deaths are still being reported each week. ___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group.

Persons: didn't, hospitalizations, Camille Kotton, David Kimberlin, “ Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, CDC, Harvard Medical School, University of Alabama, Associated Press Health, Science Department, Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science, Educational Media Group, AP Locations: U.S, Birmingham

☆ Pfizer's combination Covid, flu vaccine will move to final-stage trial after positive data
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Pfizer on Thursday said its combination vaccine candidates targeting Covid and the flu will move to a final-stage trial in the coming months after showing positive initial results in an early to mid-stage study. Covid vaccine rates in the U.S. were bleak last year, and could look the same this year. The trial measured the safety, tolerability and efficacy of Pfizer's combination vaccine candidates among adults ages 18 to 64. The results showed that "lead" formulations of Pfizer's combination vaccine demonstrated robust immune responses to influenza A, influenza B and Covid strains, according to Pfizer. The safety profiles of the combination vaccine candidates were also consistent with the company's Covid vaccine.

Persons: BioNTech, Annaliesa Anderson, Pfizer's, Albert Bourla Organizations: Pfizer, BioNTech, Moderna Locations: U.S

☆ Over 7 million Americans have gotten updated COVID vaccines
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Patrick Wingrove | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Millions of doses of another updated COVID vaccine from Novavax (NVAX.O) have also been made available to Americans this week, according to the company. Last year's booster targeting the original virus and another variant was rolled out about 10 days earlier. By Sept. 28, 2022, almost 7.6 million Americans had received the updated shots. U.S. public health officials have been optimistic that Americans will get the new vaccines and have recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older receive one. About 17% of the U.S. population, or 56.5 million people, ultimately received last year's version of the vaccines.

Persons: Emily Elconin, Patrick Wingrove, Bill Berkrot Organizations: REUTERS, U.S . Department of Health, Human Services, Pfizer, Moderna, U.S . Centers, Disease Control, Thomson Locations: Waterford , Michigan, U.S, Moderna, Novavax

☆ Novavax's updated Covid vaccine can still catch up to Pfizer, Moderna shots this fall
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-07 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The biotech company is banking on sales of its updated Covid vaccine — its only commercially available product — and a broad cost-cutting push to help it stay afloat. Novavax's shot fends off the virus with protein-based technology, a decades-old method used in routine vaccinations against hepatitis B and shingles. The federal government shifted Covid vaccine distribution and coverage to the private market for the first time this fall. A sign advertises COVID-19 (coronavirus) vaccine shots at a Walgreens Pharmacy in Somerville, Massachusetts, August 14, 2023. Some pharmacies, like Walgreens , also appear to be resolving supply disruptions, which left many stores without any new Covid shots for patients to receive.

Persons: Patrick Van Katwijk, Novavax, aren't, Mayank Mamtani, fends, Silvia Taylor, Taylor, Novavax's, Mamtani, Hannah Beier, Jefferies, Roger Song, Brian Snyder, Biden Organizations: Dutch Health Service Organization, Getty, Pfizer, Moderna, Drug Administration, Riley Securities, CNBC, Covid, FDA, Bloomberg, Insurance, Walgreens, Reuters Locations: The Hague, Netherlands, U.S, Schwenksville , Pennsylvania, Somerville , Massachusetts

The summer increase of COVID-19 appears to have passed its peak. The mindset change is likely how health officials will examine COVID-19 during the fall and winter months for years to come. Last winter saw a peak of new weekly COVID-19 hospital admissions at nearly 44,500. That would mean that the U.S. enters peak respiratory disease season with an elevated level of COVID-19 circulating already, so a further increase could be possible on top of that. But to get the most protection against this form of the COVID virus that's circulating right now, get the updated COVID vaccine."

Persons: Ashish Jha, ”, – COVID, don’t, Andrew Pekosz, It’s, Mandy Cohen, ” Pekosz, “ pirola, it's, Biden, ” Cohen, Cohen, – Organizations: White, for Disease Control, CDC, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Locations: U.S, hospitalizations, Boston

☆ Moderna combination Covid, flu vaccine moves to final stage trial after positive data
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Moderna on Wednesday said its combination vaccine targeting Covid and the flu will move to a final stage trial in adults ages 50 and above this year after showing positive results in an early to mid-stage study. The trial evaluated the combination shot in two different age groups: people 50 to 64 years of age and participants 65 to 79. The safety data of mRNA-1083 was similar to that of the stand-alone Covid shot, according to Moderna. No new safety concerns were identified with the combination vaccine. Moderna is also developing a combination shot targeting the flu and RSV, and another vaccine targeting all three respiratory viruses: Covid, flu and RSV.

