Latest news with #SubhashVerma
USA Today
6 hours ago
- Health
- USA Today
As new variant spreads, what's the latest COVID-19 vaccine guidance? It's complicated.
As a new COVID-19 variant takes over in the U.S., guidance surrounding vaccines has become increasingly confusing. Changes in vaccination guidelines, ever-evolving variants and strains, along with threats to health insurance, have sent average Americans looking for the latest recommendations as members of the federal government often conflict with independent medical agencies and healthcare professionals. In the two weeks leading up to June 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported just shy of 14,500 positive COVID tests, and while hospitalizations and deaths are fortunately down significantly since the pandemic's peak, vulnerable people are still grappling with limiting their risk amid changing practices. Having trouble keeping track of variants and vaccines? Here's what we know. What is the new NB.1.8.1 COVID variant? NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. Verma previously stated that NB.1.8.1 may be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he noted that NB.1.8.1 can evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. In early April, NB.1.8.1 accounted for 0% of COVID cases in the U.S. In the two weeks ending June 21, it accounted for the majority of cases at 43%, according to the CDC. The variant has similar symptoms to other strains, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting. One of its more unique features is "razor blade throat," reported by patients as an exceptionally sore throat. RFK and HHS change COVID vaccine guidance Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), among other organizations, issued statements condemning the change, with the ACOG saying it was "...concerned about and extremely disappointed by the announcement that HHS will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy." "It is very clear that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can be catastrophic and lead to major disability, and it can cause devastating consequences for families. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe during pregnancy, and vaccination can protect our patients and their infants after birth," President Steven J. Fleischman said in a statement. Insurance coverage typically follows federal recommendations, so anyone who is healthy and under 65 is likely to have to pay out of pocket to get the shot, which runs about $200, if they can get it. It's not clear what insurance companies will do about the new recommendations. AMA, AAP other organizations break from RFK and HHS on vaccines The American Medical Association (AMA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in partnership with other professional medical organizations, broke from RFK and HHS after this announcement, sharing plans to develop their own guidelines independent of the government organization. In an open letter signed by 80 medical organizations across the country and published on June 25, the AMA called for physicians, healthcare networks and insurance companies to continue supporting "evidence-based immunizations to help prevent severe disease and protect public health." "Vaccines for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 remain among the best tools to protect the public against these illnesses and their potentially serious complications—and physicians are among the most trusted voices to recommend them. We come together as physicians from every corner of medicine to reaffirm our commitment to these lifesaving vaccines," the letter said. "Recent changes to federal immunization review processes raised concerns across the medical and public health community. In this moment of uncertainty, physicians must align around clear, evidence-based guidance for patients." The AAP likewise said in a June 26 statement that it will "continue to publish its own evidence-based recommendations and schedules." AAP President Susan J. Kressly said the creation of federal immunization policy is 'no longer a credible process," adding, "...we're not stepping back, we're stepping up. The AAP will continue to publish our own immunization schedule just as we always have, developed by experts, guided by science, trusted by pediatricians and families across the country.' These latest independent guidelines have yet to be released. Vaccine committee adjourns without fresh recommendations Meanwhile, the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) gathered for the first time on June 25 in a meeting that drew criticism from some experts. RFK fired all 17 original members of the committee on June 9, replacing them with members that critics have called unqualified. Some of the members, like Kennedy, have a history of anti-vaccine advocacy, prompting backlash that had doctors and organizations calling for a delay in the meeting. Anti-vaccine sentiments were repeated by ACIP Chair Martin Kulldorf at the meeting, who said the panel will be "investigating" MMR and childhood vaccines. The CDC panel also reviewed data about COVID-19 vaccines, questioning their safety and effectiveness. They also raised questions about the study design, methodologies and surveillance monitoring systems behind the data, which Dr. Pamela Rockwell, clinical professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, addressed as a standard of medical research. "Our efforts, through a very robust system of checks and balances, are to create vaccines and vaccination programs that result in the most benefit with the least harm," said Dr. Gretchen LaSalle, a family physician in Spokane, Washington, who represented the American Academy of Family Physicians. Despite this, the committee didn't vote on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the fall and isn't expected to reconvene until 'September/October,' according to the CDC website. ACIP commitee: Inside the unusual, RFK-appointed panel that's deciding on childhood vaccines FDA updates warning label for COVID vaccines The FDA likewise announced updated requirements for mRNA COVID-19 vaccine warning labels on June 25, which apply to Comirnaty by Pfizer Inc. and Spikevax by ModernaTX Inc. Prescribing information will now include warnings of the connection between the vaccines and a rare side effect that causes inflammation of the heart muscle and lining. The new warning label discloses the risk of myocarditis, which appeared in 8 cases per 1 million people who got the 2023-2024 COVID shots between the ages of 6 months and 64 years old, mostly commonly among males aged 12 to 24. The previous label, which also disclosed the risk, said the problem mostly occurred in minors aged 12-17. So, how do you protect yourself from NB.1.8.1 and other variants? Despite the back-and-forth in the U.S., the World Health Organization (WHO) has kept its recommendation consistent. Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant, it said. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, the CDC advised that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. The page has since been updated with a banner, reading "COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have recently been updated for some populations. This page will be updated to align with the updated immunization schedule." The original recommendations align with the WHO's current guidelines. WHO, AMA, AAP and existing standards recommend that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. Contributing: Greta Cross, Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
As new variant spreads, what's the latest COVID-19 vaccine guidance? It's complicated.
