Update on Omicron: Importance of getting tested and getting booster shots
As the omicron variant continues to spread rapidly, health professionals say getting the booster shot is more important than ever. Last Tuesday, Americans were able…
omicron
Mississippi COVID-19 hospitalizations rise as cases spread
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Hospitalizations for COVID-19 continue rising rapidly in Mississippi as new cases proliferate. The state Health Department reported Monday that 695 people with confirmed cases of COVID-19 were hospitalized Sunday. That is up from 265 hospitalized two weeks earlier, on Dec.…
FDA expands Pfizer boosters for more teens as omicron surges
By LAURAN NEERGAARD AP Medical Writer The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters as it confronts the omicron surge, with the Food and Drug Administration allowing extra Pfizer shots for children as young as 12. Boosters already are recommended for everyone 16 and…
US adds Merck pill as 2nd easy-to-use drug against COVID-19
By MATTHEW PERRONE WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health regulators on Thursday authorized the second pill against COVID-19, providing another easy-to-use medication to battle the rising tide of omicron infections. The Food and Drug Administration authorization of Merck’s molnupiravir comes one…
New Orleans shortens Mardi Gras parade routes for 2022 season
NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- New Orleans officials say they are shortening parade routes for the upcoming Mardi Gras season because there are fewer police officers, medics and other first responders to deal with crowds. The city canceled Mardi Gras parades…
Memorial to host vaccine pop-ups to fight omicron
A reminder, Memorial Hospital is hosting more vaccine pop up sites this week. They announced the sites after the first case of the omicron variant was reported in…
Mississippi confirms its 1st case of COVID omicron variant
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi health officials said Monday that the state’s first case of omicron variant of COVID-19 has been confirmed. The state Health Department said the case was in a fully vaccinated person who recently traveled to New…
1st US case of COVID omicron variant confirmed in California
By MICHAEL BALSAMO and ZEKE MILLER WASHINGTON (AP) — A person in California who had been vaccinated against COVID-19 became the first in the U.S. to have an identified case of the omicron variant, the White House announced Wednesday as scientists continue…