Persons: Stéphane Bancel, BioNTech Organizations: Moderna, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline Locations: Moderna

A vial labelled "Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine" is seen in this illustration taken January 16, 2022. The Maryland-based company, whose COVID vaccine is its lone marketed product, has adopted cost-cutting measures and is counting on commercial sales of its updated shot to help it stay afloat. The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will not meet again to discuss the Novavax shot, a spokesperson said. Novavax's original COVID shot received U.S. authorization in July 2022, long after Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were in use. All three of the updated shots target the XBB.1.5 variant of the coronavirus.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, BioNTech, COVID, John Jacobs, Jacobs, Sriparna Roy, Bill Berkrot Organizations: REUTERS, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, U.S . Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, Pfizer Inc, Moderna, FDA, Pfizer, Moderna's, Thomson Locations: U.S, Maryland, Bengaluru

☆ FDA authorizes updated Novavax Covid vaccine as Pfizer, Moderna shots roll out in U.S.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

"In the coming days, individuals in the U.S. can go to major pharmacies, physicians' offices, clinics and various government entities to receive an updated Novavax vaccine." Last month, the FDA and CDC greenlit XBB.1.5 shots from Pfizer and Moderna for all Americans ages six months and older. The end of that declaration means all three manufacturers will sell their updated shots directly to health-care providers and vie for commercial market share. That includes the Biden administration's Bridge Access Program, which will provide Covid vaccines at no cost to underinsured and uninsured people. It's unclear how many Americans will actually roll up their sleeves and take the new vaccines from Novavax, Pfizer and Moderna.

Persons: Novavax, John Jacobs, fends, Demetre Daskalakis, Biden, it's, Eris, Megan Wallace Organizations: Drug Administration, Pfizer, Moderna, Centers for Disease Control, Covid, FDA, CDC, EG, Biden Locations: U.S, Novavax

Coronavirus hospitalizations are on the decline in the U.S. as the omicron subvariant EG.5, or “eris,” continues to spread. New COVID-19 hospital admissions declined for the second week in a row, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eris is also the most prominent strain circulating globally, according to the World Health Organization. The organization recently updated its risk evaluation for the variant, finding that the public health risk posed by EG.5 is considered “low” at the global level. “While concurrent increases in the proportion of EG.5 and COVID-19 hospitalizations have been observed in some countries, no direct associations have been made between these hospitalizations and EG.5, and current hospitalizations are lower when compared to previous waves,” WHO said in the updated risk assessment.

Persons: Coronavirus, ”, Eris, Mandy Cohen, “, ” Cohen Organizations: omicron subvariant EG, Centers for Disease Control, EG, World Health Organization, WHO Locations: U.S, hospitalizations, COVID

☆ Australia's Qantas chairman says shareholders want him despite turmoil
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File Photo/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Sept 27 (Reuters) - The chairman of Australia's Qantas Airways (QAN.AX) on Wednesday vowed to stay in his role despite a host of scandals engulfing the airline, saying its biggest shareholders wanted leadership continuity even as its shares track a one-year low. "I've had meetings with our major shareholders two weeks ago, and they are very strongly supportive of me staying," Goyder told the hearing. "While I retain the confidence of shareholders and the board, I will continue to serve. But she and Goyder, the Qantas chairman since 2018, denied having any discussions about the Qatari request with any member of the federal government. Qatar Airways' senior vice-president of global sales, Matt Raos, told the hearing the company was "surprised and shocked" its application was denied without a reason given.

Persons: Loren Elliott, Richard Goyder, I've, Goyder, we've, isn't, Vanessa Hudson, Jayne Hrdlicka, Hrdlicka, Matt Raos, Byron Kaye, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Qantas, Sydney Airport, REUTERS, Rights, Qantas Airways, Stock, Qatar Airways, Virgin, Thomson Locations: Sydney, Australia, Virgin Australia, Qatar

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