COVID-19 news
Information regarding coronavirus is constantly changing. We encourage you to review the “Trusted Sources” section of this website so that you can follow some of the government agencies and medical associations that offer some of the most up-to-date information on their websites, in real time.
This news section is simply a compilation of articles our team gleaned from news clippings over the past few days, weeks, and months that we believe might help you in making sense of the ongoing pandemic-related current events.
Title: Which COVID Vaccine Is Best for Lactating Mothers?
Date: March, 14, 2022
Synopsis: If you are pregnant or looking to breastfeed it is impactive that you know which COVID-19 vaccination transmits antibodies through breast milk. Study shows that moms who received MRNA vaccines had detectable antibodies in their milk. In fact, the MRNA COVID-19 vaccines produced better antibody response in human milk from lactating women compared with the adenovirus vector-based vaccines. Almost all lactating women who received either the Pfizer-BioNTech (96%) or Moderna (97%) MRNA vaccines had detectable IgA antibodies in their milk. In contrast, only 39% of lactating women who got the AstraZeneca vaccine and 48% of those who got the Johnson & Johnson vaccine had detectable IgA levels in their milk. Research is urging expecting mothers and lactating women looking to get vaccinated to consider receiving either Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.
Title: CDC Advising Some to Wait 8 Weeks Between Doses of MRNA Vaccines
Date: February 22, 2022
Synopsis: Some persons receiving the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccination should wait up to eight weeks between the first and second doses, rather than the three or four weeks originally advised. The CDC quietly modified its shot spacing guideline on Tuesday. The CDC claimed the extended interval can give more lasting protection against the coronavirus. The CDC says the extended spacing may help those aged 12 to 64, especially males aged 12 to 39.
Title: Effectiveness of Maternal Covid-19 Vaccination During Pregnancy
Date: February 18, 2022
Synopsis: Although the overall risks are low, people who are pregnant or recently pregnant are at an
increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared with people who are not pregnant.
Severe illness includes illness that requires hospitalization, intensive care, need for a ventilator or
special equipment to breathe, or illness that results in death. Additionally, people who have
COVID-19 during pregnancy are at increased risk of preterm birth and stillbirth and might be at
increased risk of other pregnancy complications.
Title: Racial Gap in COVID Vaccination Closes
Date: Sep 28, 2021
Synopsis: Fortunately, the racial gap in COVID-19 vaccination rates is closing as more and more people of color are getting vaccinated. The vaccination rate among pregnant women, however, remains low. Many pregnant women are at a severe risk of getting infected with COVID-19. Only 30% of pregnant women (including 15% of Black women) are currently vaccinated.
Title: Where Are the Tests?
Date: Sep 21, 2021
Synopsis: In other countries, rapid COVID-19 testing is widely available, making it easier for people to quickly know if they have COVID-19 and are infectious. In the U.S., however, people usually only have access to P.C.R. tests that are processed by labs that don’t release results until more than 24 hours later. During that time, people can spread COVID-19 to more people.
Title: Two dose version of Johnson & Johnson shot 94% effective against Covid-19, study finds
Date: Sep 21, 2021
Synopsis: Johnson & Johnson claims a second dose of its vaccine is 94% protective against a symptomatic COVID-19 infection, making it comparable to a two-dose regimen of Moderna or Pfizer.
Title: Republicans in at least 26 states have rolled back public health powers amid pandemic
Date: Sep 15, 2021
Synopsis: In more than half of U.S. states, Republican legislators are taking away powers that state and local officials use to protect the public against infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Title: These NFL teams are requiring fans to get vaccinated before entering their stadiums
Date: Sep 16, 2021
Synopsis: The Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and now the Buffalo Bills are the first NFL teams to require fans over the age of 12 to show a proof of a COVID-19 vaccination in order to attend their stadiums.
Title: Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective for kids ages 5 to 11
Date: Sep 20, 2021
Synopsis: Although kids are at a much lower risk of getting severely ill or dying from COVID-19 than older people, more than 5 million U.S. children have still tested positive for COOVID-19 since the beginning of the pandemic (and at least 460 have died), per the American Academy of Pediatrics. Pfizer just announced that its vaccine is safe and effective for those ages 5-11.
