PFIZER

An Israeli hospital on Monday said preliminary research indicates a fourth dose of the coronavirus vaccine provides only limited defense against the omicron variant that is raging around the world. Sheba Hospital last month began administering a fourth vaccine to more than 270 medical workers — 154 who received a Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine and 120 others who received Moderna's. All had previously been vaccinated three times with the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine. “Despite increased antibody levels, the fourth vaccine only offers a partial defense against the virus,” said Dr. Gili Regev-Yochay, director of the hospital's infection disease unit.

The pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline says it has rejected an unsolicited 50 billion-pound ($68.4 billion) bid from Unilever for its consumer healthcare goods unit.

Here is the CDC’s most recent update to COVID-19 booster shot eligibility -- as of Dec. 28, 2021.

The pills are being carefully rationed, reserved for the highest-risk patients.

The pills are being carefully rationed, reserved for the highest-risk patients.

Two brand-new COVID-19 pills that were supposed to be an important weapon against the pandemic in the U.S. are in short supply and have played little role in the fight against the omicron wave of infections.

South Korea has received its first supply of Pfizer’s antiviral COVID-19 pills to treat patients with mild or moderate symptoms.

Justice, who is vaccinated and boosted, said in a news release that while he was “surprised” he tested positive, the GOP governor was “thankful to the Lord above that I’ve been vaccinated, I’ve been boosted, and that I have an incredible support system, especially my loving family.”

The CDC announced support of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation to expand eligibility of booster doses to ages 12-15.

Indonesia has kicked off a COVID-19 booster campaign for the general public, prioritizing third shots for the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

Third shots for adolescent boys and young men were already a hard sell. Then came Omicron.

Dr Hans Kluge says a "west-to-east tidal wave" of the coronavirus variant is sweeping across the region.

Drugmaker expects to be able to develop new variant-specific vaccines in roughly 100 days as COVID-19 mutates.

Drugmaker expects to be able to develop new variant-specific vaccines in roughly 100 days as COVID-19 mutates.

Bourla said the two-dose vaccine has lost its protective power against infection and its ability to prevent hospitalization has also dropped.

Drugmaker expects to be able to develop new variant-specific vaccines in roughly 100 days as COVID-19 mutates.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- COVID-19 is spreading faster in the Flint area than at any time since the start of the pandemic, according to new data from the county Health Department. The county registered more coronavirus cases in a single day -- 928 on Thursday, Jan. 6 -- than any other date during the last two years, county statistics show. In December, 78% of those hospitalized for COVID-19 in the county were not fully vaccinated, according to Health Department statistics. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are being offered. Read more:Genesee County hits all-time high for COVID-19 cases in a single dayFlint schools to extend virtual learning for another weekGenesee District Court locations take additional precautions because of COVID-19

Pfizer and Moderna are utilizing the same mRNA technology found in Covid-19 vaccines to try to develop a one-time universal flu cure.

The European drug regulator says it has started evaluating an application by Pfizer for its pill to treat the effects of COVID-19

Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said the goal is to product a vaccine that is much better at preventing infection from omicron.

The shortened waiting period for boosters comes as data shows that two doses do not provide strong protection against symptomatic infection from omicron.

Michigan health officials say the state has received its first shipment of newly authorized COVID-19 pill treatments, but it’ll only be prescribed in certain situations due to limited supply.

MIS-C is a condition in which organs become inflamed, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys or brain.

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — A “very minimal” supply of home COVID-19 treatment pills have arrived in Michigan and are being distributed at pharmacies across the state, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDDHS). MDHHS spokesperson Lynn Sutfin said Friday, Jan. 7 that 7,080 treatment courses of Merk’s Molnupiravir arrived in Michigan Thursday evening, and 1,600 treatment courses of Pfizer’s Paxlovid are also now in the state. The pills, which require a prescription, have been shown to reduce hospitalization and death in patients with the infectious respiratory disease. Sutfin said Molnupiravir has limited availability at all Meijer pharmacies, based on supply, as well as select retail pharmacies in areas not served by Meijer, based on supply. “Pfizer’s pill, Paxlovid, is likely to become the first-choice treatment against the virus, because of its superior benefits and milder side effects,” the news service said.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control now says children 12 to 17 should receive booster shots at least five months after their second Pfizer dose. Previously, the CDC had said children 16 and 17 may receive third shots and all fully vaccinated adults should receive booster shots. “This booster dose will provide optimized protection against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant. Rates of myocarditis after a booster dose are likely lower than what is seen after a second dose, according to CDC information presented to the committee. She urged parents who have not gotten their children vaccinated to talk to health care providers and pediatricians about their questions or concerns.

The move follows the FDA's authorization earlier this week and an hours-long meeting of the CDC's outside advisers.

