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☆ CDC advisers recommend spring Covid boosters for older adults
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Erika Edwards | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The panel's vote to recommend spring boosters for older adults is not final until CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen signs off on it. The additional dose should be given at least four months after a previous dose for healthy older adults, or at least three months after a Covid infection. Covid hospitalizations peaked at the beginning of January, with 35,000 hospitalizations a week. By Feb. 7, Covid hospitalizations had fallen to around 20,000 a week. The vast majority have been among older adults, 65 and older.

Persons: Covid —, there's, Megan Wallace, Mandy Cohen, Marvia Jones, Covid, Covid hospitalizations Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, CDC, Kansas City Health Department Locations: agency's, Kansas, Missouri, United States

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

☆ New COVID Variant Takes Hold in the United States
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-28 | by ( Nov. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Robin Foster HealthDay Reporter(HealthDay)TUESDAY, Nov. 28, 2023 (Healthday News) -- The prevalence of a highly mutated COVID variant has tripled in the past two weeks, new government data shows. Now, nearly 1 in 10 new COVID cases are fueled by the BA.2.86 variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Monday. Scientists first warned of the highly mutated variant back in August, but it has since spread in several regions of the United States. The CDC also noted that BA.2.86 variant poses a "low" public health risk. But the CDC data released Monday did show that emergency department visits linked to COVID-19 have begun to climb nationwide.

Persons: Robin Foster HealthDay, Jasmine Reed Organizations: U.S . Centers for Disease Control, EG, WHO, CDC, CBS News, JN Locations: New York, New Jersey, United States, 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

☆ 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

☆ 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

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

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

The COVID-19 omicron subvariant EG.5 – unofficially nicknamed “eris” – was responsible for about 1 in 4 new coronavirus infections in recent weeks, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s the highest prevalence for any coronavirus strain, though omicron subvariant FL.1.5.1 is quickly rising behind it, according to CDC data. While the variant scene continues to shift in the U.S., the CDC on Thursday released its respiratory disease season outlook for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. There is also a possibility that hospitalizations will surpass last year’s level and cause strain on health care facilities should a new coronavirus variant arise. COVID-19 by itself is unlikely to cause large waves of severe disease and hospitalizations because of widespread immunity to the coronavirus from prior infections, vaccinations or both, according to the CDC.

Persons: ” –, ” Organizations: subvariant EG, Centers for Disease Control, CDC Locations: U.S

☆ Meet the Black students who were instrumental in developing the first Covid-19 shots
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Jacqueline Howard | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

Among about two dozen scientists in Graham’s lab were three young students: Olubukola Abiona, Geoffrey Hutchinson and Cynthia Ziwawo. What the world didn’t know at the time was that those three students — Abiona, Hutchinson and Ziwawo — were doing the foundational work for those vaccines to eventually save lives. Geoffrey Hutchinson served in the Peace Corps and taught chemistry to high school students in Mozambique. The fruits of Abiona, Hutchinson and Ziwawo’s labor were evident this week as the United States began to roll out updated versions of the Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccines. Abiona, Hutchinson and Ziwawo all confirmed Wednesday that although they haven’t made their appointments yet, they plan to get the updated shots.

Persons: Barney Graham’s, Olubukola Abiona, Geoffrey Hutchinson, Cynthia Ziwawo, “, Graham, ‘, ’ ”, Hutchinson, ”, ” Ziwawo, Anthony Fauci, — Abiona, Ziwawo —, Ziwawo, Kizzmekia Corbett, ” Corbett, David Satcher, he’s, Valerie Montgomery Rice, “ They’re, Abiona, Hannah Montana, Austin Steele, CNN Abiona, BioNTech, “ It’s, Dr, Sanjay Gupta Organizations: CNN, Vaccine Research, National Institutes of Health, University of Washington, “, Vaccine Research Center, National Institute of Allergy, Diseases, Moderna, Morehouse School of Medicine, David Satcher Global Health Equity Institute, Association of American Medical Colleges, NIH, Disney, David Satcher Global Health Equity Summit, KPMG LLP, Indiana University School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Peace Corps, United States, Pfizer, CNN Health, FDA, Food and Drug Administration, US Centers for Disease Control Locations: China, Bethesda , Maryland, Ziwawo, United States, Atlanta, Graham’s, Nigeria, Mozambique, Abiona, United

☆ Stocks making the biggest moves midday: Citigroup, Adobe, Corteva and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Pia Singh | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

David Wadhwani, senior vice president of digital media for Adobe, speaks during the launch of Adobe Creative Cloud and CS6 in San Francisco, April 23, 2012. Redwire — The space infrastructure stock soared 5.6% Wednesday after Roth MKM initiated research coverage of the company with a buy rating. The firm said Redwire, which went public via a special purpose acquisition company in 2021, has "several billions worth of pipeline revenue opportunity." Citigroup — Shares advanced nearly 1.7% after the bank's CEO Jane Fraser announced a corporate reorganization Wednesday amid a stock slump. Adobe — Stock in the software company added about 2.1% in midday trading ahead of quarterly results Thursday.