Title: The J.&J. Conundrum
Date: Sep 13, 2021
Synopsis: Only 8% of the COVID-19 vaccinated U.S. population have received a J&J vaccination so a lot of attention has been focused on the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, but 8% still covers 14 million people. What’s recommended for these individuals in terms of a booster shot? Well, to be determined. J&J announced last month through internal research that second J&J shots could boost immune responses. Be on the lookout for an update in the near future because regulators have signaled they’ll approve a second shot for J&J recipients within the coming months. In the meantime, a single shot of the J&J vaccine still provides good protection.
Title: With student vaccine mandate, L.A. Unified wins praise, provokes anger
Date: Sep 13, 2021
Synopsis: Many higher education institutions have vaccine and testing mandates for their students, but last week, Los Angeles Unified School District became the first large school district to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for its students 12 and older (such students must provide proof of full vaccination by January 10, 2022 when the spring semester begins). The move has received a lot of praise, but not everyone is on board with LAUSD’s decision.
Title: A Big Delta Unknown
Date: Sep 9, 2021
Synopsis: News is ever-changing, but from what current evidence suggests, even though the Delta variant is more contagious than other variants it appears to be just as severe as other variants. The fact that it’s more contagious means people need to take extra precautions (e.g., mask wearing) but that’s promising news that it’s severity doesn’t seem worse than people initially thought.
Title: The EU Is Taking The U.S. Off Its Safe Travel List And Backs Travel Restrictions
Date: Aug 30, 2021
Synopsis: The EU proposed Monday, August 30th that its 27 nations should reinstate travel restrictions on U.S. tourists due to the rising COVID-19 infections in the U.S. These are merely recommendations; each of the national governments ultimately make their own decisions about whether to open their borders to U.S. tourists.
Date: Aug 24, 2021
Synopsis: A CDC study looking at the period from May 1st to July 25th of this year, when the Delta variant surged, found that unvaccinated L.A. County residents were 5 times more likely to get infected and 29 times more likely to become hospitalized with COVID-19.
Title: Nearly 1,900 LAUSD students, staff tested positive for coronavirus last week, group reports
Date: Aug 24, 2021
Synopsis: The group Parents Supporting Teachers compiled data from more than 1,400 LAUSD school district sites through August 22nd and found that 1,893 students and district employees tested positive for COVID-19 during the first week of the 2021-2022 school year.
Title: FDA Approves First COVID-19 Vaccine
Date: Aug 23, 2021
Synopsis: The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine (a.k.a. The Pfizer vaccine) completed the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)’s standard process for reviewing the effectiveness, quality and safety of medical products. As of August 24, 2021, the FDA now approves the vaccine, which will henceforth marketed as Comirnaty.
Title: School Is Starting. Can Children Stay Safe From Covid-19?
Date: Aug 16, 2021
Synopsis: While in-person learning increases risk of COVID-19 transmission, masks are required in California classrooms, plus teachers must be vaccinated, making the state’s schools among the safest in the nation.
Title: Coronavirus case rate among unvaccinated Californians is six times that of the vaccinated
Date: Aug 14, 2021
Synopsis: Unvaccinated people are disproportionately represented in hospitals due to coronavirus complications.
Title: CDC Panel Backs Third COVID Shot for the Immunocompromised
Date: Aug 13, 2021
Synopsis: CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices unanimously recommended an additional COVID-19 vaccine dose in moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals.
Title: CDC Strongly Recommends COVID Vaccine in Pregnancy
Date: Aug 11, 2021
Synopsis: Citing new safety data, the CDC now states that vaccines are safe and effective--and even recommends--COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant people.
Title: Fauci Says Teachers Should Be Required To Be Vaccinated
Date: Aug 10, 2021
Synopsis: Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the Chief Medical Advisor to the President, Dr. Anthony Fauci, states that COVID-19 vaccines should be mandatory for school teachers so as to protect children from the disease (and the spread of the Delta variant) who are too young to receive the vaccine themselves at this time.
