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A third COVID-19 vaccine dose increased vaccine effectiveness (VE) against hospitalization from 82% to 97% among adults with healthy immune systems and from 69% to 88% among those with impaired immunity, according to a study today in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).
Both studies show promise for boosters against Omicron, with one focusing on dose interval.
Also, the ECDC says the BA.2 subvariant is now dominant in Denmark and is rising elsewhere.
US hospital data show 150,000 COVID-19 patients being treated, down from a record 160,000.
"Without antibiotics, we are set back 100 years."
Among 457 adult participants in an ongoing phase 1/2 clinical trial who completed primary COVID-19 vaccination with the Moderna, Johnson & Johnson (J&J), or Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines, a booster dose with either the same (homologous) or a different brand (heterologous) induced an immune response and was safe.
China has reported two more human H5N6 avian influenza infections from two different provinces, part of a small but steady stream of illnesses involving the strain, according to a statement today from Hong King's Centre for Health Protection (CHP).
The US has donated more to COVAX than any other nation, with the latest shipments bound for Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Officials confirmed more than 21 million new global cases last week, the highest weekly total ever.
COVID has compounded how the lack of country-of-origin data can affect drug safety, affordability, availability, and national security.
Higher levels of resistance were observed in southern and eastern Europe.
Overall, patients had only modest benefit, but some subgroups fared better.
A large UK study yesterday in PLOS Medicine finds that COVID-19 patients released from the hospital were more than twice as likely as the general population to be rehospitalized or die within the next 10 months. They were also at nearly five times the risk for death from any cause.
Though illnesses are less severe, Omicron cases have still strained US healthcare systems owing to sheer volume.
Also, 26% had mental symptoms, 16% had cognitive problems, and 58% reported work-related issues.
In contrast, Omicron is surging in South Korean and Japan, triggering tightened measures.
A review and meta-analysis of studies on urinary tract infections (UTIs) in young infants suggests shorter intravenous (IV) antibiotic courses, with an early switch to oral antibiotics, should be considered, Australian researchers reported yesterday in Pediatrics.
Among 1,068 US adults surveyed about their mental health amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 12% to 15% reported serious psychological distress that persisted throughout the study period, mostly among young adults, low-income respondents, and Hispanic participants.
The data were published yesterday in JAMA Network Open.
Belief that vaccines are necessary rose more among Black than White survey participants.
Cities and states are still struggling with high demands for hospital services.