Persons: David Wadhwani, Roth MKM, Jane Fraser, Nio, General Motors, —, Alex Harring, Hakyung Kim, Brian Evans, Samantha Subin, Tanaya Macheel Organizations: Adobe, Adobe Creative, Moderna —, Centers for Disease Control, Pfizer, Moderna, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, Citigroup —, Citigroup, Airline, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, European Commission, Adobe —, FactSet, Traders, Ford Motor, General, UBS, Ford, General Motors Locations: San Francisco, U.S, Nio —, China

☆ New Covid boosters could reach Americans as soon as Thursday – here's what you need to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

Brian Cassella | Tribune News Service | Getty ImagesA new round of Covid vaccines is finally here in the U.S. Meanwhile, the FDA is still reviewing a third updated vaccine from Novavax for people ages 12 and up. Here's everything you need to know about the updated Covid vaccines, from where to find them, whether you can get them for free and when to get them. The agency's website outlines more specific guidelines for staying up to date on Covid vaccines, which differ depending on age group and risk level. Kroger Americans will soon be able to use the federal website vaccines.gov to find other locations offering the updated Covid shots, according to a CDC spokesperson.

Persons: Brian Cassella, Covid, Biden, Megan Wallace, they've, Brian Snyder, vaccines.gov, Evelyn Twentyman, Will, Moderna's, Twentyman, Taison Bell, Bell, CDC's Wallace, Wallace Organizations: Pfizer, Tribune, Service, U.S, The, Disease Control, Moderna, Food and Drug Administration, CDC, FDA, Walgreens, CNBC, WALGREENS, CVS Albertsons, Kroger, Manufacturers, CVS, University of Virginia Health, Younger Locations: Chatham , Illinois, U.S, Covid, Somerville , Massachusetts

☆ ICON to partner with US govt agency to test COVID vaccine candidates
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Vials labelled "VACCINE Coronavirus COVID-19" and a syringe are seen in front of a displayed U.S. flag in this illustration taken December 11, 2021. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Icon Plc FollowBioNTech SE FollowModerna Inc Follow Show more companiesSept 13 (Reuters) - Contract research firm ICON Plc (ICLR.O) said on Wednesday it is partnering with the U.S. government for a clinical trial to test the effectiveness of next generation COVID-19 vaccine candidates. As part of the collaboration with Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, ICON will conduct a mid-stage trial of 10,000 participants to assess the efficacy of a next generation COVID-19 vaccine relative to currently available shots. The U.S. agency will select the vaccine candidate for the trial. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday authorized updated COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer (PFE.N)/BioNTech (22UAy.DE) and Moderna (MRNA.O) that target the XBB.1.5 subvariant of the virus.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Pratik Jain, Saumyadeb Chakrabarty, Shounak Organizations: REUTERS, U.S, Research, Development Authority, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, Pfizer, Moderna, Thomson Locations: U.S, Bengaluru

The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signed off on a recommendation for updated COVID-19 vaccines for everyone over the age of 6 months, setting up the shots to become available later this week. “We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from COVID-19,” CDC Director Mandy Cohen said in a statement. The Food and Drug Administration this week authorized the shots from Moderna and Pfizer that target the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5. An FDA official said during the meeting that “there is an urgent need for alternatives to mRNA based vaccines including gene based vaccines,” like the Novavax shot. The updated shots come as the U.S. sees its eighth straight week of rising coronavirus hospitalizations.

Persons: Mandy Cohen, ”, “ We're, ” Cohen Organizations: Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, CDC, Drug Administration, Moderna, Pfizer, FDA, EG, ” Health Locations: COVID, U.S

The updated shots are part of a push by public health officials to align the next COVID vaccines more closely with the actual circulating variant of the virus, similar to the way annual flu shots are designed. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday authorized updated COVID vaccines made by Pfizer (PFE.N) and its German partner BioNTech SE (22UAy.DE) as well as by Moderna (MRNA.O). CDC Director Mandy Cohen is expected to approve the recommendations issued by the advisers, allowing Americans to get the updated vaccines. The first COVID vaccines in 2020 were monovalent, or single-target vaccines, aimed at the original strain of the virus. They were followed by bivalent COVID vaccine booster shots that targeted both the original and the Omicron strains.

