- Pfizer says the two-dose COVID-19 vaccine regimen it tested on children did not consistently provide sufficient immune response in children between the ages two and five. However, the regimen was more effective for children between the ages of six months and two years. Pfizer is now testing the immunizing effects of a third dose for this six month – five-year age group.
- The Biden Administration announced it is extending its delay for federal student loan repayments until May 1. The delay was set to expire on February 1.
- New research from the United Kingdom and Scotland continues to confirm evidence that the Omicron variant, while more transmissible, results in less severe symptoms than other variants.
- New research shows vaccinated patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 have shorter hospital stays than unvaccinated patients.
- The WHO criticized countries that are prioritizing boosters over sharing those vaccines with the rest of the world, which could reduce mutations in the virus that cause new variants.
White House and Federal Agencies
- President Biden announced a new plan to combat the Omicron variant.
- The plan places a strong emphasis on testing by opening 20,000 more federal testing sites and purchasing 500 million at-home COVID tests which will be made available to anyone for free. President Biden said the nation’s testing has not been good enough.
- The plan also deploys military medical personnel to help overwhelmed hospitals.
- The United States Supreme Court announced it will hear arguments in cases challenging both of the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandates on January 7.
- The Biden Administration announced it is extending its delay for federal student loan repayments until May 1. The delay was set to expire on February 1.
Economy, Vaccines, Testing and Treatment
- Omicron is now the dominant variant of COVID-19 in the U.S.
- New research from the United Kingdom and Scotland continues to confirm evidence that the Omicron variant, while more transmissible, results in less severe symptoms than other variants.
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) for Pfizer’s Paxlovid antiviral pill to treat COVID-19 in patients who are at least 12 years old and at high-risk for severe symptoms.
- The FDA also granted an EUA for Merck’s Molnupiravir antiviral treatment on a narrower basis.
- Both antiviral treatments are available by prescription only and should be initiated as soon as possible after diagnosis of COVID-19 and within five days of symptom onset.
- Moderna says a third “booster” dose of its COVID-19 vaccine yields increased antibodies which suggests it will be effective against the Omicron variant.
- Pfizer says the two-dose COVID-19 vaccine regimen it tested on children did not consistently provide sufficient immune response in children between the ages two and five. However, the regimen was more effective for children between the ages of six months and two years. Pfizer is now testing the immunizing effects of a third dose for this six month – five-year age group.
- New research shows vaccinated patients who are hospitalized with COVID-19 have shorter hospital stays than unvaccinated patients.
- The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Director Dr. Anthony Fauci said the government is considering shortening the quarantine period from 10 to seven days for healthcare workers who test positive if they are asymptomatic and wearing the proper PPD.
- The WHO criticized countries that are prioritizing boosters over sharing those vaccines with the rest of the world, which could reduce mutations in the virus that cause new variants.
- The European Union approved Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine.
- Consumer prices increased by 5.7% over the past year. At the same time, new weekly unemployment claims remained low at 206,000.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Updates
- The CDC published the following reports and website updates:
- Overall U.S. COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Administration Update as of Thu, 23 Dec 2021 06:00:00 EST
- Cases in the U.S.
- Health Equity in Action
- Requirement for Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination for Air Passengers
- International Travel During COVID-19
- Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination
- Domestic Travel During COVID-19
