Really "turning the corner" this time?
Cases, hospitalizations, deaths sharply decline as more people are vaccinated; officials planning for booster shots; teens may lead the way to community immunity before variants jeopardize progress.
With the FDA’s expanded Emergency Use Authorization for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be used in children 12-15 years old, another 17 million Americans soon will be able to get COVID-19 vaccinations. This makes reaching “community immunity” levels of 60-70% more feasible. Pharmacies across the country are already gearing up to administer shots to teens by the end of the week. I’m betting on Thursday as the start.
The White House announced that Uber and Lyft will provide free rides to vaccine sites through July 4. Also, FEMA will provide additional funding to local efforts, including more door-to-door vaccination programs.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices meets Wednesday to confirm recommendations for 12-15 year olds as well as to review safety data on the J&J vaccine and the latest data on vaccine efficacy against variants.
Meanwhile, Biden Administration’s COVID-19 chief science officer Dr. David Kessler told a Senate panel that federal agencies are planning for possible booster shots, which may become necessary if variants evade the current vaccines or immunity from them wanes. In an interview with The Hill, another federal health official said boosters most likely will be needed for those 65 and older.
Also at the Senate hearing, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky took heat for the CDC’s reluctance to drop mask recommendations for unvaccinated people outdoors. This New York Times analysis explains why critics dispute the way the CDC characterizes outdoor risk of COVID spread.
Malaysia authorities ordered a four-week lockdown to halt the spread of COVID, which has once again surged in the Asian nation. This is Malaysia’s third wave. More than 3,800 new cases were reported Monday.
In India, doctors report a rising number of “black fungus” cases in COVID-19 patients - thought to be a side effect of steroids used to treat people with severe lung symptoms.
Sideshow: White House Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Anthony Fauci avoided fireworks as he rejected accusations and false assertions by Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul. The two have sparred in past hearings. Paul was echoing baseless talking points espoused repeated by other GOP figures, including former Trump trade advisor Peter Navarro.