Persons: Emily Elconin, BioNTech, Caitlin Rivers, Mandy Cohen, Rivers, bivalent, Daniel Kuritzkes, Eris, Kuritzkes, Novavax, Bhanvi, Julie Steenhuysen, Will Dunham, Caroline Humer Organizations: REUTERS, U.S . Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, Pfizer, Moderna, FDA, Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, CDC, Omicron, Brigham, Women's Hospital, Vaccine, EG, Thomson Locations: Waterford , Michigan, U.S, United States, Baltimore, Europe, Asia, Boston, Moderna, Bengaluru, Chicago

☆ CDC advisors recommend updated Covid vaccines for all Americans ages 6 months and up
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

An independent advisory panel to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday recommended that all Americans ages 6 months and up receive updated Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna , the next step toward the shots reaching Americans in the coming days. Thirteen advisors voted in favor of that "universal" recommendation for Americans, while one voted against it. It is a vaccine-preventable disease," said Dr. Beth Bell, clinical professor at the University of Washington and member of the panel, during the advisory meeting. "And so, for that reason, I favor the universal recommendation." The advisory panel's "universal" recommendation comes a day after the Food and Drug Administration approved the two mRNA jabs, which are designed to target the omicron subvariant XBB.1.5.

Persons: Mandy Cohen, Georgina Peacock, Beth Bell, Hospitalizations, hospitalizations, Megan Wallace Organizations: Moderna, Pharmacy, Centers for Disease Control, Pfizer, CDC, University of Washington, Food and Drug Administration, FDA Locations: Schwenksville , Pennsylvania, U.S

☆ US FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna's updated COVID shots
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Signage is seen outside of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) headquarters in White Oak, Maryland, U.S., August 29, 2020. A third shot, made by Novavax (NVAX.O), is still under review by the FDA. But obviously that requires that FDA have decided the data supports it," said Jesse Goodman, a professor at Georgetown and former FDA chief scientist. Moderna and Pfizer, which is partnered with German biotech firm BioNTech SE (22UAy.DE), said the updated vaccines were expected to be available the United States in the coming days. An endorsement by CDC Director Mandy Cohen, expected shortly, should clear the way for the new shots.

Persons: Andrew Kelly, Novavax, Jesse Goodman, —, Mandy Cohen, Cohen, Sriparna Roy, Mariam Sunny, Michael Erman, Shinjini Organizations: Food and Drug Administration, FDA, REUTERS, Pfizer, Moderna, U.S . Food, Drug Administration, for Disease Control, Prevention, Georgetown, EG, CDC, Thomson Locations: White Oak , Maryland, U.S, United States, Bengaluru, New York

☆ England confirms 34 COVID cases linked to highly mutated variant
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEXU Science Communication/via Acquire Licensing Rights Read moreSept 8 (Reuters) - UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) said on Friday that 34 COVID-19 cases linked to the highly mutated variant BA.2.86 had been identified in England. Of the 34 confirmed cases identified as of Sept. 4, five patients were hospitalised and no deaths had been linked to the new emerging variant. The agency said 28 of the confirmed cases were identified from a single outbreak at a care home in Norfolk. Moderna (MRNA.O) and rival Pfizer (PFE.N) said on Wednesday their updated COVID-19 vaccines generated strong responses in testing against the BA.2.86 subvariant. Reporting by Khushi Mandowara in Bengaluru; Editing by Saumyadeb ChakrabartyOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Renu Bindra, Khushi, Saumyadeb Organizations: Science, Trinity College, Reuters, Health Security Agency, Omicron, Moderna, Pfizer, Thomson Locations: Dublin, Wuhan, England, Norfolk, Denmark, Switzerland, South Africa, Israel, U.S, Bengaluru

☆ US CDC says existing antibodies can work against new COVID variant
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Sept 8 (Reuters) - Early research data has shown that antibodies produced by prior infection or existing vaccines against the coronavirus were sufficient to protect against the new BA.2.86 variant, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on Friday. The Food and Drug Administration in the coming days is expected to authorize the updated vaccines that target the XBB.1.5 subvariant of Omicron, and early data provide encouraging signs for the new shots, CDC said. Since CDC's initial risk assessment last month, BA.2.86 has been identified in nine U.S. states as of Friday. The Omicron offshoot has also been identified from both human and wastewater specimens in countries including Japan, UK and Canada. Reporting by Vaibhav Sadhamta in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh KuberOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: coronavirus, Vaibhav, Shailesh Organizations: U.S . Centers for Disease Control, Prevention, Drug Administration, CDC, Omicron, Canada, Thomson Locations: United States, Japan, Bengaluru

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