“Ongoing transmission of BA.2 is probably related both to the increased transmissibility of the virus together with the reduction of pandemic restrictions,” says Dan Barouch. Read Article
In the face of waning antibody immunity to the coronavirus, scientists demand more attention on T cell immunity which may be more durable. Read article
A lab study published last week found that vaccinated people who were infected with Omicron, a COVID-19 variant, had high levels of antibodies that would probably protect against BA.2. If the protection lasts, it could reduce the impact of a future surge, given the country’s high levels of infection this winter. Read Article
This week, Pfizer and Moderna asked the FDA to authorize fourth doses of their vaccines. Meanwhile, a new study shows protection from one J&J shot lasts at least six months. Read Article
While the number of cases of the Omicron variant has been decreasing over the past few weeks, health officials are concerned about the BA.2 variant, which appears to be more transmissible than the Omicron variant. Read Article
While the rise of another strain has some Americans stressed over the prospect of yet another wave of cases, it may not be time to panic just yet. Read Article
Officials mulling new pandemic policies need to know how quickly vaccine protection wanes. But scientists don’t have a clear answer. Read Article
Among those under age 50, vaccination even without a booster protected strongly against hospitalization and death.. Read Article
Vaccine makers worry yet another variant will start dominating in the months it takes to roll out shots against this one. Read Article
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