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FDA authorizes Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine booster shots for 16- and 17-year-olds amid omicron threat – The Washington Post

Even as antibody levels against the variant wane, the immune system may still be primed by vaccines or previous infections to “remember” the virus. Omicron vs. T cells: Why scientists are banking on the immune system’s ‘memory’ (nbcnews.com)

Federal regulators Thursday authorized booster shots of Pfizer-BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine for 16- and 17-year-olds, a step that officials said would bolster protection against delta, the variant behind surging infections in parts of the United States, and could help tame the emerging omicron version.

The New York Times reports that the country has increased its genomic surveillance to try to track Omicron’s spread, but the true number of cases is likely far higher. New York State is making masking mandatory at businesses and venues that don’t require proof of vaccination. Covid News: C.D.C. Reports 43 Cases, No Deaths, in […]

From HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP/KDKA) — The Republican-controlled Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation Monday to prevent school children from being required to get a COVID-19 vaccination to attend school, although it likely faces a veto by Gov. Tom Wolf. Pennsylvania Senate Passes Legislation To Prevent Schools From Requiring Students To Get COVID-19 Vaccine    

BY AMY MITCHELL AND JACOB LIEDKE About four-in-ten Americans say social media is an important way of following COVID-19 vaccine news

The New York Times (7/28) reports that while Pfizer said on Wednesday that the efficacy of its two-dose COVID-19 vaccine declines slightly over time, it nonetheless provides “lasting and robust protection against serious disease.” However, Pfizer “suggested that a third shot could improve immunity,” but the Times says that “whether boosters will be widely needed […]

ABC News (7/29) reports, “With the COVID-19 delta variant surge once again prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to recommend masks indoors for teachers and other vaccinated school employees, many parents are left wondering if the new landscape of the pandemic means it’s safe for their still-unvaccinated young children to return to school […]

Reuters (7/29) reports the CDC “said on Thursday that 69.3% of U.S. counties had transmission rates of COVID-19 high enough to warrant indoor masking in public spaces and should immediately resume the policy.” That figure represents an increase from 66.6% on Wednesday. Overall, “52.2% of U.S. counties have high COVID-19 community transmission rates and 17.1% […]

Forbes (7/29) reports, “While it is still extremely rare for children to become seriously ill or die from COVID-19,” some “major children’s hospitals in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Florida – states that have been battling a broader increase in hospitalizations – all said this week they have more children in their care than at any […]