The clinic will be held in Ballroom A of the EMU Student Center between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The CDC endorsement Wednesday means about 5 million of the younger teens who had their last shot in the spring are eligible for a booster right away.

Influential government advisers are strongly urging that teens as young as 12 get COVID-19 boosters as soon as they're eligible.

If the CDC approves the advisory panel's recommendation, boosters for adolescents age 12-17 could be available as early as this week. The shots should be given five months after initial immunization.

A federal advisory committee voted on Wednesday to recommend Pfizer COVID-19 booster shots for children 12 to 17 at least five months after the second dose. The committee on Wednesday afternoon voted 13-1 in favor of recommending shots for the 12 to 17 population. Earlier this week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized booster doses for children 12 to 15. Children 12 to 15 cannot yet get a booster dose. In Michigan, about 41% of children 12 to 15 are fully vaccinated.

Brazilian health officials have announced that vaccination of children between the ages of 5 and 11 will begin in January, without the demand for prescriptions from doctors the government had previously signaled.

The recommendation comes amid an increase in pediatric hospitalizations.

An influential government advisory panel is recommending COVID-19 boosters for younger teens.

Cahoots will be offering a walk-in COVID vaccine clinic on Thursday.

Members of the U-M community can get their booster shots, COVID testing on campus throughout the month of January.

These are the stocks posting the largest moves before the bell.

2022 will bring the world to its second year of COVID, as Omicron spreads rapidly and new protocols are being put in place.

2022 will bring the world to its second year of COVID, as Omicron spreads rapidly and new protocols are being put in place.

With the new order, the U.S. has committed to purchase 20 million courses total from Pfizer.

The move to shorten the Pfizer booster interval comes as the U.S. shatters daily case records. The recommended interval for those who received Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines has not changed.

UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 4: Hattie Pierce, 75, receives a Pfizer covid-19 vaccine booster shot from Dr. Tiffany Taliaferro at the Safeway on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Monday, October 4, 2021. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)People who received the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine can now get a booster shot five months after their second dose, a month sooner than the previous recommendation. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday updated its recommended waiting period only for people who completed their primary Pfizer vaccination series. People who received the Moderna vaccine must still wait at least six months after their second dose before getting a booster, while people who received the Johnson & Johnson must wait at least two months after their first shot before getting a booster. Please check back for updates.

Laura Parker Russo, a biology teacher, allegedly injected the 17-year-old boy in her home. He then went home and told his mom.

After nearly a year of being housed at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center, the COVID-19 vaccine clinic is moving.

A look at the Theranos trial and the evidence that led to Elizabeth Holmes being found guilty of fraud.

Dr. Leonard Lee, a cardiac surgeon, explains every common tool he uses in his operating room.

Steve Baltin, Senior contributor for Forbes Magazine, breaks down the most anticipated tours due to take place in 2022 with comments on unexpected sold out bands and most valuable tickets to locate. (Jan. 4)

The latest variant has triggered record-breaking levels of COVID-19 infections across the country. Early into 2022, the virus is prompting disruptive staffing shortages in schools and air travel.

As omicron sprints about the country and coronavirus cases reach record levels, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday authorized booster shots or children 12 to 15, expanding the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine. The FDA also moved to shorten the period between the primary series and the booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine, from six months to five for people 12 and older. The Pfizer vaccine is the only of the three vaccines available in the United States administered to children. Data from multiple laboratories indicate a booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine greatly improves antibody response when faced with the omicron variant. Most children 5 to 11, who just began receiving a smaller dose of the Pfizer vaccine in November, do not need booster doses, according to the FDA.

The CDC must now decide whether to recommend boosters for the age group.

The agency also shortened the time between the completion of primary vaccination of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and a booster dose, down to five months from six.

The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters as it confronts the omicron surge.

New Covid infections have hit a pandemic high in the U.S. as the highly contagious omicron variant has supplanted delta as the dominant strain.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plans to expand eligibility for Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 booster shots to children ages 12 to 15 in the coming days, NBC News reports.

These are the stocks posting the largest moves in midday trading.

Paxlovid and molnupiravir have been authorized for emergency use to keep COVID-19 patients out of the hospital, but don't expect to be able to go to your usual pharmacy and get them.

AAPS students can get vaccinated against COVID-19 on Tuesday at Pioneer High School.

GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The county Health Department has scheduled five clinics offering COVID-19 vaccinations without an appointment at the start of 2022. The county is in the midst of its third and largest surge of cases since the start of the pandemic. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are available.

It is the first country to approve a fourth shot to defend against the coronavirus.

Israel has approved a fourth vaccine dose for people most vulnerable to COVID-19, becoming the first country to do so as it braces for a wave of infections fueled by the omicron variant

Israel has approved a fourth vaccine dose for people most vulnerable to COVID-19, becoming one of the first countries to do so as it braces for a wave of infections fueled by the omicron variant.

