- White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, Jeff Zients said the United States (U.S.) is not planning new lockdowns at this time despite many countries in Europe re-imposing lockdowns to combat new surges in COVID-19 infections.
- A new study shows that receiving a third COVID-19 booster shot reduces infection and hospitalization rates.
The Pfizer shows –
- Pfizer released data showing its antiviral COVID-19 pill therapy is effective at decreasing hospitalizations and believes this therapy will be effective against the Omicron variant.
- Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is 100% efficacious in preventing infections for children age 12-15
- Pfizer requested FDA authorization of COVID-19 booster shots for those aged 16 and 17.
- A study:
White House and Federal Agencies
- Courts have temporarily blocked the Biden Administration from enforcing both of its vaccine mandate regulations while legal challenges to those mandates play out. Both mandates would have required all healthcare workers at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) participating facilities and federal contractors to be vaccinated by January 4. Read our summary of the court challenges to the federal vaccine mandates.
- President Biden announced a plan of nine actions to combat COVID-19 during the winter months – including expansion of at-home testing kits, stronger public health protocols for international travel, and deployment of rapid response teams nationwide.
- The White House COVID-19 Response Team shared new details about the Omicron variant.
- White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator, Jeff Zients said the United States (U.S.) is not planning new lockdowns at this time despite many countries in Europe re-imposing lockdowns to combat new surges in COVID-19 infections.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced investigation plans and safety recommendations amidst the Omicron variant.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asked airlines to provide information on passengers entering the U.S. from South Africa.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) advised people aged 60 and over to postpone travel due to the Omicron variant.
- The Department of Defense will not allow unvaccinated members of the National Guard to participate in federally-funded training activities.
Economy, Vaccines, Testing and Treatment
- The CDC confirmed the first Omicron variant COVID-19 case in the U.S.
- The FDA Antimicrobial Drugs Advisory Committee Panel endorsed the Merck COVID-19 antiviral pill, although new data shows this treatment is less effective than originally presented.
- Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is 100% efficacious in preventing infections for children age 12-15.
- Pfizer requested FDA authorization of COVID-19 booster shots for those aged 16 and 17.
- Anecdotal information from healthcare providers in South Africa, where the Omicron variant was first detected, show that many of the vaccinated patients infected with the variant show mild symptoms compared to unvaccinated patients.
- The CDC strengthened their vaccination recommendation amidst the new COVID-19 variant.
- Preliminary data from the GlaxoSmithKline PLC and Vir Biotechnology Inc. COVID-19 antibody treatment yielded effective results against the Omicron variant.
- A poll showed that the number of Americans that received vaccine booster shots doubled in November.
- A new study shows that receiving a third COVID-19 booster shot reduces infection and hospitalization rates.
- A study revealed that children with poorly controlled asthma are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 infections.
- A study linked possible blood clots to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.
- A study revealed immunocompromised individuals are more likely to have COVID-19 breakthrough infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates
- Cases in the U.S.
- Overall U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Administration Update as of Wed, 01 Dec 2021 06:00:00 EST
- SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions
- Selected Adverse Events Reported after COVID-19 Vaccination
- COVID-19 Travel Recommendations by Country
- Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines
