Moderna vaccine study shows efficacy
Federal officials report 1.5 million new COVID-19 cases in the past 7 days and predict at least 30,000 more deaths in next three weeks. Second vaccine nears authorization.
FDA staff reviewed Moderna’s submission for an Emergency Use Authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine. FDA experts say the data shows the Moderna vaccine is 94% effective and without severe adverse reactions. Outside advisors meet Thursday to review the data and give their recommendation.
The agency also authorized the first at home COVID-19 test that does not require a prescription. The test kits by Ellume USA should be available starting in January. The kit yields a result in about 15 minutes. A previous authorization covered a test kit sold by prescription only.
Meanwhile, California Gov. Gavin Newsom gave an exceptionally bleak prognosis for the Golden State. In addition to establishing a “mutual aid” system to aid overburdened coroners, California has ordered an additional supply of 5,000 body bags and has 60 refrigerated containers to hold dead bodies when morgues overflow, which Newsom said could happen as the pandemic enters its “most intense and urgent moment.”
The CDC continues its trend of more direct warnings. The graphic above is the latest example. The agency also updated its guidance for schools, with more illustrations of how schools may be able to open with a combination of strategies to avoid COVID-19 transmission. But the numbers remain bad, with the per capita death rate worst in the Dakotas and Iowa. Recall that the surge in new cases accelerated in those states several weeks ago.