As a new COVID-19 variant takes over in the U.S., guidance surrounding vaccines has become increasingly confusing. Changes in vaccination guidelines, ever-evolving variants and strains, along with threats to health insurance, have sent average Americans looking for the latest recommendations as members of the federal government often conflict with independent medical agencies and healthcare professionals. In the two weeks leading up to June 21, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported just shy of 14,500 positive COVID tests, and while hospitalizations and deaths are fortunately down significantly since the pandemic's peak, vulnerable people are still grappling with limiting their risk amid changing practices. Having trouble keeping track of variants and vaccines? Here's what we know. NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. Verma previously stated that NB.1.8.1 may be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he noted that NB.1.8.1 can evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. In early April, NB.1.8.1 accounted for 0% of COVID cases in the U.S. In the two weeks ending June 21, it accounted for the majority of cases at 43%, according to the CDC. The variant has similar symptoms to other strains, including fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, sore throat, congestion or a runny nose, new loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea or vomiting. One of its more unique features is "razor blade throat," reported by patients as an exceptionally sore throat. Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), among other organizations, issued statements condemning the change, with the ACOG saying it was "...concerned about and extremely disappointed by the announcement that HHS will no longer recommend COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy." "It is very clear that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy can be catastrophic and lead to major disability, and it can cause devastating consequences for families. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe during pregnancy, and vaccination can protect our patients and their infants after birth," President Steven J. Fleischman said in a statement. Insurance coverage typically follows federal recommendations, so anyone who is healthy and under 65 is likely to have to pay out of pocket to get the shot, which runs about $200, if they can get it. It's not clear what insurance companies will do about the new recommendations. The American Medical Association (AMA) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), in partnership with other professional medical organizations, broke from RFK and HHS after this announcement, sharing plans to develop their own guidelines independent of the government organization. In an open letter signed by 80 medical organizations across the country and published on June 25, the AMA called for physicians, healthcare networks and insurance companies to continue supporting "evidence-based immunizations to help prevent severe disease and protect public health." "Vaccines for influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 remain among the best tools to protect the public against these illnesses and their potentially serious complications—and physicians are among the most trusted voices to recommend them. We come together as physicians from every corner of medicine to reaffirm our commitment to these lifesaving vaccines," the letter said. "Recent changes to federal immunization review processes raised concerns across the medical and public health community. In this moment of uncertainty, physicians must align around clear, evidence-based guidance for patients." The AAP likewise said in a June 26 statement that it will "continue to publish its own evidence-based recommendations and schedules." AAP President Susan J. Kressly said the creation of federal immunization policy is 'no longer a credible process," adding, "...we're not stepping back, we're stepping up. The AAP will continue to publish our own immunization schedule just as we always have, developed by experts, guided by science, trusted by pediatricians and families across the country.' These latest independent guidelines have yet to be released. Meanwhile, the new Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) gathered for the first time on June 25 in a meeting that drew criticism from some experts. RFK fired all 17 original members of the committee on June 9, replacing them with members that critics have called unqualified. Some of the members, like Kennedy, have a history of anti-vaccine advocacy, prompting backlash that had doctors and organizations calling for a delay in the meeting. Anti-vaccine sentiments were repeated by ACIP Chair Martin Kulldorf at the meeting, who said the panel will be "investigating" MMR and childhood vaccines. The CDC panel also reviewed data about COVID-19 vaccines, questioning their safety and effectiveness. They also raised questions about the study design, methodologies and surveillance monitoring systems behind the data, which Dr. Pamela Rockwell, clinical professor of family medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School, addressed as a standard of medical research. "Our efforts, through a very robust system of checks and balances, are to create vaccines and vaccination programs that result in the most benefit with the least harm," said Dr. Gretchen LaSalle, a family physician in Spokane, Washington, who represented the American Academy of Family Physicians. Despite this, the committee didn't vote on COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for the fall and isn't expected to reconvene until 'September/October,' according to the CDC website. ACIP commitee: Inside the unusual, RFK-appointed panel that's deciding on childhood vaccines The FDA likewise announced updated requirements for mRNA COVID-19 vaccine warning labels on June 25, which apply to Comirnaty by Pfizer Inc. and Spikevax by ModernaTX Inc. Prescribing information will now include warnings of the connection between the vaccines and a rare side effect that causes inflammation of the heart muscle and lining. The new warning label discloses the risk of myocarditis, which appeared in 8 cases per 1 million people who got the 2023-2024 COVID shots between the ages of 6 months and 64 years old, mostly commonly among males aged 12 to 24. The previous label, which also disclosed the risk, said the problem mostly occurred in minors aged 12-17. Despite the back-and-forth in the U.S., the World Health Organization (WHO) has kept its recommendation consistent. Currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant, it said. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, the CDC advised that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. The page has since been updated with a banner, reading "COVID-19 vaccine recommendations have recently been updated for some populations. This page will be updated to align with the updated immunization schedule." The original recommendations align with the WHO's current guidelines. WHO, AMA, AAP and existing standards recommend that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. Contributing: Greta Cross, Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What are the latest COVID vaccine guidelines for this summer?
