Tag: coronavirus

Despite the availability of life-saving COVID-19 vaccines, so many people died in the second year of the pandemic in the U.S. that the nation's life expectancy dropped for a second year in a row last year, according to a new analysis.

People over 50 and immunocompromised people can receive a second booster four months after their first booster. Pfizer and Moderna boosters are available for those who received a Johnson and Johnson first dose or booster.

KTOO’s Claire Stremple spoke with Alaska Chief Medical Officer Dr. Anne Zink about this moment of living with COVID while many are ready to move on.

In the large study, researchers in Brazil studied more than 1,300 patients, half of which received ivermectin and the other half a placebo.

Across our community, Alaskans are trying to navigate the new realities brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Conversations about masking, vaccines, and whether to return to work and school can trigger strong feelings and in some cases have resulted in strained friendships and divided families. These conversations mimic the political divide and frequently devolve into defensiveness, contempt, criticism, and hurt feelings. These high conflict conversations do nothing to improve public health and are tearing at the foundations of our community and the sense of unity we take pride in as Alaskans.

The CDC estimates that the BA.2 strain now accounts for more than half — 54.9% — of coronavirus infections nationwide.

Some clinics have already started to turn away people without insurance who come to get tested and can't afford to pay for it.

The Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize the additional booster shots without holding a meeting of its independent vaccine advisors.

The group argues that the restrictions no longer reflect the "realities of the current epidemiological environment."

Being fully vaccinated seems to substantially cut the risk of later developing the persistent symptoms that characterize long COVID.

Moderna is hoping to get the green light to administer a pediatric, low-dose COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to under 6 years of age.

As the world enters the pandemic's 3rd year, some ask whether the 70% vaccination goal set by WHO and the Biden administration could in fact be detrimental.

Four-time Iditarod champion Jeff King says he took 30 minutes to think about it and then said yes.

In all cases, the vaccine proved to provide strong protection against becoming seriously ill.

Infectious disease specialists surveyed by NPR say they're not ditching their masks just yet.

The rules will continue to require those who test positive for the virus to isolate. 

State epidemiologist Dr. Joe McLaughlin shared data that shows COVID infections carry much greater risk for heart problems than vaccinations.

“A lot of people like to consult Dr. Google,” said an Anchorage pediatrician. “That can cause a lot of problems.”

The virus, known as BA.2, is a strain of the highly contagious omicron variant that appears to spread even more easily — about 30% more easily.

Superintendent Deena Bishop said the change follows a rapid drop in COVID cases in the state and the widespread availability of vaccines.