Title: Debate Is Over: COVID Vax Doubled Protection for the Previously Infected
Date: Aug 6, 2021
Synopsis: A study found that unvaccinated adults who previously were infected with COVID-19 were twice as likely to be infected again as those previously infected but fully vaccinated.
Title: The W.H.O. seeks a moratorium on Covid vaccine boosters so more people can get initial shots
Date: Aug 4, 2021
Synopsis: In an effort to address global vaccination rate disparities and to help all countries vaccinate at least 10 percent of their populations, the World Health Organization is pushing for a moratorium on coronavirus vaccine booster shots (particularly among the world’s wealthiest nations).
Title: CDC Changes Mind on Indoor Masking Guidance
Date: Jul 27, 2021
Synopsis: The CDC updated its guidance and now recommends that all students, teachers, and others living with COVID-19 hotspots wear masks indoors.
Title: Mental Health Disorders Tied to Higher COVID-19 Mortality
Date: Jul 27, 2021
Synopsis: An analysis of 16 studies from seven countries found that patients with the most severe mental health disorders (e.g., bipolar, schizophrenia, and spectrum) had the highest likelihood for mortality related to COVID-19.
Title: Comparing the COVID-19 Vaccines: How Are They Different?
Date: July 22, 2021
Synopsis: Not sure which vaccine you want to get, or you simply want more information about the comparisons among the available vaccines? Check out this list of information compiled by Yale Medicine.
Title: California Requires Health Workers And State Staff To Get Vaccinated Or Take Weekly Tests
Date: Jul 26, 2021
Synopsis:
California Requires Health Workers And State Staff To Get Vaccinated Or Take Weekly Tests. Californians working "in healthcare settings, jails, homeless shelters and senior residential facilities" are also required to get vaccinated or take weekly tests.
Title: Sickle Cell Disease Tied to COVID-19 Mortality, Hospitalizations
Date: Jul 21, 2021
Synopsis: British researchers found that Sickle cell disease (SCD) is associated with a significant increase in the risk of COVID-19-related deaths and hospitalizations among adults. This is particularly alarming since SCD is more common amongst Black individuals than other ethnicities.
Title: COVID-19 Lockdown in Uganda Increased Gender-Based Violence
Date: July 16, 2021
Synopsis: During its COVID lockdown, Ugandan teenage girls increasingly reported experiencing rape and sexual violence.
Johnson & Johnson's Covid-19 Vaccine Will Reportedly Get New Warning Label Over Rare Nerve Condition
Date: July 12, 2021
Synopsis: Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine is set to get a new warning label from the Food & Drug Administration after approximately 100 cases of a rare but serious nerve condition were linked to the vaccine. Experts state the vaccine's benefits still outweigh its risks and that these rare side effects are always a possibility with new drugs or vaccines.Heart inflammation link to Pfizer and Moderna jabs
Date: July 9, 2021
Synopsis: The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are linked to heart inflammation. Most cases are thought to be within 14 days of vaccination. The risk is very rare but more likely to develop in young people, particularly young males.Yes, COVID Vaccines Work in People With Obesity
Date: July 7, 2021
Synopsis: Obesity does not significantly impact the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines.Los Angeles County Recommends Wearing a Mask, Even If Vaccinated
Date: July 2021
Synopsis: L.A. County's masking guidance goes beyond what the CDC and state health department recommend for those who are fully vaccinated. On Monday before the July 4th holiday weekend, the county recommended everyone consider masking indoors in public places since the pandemic has not been quashed and infection rates continue to rise.Do people who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine need a booster?
Date: July 6, 2021
Synopsis: Dr. Fauci says that people who received the J&J COVID-19 vaccine do not need an additional booster.Nearly 100% of L.A. County’s recent COVID deaths among the unvaccinated as Delta variant spreads
Date: June 25, 2021
Synopsis: Nearly all of the COVID-19 related deaths within the last few months in Los Angeles County have been among unvaccinated residents. Unvaccinated individuals are most at risk of being infected with coronavirus, including its new and more contagious variant.