Indianapolis Star
6 days ago
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
A new COVID variant is spreading in the US: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID-19 variant that was unheard of just months ago is now projected to be the second-most common strain in the U.S. Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January but accounted for about 0% of cases in the U.S. until May. By early June, it was estimated to account for up to 37%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low at the global level in a May report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about NB.1.8.1. NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. The new variant was first detected in January in China. As of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7% of global reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Verma previously said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. "NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread more rapidly and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why this variant requires careful monitoring," Verma said. For a two-week period starting on May 25 and ending on June 7, the CDC's Nowcast estimates tracker shows projections for the different COVID-19 variants. According to the latest CDC data, the NB.1.8.1 strain is projected to be the second highest in the U.S., making up 37% of the total cases recorded in the U.S. The most common strain is LP.8.1, also known as Omicron, which accounts for 38% of cases, followed by NB.1.8.1 with 37%, XFG with 8%, XFC making up 7%, and LF.7.9 with 4%. The prominence of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. has significantly increased in recent weeks, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 5% in early May and 15% by late May. The CDC has not outlined symptoms that are specific to the NB.1.8.1. variant. Verma said that NB.1.8.1 symptoms appear similar to those of earlier COVID-19 variants. However, an extremely sore throat, colloquially called "razor blade throat," has been associated with the new variant. People with the variant have reported a feeling akin to their throats being covered with razor blades, according to the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, SF Gate, and other news outlets. Many people have also taken to social media to describe the "razor blade throat." The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: The World Health Organization states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, 2025, the CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. It also suggests that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. This could mean that some who still wish to receive the vaccine may have to pay out of pocket, if they are able to access it at all. It is not yet known how accessible the COVID-19 vaccine will be moving forward. Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT), a federal program, continues to provide free COVID-19 testing to individuals without health insurance.
Indianapolis Star
6 days ago
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
A new COVID variant is spreading in the US: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID-19 variant that was unheard of just months ago is now projected to be the second-most common strain in the U.S. Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January but accounted for about 0% of cases in the U.S. until May. By early June, it was estimated to account for up to 37%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low at the global level in a May report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about NB.1.8.1. NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. The new variant was first detected in January in China. As of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7% of global reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Verma previously said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. "NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread more rapidly and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why this variant requires careful monitoring," Verma said. For a two-week period starting on May 25 and ending on June 7, the CDC's Nowcast estimates tracker shows projections for the different COVID-19 variants. According to the latest CDC data, the NB.1.8.1 strain is projected to be the second highest in the U.S., making up 37% of the total cases recorded in the U.S. The most common strain is LP.8.1, also known as Omicron, which accounts for 38% of cases, followed by NB.1.8.1 with 37%, XFG with 8%, XFC making up 7%, and LF.7.9 with 4%. The prominence of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. has significantly increased in recent weeks, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 5% in early May and 15% by late May. The CDC has not outlined symptoms that are specific to the NB.1.8.1. variant. Verma said that NB.1.8.1 symptoms appear similar to those of earlier COVID-19 variants. However, an extremely sore throat, colloquially called "razor blade throat," has been associated with the new variant. People with the variant have reported a feeling akin to their throats being covered with razor blades, according to the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, SF Gate, and other news outlets. Many people have also taken to social media to describe the "razor blade throat." The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: The World Health Organization states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, 2025, the CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. It also suggests that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. This could mean that some who still wish to receive the vaccine may have to pay out of pocket, if they are able to access it at all. It is not yet known how accessible the COVID-19 vaccine will be moving forward. Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT), a federal program, continues to provide free COVID-19 testing to individuals without health insurance.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Health
- USA Today
A new COVID variant is spreading in the US: What are the symptoms?