We might not be able to claim that 2021 was *the* wildest year in recent history (2020 will likely get that credit for quite some time), but it might be a close second.

Your question could be featured in a future Q&A segment with an answer based on findings of local, federal and world health officials and studies. It might not be until the second or third quarter of 2022 before the youngest of children are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine. This was the first time I heard this question, so I ran it by Ingham County Health Officer Linda Vail. Q: Where can I go to find information regarding reported Omicron cases in Kalamazoo County? Both the state health website and the Kalamazoo County Health Department lack any information about the prevalence of new Omicron cases.

The trial at Sheba Medical Center in central Israel involves 150 medical workers in what's believed to be the world's first trial of fourth Pfizer doses.

The clinical trial involves 150 volunteers from the staff of a hospital near Tel Aviv who are at least four months removed from their third vaccine shot and have signs of waning antibodies.

Newly infected COVID-19 patients have two new treatment options that can be taken at home.

The challenge is getting tested, getting a prescription and starting the pills in a short window. U.S. regulators authorized Pfizer's pill, Paxlovid, and Merck’s molnupiravir last week. In high-risk patients, both were shown to reduce the chances of hospitalization or death from COVID-19, although Pfizer's was much more effective.

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Jan. 7 on whether the Biden administration can order that workers at private companies and health care employees be vaccinated for COVID-19.

Two antiviral pills are the latest additions to the handful of therapies to treat COVID-19 in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration authorized the drugs from Merck and Pfizer as the first treatments that patients can take at home to treat mild-to-moderate symptoms.

The Marine Corps discharged 66 Marines in the past week for refusing to get the coronavirus vaccine as mandated by the military.

U.S. regulators have authorized a second pill against COVID-19, an antiviral drug from Merck that may help blunt the wave of infections driven by the omicron variant.

The District of Columbia government is imposing a series of Covid-19 vaccine mandates in response to spiraling infection numbers and the march of the omicron variant.

Public health authorities in Greece have stepped up a campaign to deliver booster shots to seniors and people with mobility difficulties at home, with some agencies using taxi companies to take healthcare workers to where the vaccinations are needed.

The U.S. has authorized the first pill against COVID-19, a Pfizer drug that Americans can take at home to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death.

Omicron is now the dominant version of the coronavirus in the United States and accounted for 73% of new infections last week, according to federal health officials.

Moderna said Monday that a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine should offer protection against the rapidly spreading omicron variant.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration says it will not issue citations tied to its coronavirus vaccination mandate before Jan. 10.

Students, faculty and staff at Michigan State University will soon be required to receive their COVID-19 booster vaccine.

Pfizer is testing an extra dose of its COVID-19 vaccine for babies and preschoolers after preliminary research hinted the usual two doses wouldn't be enough.

U.S. health officials say most Americans should get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead of the Johnson & Johnson shot.

U.S. health officials say most Americans should get the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead of the Johnson & Johnson shot.

Spanish health authorities are stepping up efforts to give out coronavirus vaccine shots before Christmas and end-of-the-year gatherings that usually bring large groups together.

Officials with the Henry Ford Health System held a virtual news conference Wednesday morning to provide an update on COVID-19 hospitalizations, vaccinations and the virus’ impact on operations.

Here are tonight's top stories.

Pfizer said its experimental COVID pill reduces the risk of hospitalization or death by 89%.

One year ago this week, the first COVID-19 vaccines were administered.

Corner Health Center will be administering both COVID and flu vaccines on Wednesday.

Pfizer says that its experimental COVID-19 pill appears effective against the omicron variant.

The omicron variant is offering more hints about what it may have in store as it spreads around the globe: A highly transmissible virus that may cause less severe disease, and one that can be slowed — but not stopped — by today’s vaccines.

U-M officials issue guidance to school community ahead of holiday travel.

A year ago today in December 2020, a huge logistics operation began to ship millions of vaccines to hospitals across the country, and it all centered here in Michigan.

Stocks pulled back below their recent record levels on Wall Street Monday as the market's momentum slowed down following its best week since February.

The CDC expanded its booster recommendation to include teens ages 16 and 17 on Thursday.

South Africa’s regulatory authority has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine as a booster shot, opening the way for third doses to be administered to battle the current surge driven by the omicron variant.

The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters, opening a third dose of Pfizer's vaccine to people as young as age 16.

Vaccine makers are racing to update their COVID-19 shots against omicron even before it’s clear a change is needed, just in case.

Asian stock markets have followed Wall Street lower as a rally cooled and investors waited for U.S. inflation data that might influence a Federal Reserve decision on when to roll back economic stimulus.

Here are tonight's top stories.

Pfizer announced on Wednesday that preliminary research suggests its booster shots are effective against the omicron variant. They also warned that just two doses may not be sufficient.

Here are this morning's top stories.