Did Covid-19 take your taste and smell? Here's when they may return
Date: June 25, 2021
Synopsis: In a study of 97 COVID-19 patients who lost their sense of smell and taste, 96% fully recovered within 8 months, indicating the loss of senses for the vast majority of COVID-19 patients will only be temporary.
COVID-19 Booster Shots Can Wait
Date: June 18, 2021
Synopsis: Information is constantly changing, especially as new variants keep coming, but it appears vaccine-induced immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection should last for 8-12 months or longer.
Hopeful Dads Can Relax About COVID Vax: No Link to Infertility
Date: June 17, 2021
Synopsis: A study of 45 men found that none showed any significant signs of lower sperm counts after receiving their COVID vaccination shots.
Yes, Your Employer Can Require You to Be Vaccinated
Date: June 9, 2021
Synopsis: Wondering whether your employer can require you to get vaccinated? New guidance from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission states that companies are legally permitted to require their employees to get vaccinated and to provide documentation or other confirmation that they’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine. Such documents or confirmation, however, must be kept confidential. If an employee has a disability or religious excuse for not getting vaccinated, they’re entitled to an accommodation that won’t pose an “‘undue hardship’” on the company.
Which Groups Are Still Dying of Covid in the U.S.?
Date: June 10, 2021
Synopsis: Although he number of deaths has dropped in all age groups, out of the COVID-related deaths that have recently occurred, half are of people between the ages of 50 and 74 (compared to only a third in December 2020). The death rate is “exceedingly low” for those who’ve received a COVID vaccine.
Date: May 25, 2021
Synopsis: With 50% of residents aged 16 and older fully vaccinated, Los Angeles County is headed toward herd immunity.
Opinion Today: How to talk to someone who doesn’t want the vaccine
Date: May 20, 2021
Synopsis: If you’re trying to convince someone to get a COVID vaccine or to convince them that the COVID vaccines are safe, creating nonjudgmental and open dialogue is one of the best ways to invite healthy dialogue on the subject matter.
Digital COVID Vaccine Passports: Five Key Takeaways
Date: May 19, 2021
Synopsis: Three experts provide their opinions about the implementation of COVID-19 vaccine passports.
Does COVID Vax Protect the Unvaccinated in Nursing Homes?
Date: May 19, 2021
Synopsis: Researchers found that COVID-19 vaccines have been shown to reduce cases among both vaccinated and unvaccinated nursing home residents.
They’re Vaccinated and Keeping Their Masks On, Maybe Forever
Date: May 17, 2021
Synopsis: Even as public health recommendations evolve and pandemic fatigue sets in that are causing a growing number of Americans to go maskless, some are choosing to keep their faces covered in public for an indefinite amount of time.
So … When Should I Wear a Mask Now?
Date: May 17, 2021
Synopsis: The new CDC guidelines are confusing, but these experts provide some helpful advice for when and where you should go maskless. It’s important to note that if you’re not fully vaccinated, experts recommend continuing wearing your mask in public places.
Review ID's Racism During Care of Black Doctor Who Died of COVID
Date: May 14, 2021
Synopsis: Medical racism unfortunately hasn’t stopped during the pandemic. A recent external review concluded that racial bias played a role in the death of Black physician Susan Moore, MD, who died of COVID-19 in December 2020 at India University Health hospital.
Can We Spread COVID After Vaccination?
Date: May 12, 2021
Synopsis: Colleen Kelley, MD, an associate professor of infectious diseases at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta and a principal investigator for the Moderna and Novavax phase III clinical trials at an Atlanta area clinical research site, discusses the risk of transmission after vaccination.
Early Data Show Overdose Deaths and Substance Use Rose During Pandemic
Date: May 10, 2021
Synopsis: Recent data shows that during the course of the year of the COVID-19 pandemic, overdose deaths and incidents of substance use rose. Black Americans have suffered the heaviest toll of overdose deaths over the last year.
How Cuba Beat the Pandemic: From Developing New Vaccines to Sending Doctors Overseas to Help Others
In pandemic times, Black maternal health is more important than ever
Coronavirus FAQ: You're Vaccinated. Cool! Now About Those 'Breakthrough' Infections...
Black Women Are Three Times As Likely To Die From COVID-19 Than White Men