A new COVID-19 variant that was unheard of just months ago is now projected to be the second-most common strain in the U.S. Variant NB.1.8.1 was first detected in China in January but accounted for about 0% of cases in the U.S. until May. By early June, it was estimated to account for up to 37%, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The World Health Organization (WHO) evaluated the additional public health risk posed by the variant as "low at the global level in a May report, in which it also advised that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are "expected to remain effective to this variant against symptomatic and severe disease." Here's what we know about NB.1.8.1. 'Razor blade throat': What to know about COVID-19 variant NB.1.8.1 What is NB.1.8.1? NB.1.8.1 is one of the latest variants of COVID-19, a "slightly upgraded version" of the LP.8.1 variant that is prominent right now, Subhash Verma, microbiology and immunology professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, previously told USA TODAY in May. The new variant was first detected in January in China. As of mid-May, the variant had reached 10.7% of global reported COVID-19 cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Verma previously said NB.1.8.1 may be able to be transferred more easily than LP.8.1. Additionally, he said that NB.1.8.1 is able to evade antibodies created by vaccines or past infections more easily than LP.8.1. "NB.1.8.1 is likely to spread more rapidly and evade our immune defenses more easily than LP.8.1, which is why this variant requires careful monitoring," Verma said. How common is NB.1.8.1? For a two-week period starting on May 25 and ending on June 7, the CDC's Nowcast estimates tracker shows projections for the different COVID-19 variants. According to the latest CDC data, the NB.1.8.1 strain is projected to be the second highest in the U.S., making up 37% of the total cases recorded in the U.S. The most common strain is LP.8.1, also known as Omicron, which accounts for 38% of cases, followed by NB.1.8.1 with 37%, XFG with 8%, XFC making up 7%, and LF.7.9 with 4%. The prominence of NB.1.8.1 in the U.S. has significantly increased in recent weeks, accounting for 0% of cases through March before reaching 2% in April, 5% in early May and 15% by late May. What are the symptoms of NB.1.8.1? The CDC has not outlined symptoms that are specific to the NB.1.8.1. variant. Verma said that NB.1.8.1 symptoms appear similar to those of earlier COVID-19 variants. However, an extremely sore throat, colloquially called "razor blade throat," has been associated with the new variant. People with the variant have reported a feeling akin to their throats being covered with razor blades, according to the Los Angeles Times, Fox News, SF Gate, and other news outlets. Many people have also taken to social media to describe the "razor blade throat." The CDC outlines the following as common COVID-19 symptoms: The CDC advises seeking medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms: How can you protect yourself from NB.1.8.1 and other variants? The World Health Organization states that currently approved COVID-19 vaccines are expected to remain effective against the NB.1.8.1 variant. In a webpage dated Jan. 7, 2025, the CDC advises that everyone over the age of six months get the 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, specifically the 2024-2025 Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine. It also suggests that people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine, are age 65 and older, are immunocompromised, live at a long-term care facility, are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant, and/or want to avoid getting long COVID, should get the vaccine, especially. However, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said on May 27 that the COVID-19 vaccine would no longer be included in the CDC's recommended immunization schedule for healthy children and pregnant women, a move that broke with previous expert guidance and bypassed the normal scientific review process. Under the changes, the only people who will be recommended for COVID-19 vaccines are those over 65 and people with existing health problems. This could make it harder for others who want the COVID-19 vaccine to get it, including health care workers and healthy people under 65 with a vulnerable family member or those who want to reduce their short-term risk of infection. This could mean that some who still wish to receive the vaccine may have to pay out of pocket, if they are able to access it at all. It is not yet known how accessible the COVID-19 vaccine will be moving forward. How to (still) get a COVID-19 test for free Increasing Community Access to Testing, Treatment and Response (ICATT), a federal program, continues to provide free COVID-19 testing to individuals without health insurance. According to the CDC, as of May 27, more than 19,000 locations across the country offer free testing. To find a location near you that offers free testing, visit
