Interferon does not help hospitalized COVID-19 patients, NIH study finds

A recent National Institutes of Health trial published on Monday highlights the failure of a COVID-19 treatment known as interferon beta-1a, a medicine with both antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties.

Pregnant women express regret about not getting COVID-19 vaccine

Two women from Georgia and Alabama who contracted COVID-19 during their pregnancies are urging other pregnant women to get vaccinated.

FDA OKs mixing COVID-19 vaccines, approves Moderna, J&J boosters

U.S. regulators are extending COVID-19 boosters to Americans who got the Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccine. They also said Wednesday anyone eligible for an extra dose can get a brand different from the one they received initially.

Gates Foundation to spend $120M on access to Merck’s antiviral COVID-19 pill

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation says it will spend $120 million to boost access to generic versions of drugmaker Merck’s antiviral COVID-19 pill for lower income countries, if the drug gets approved by regulators.

COVID-19 cases soar in Czech Republic; new restrictions imposed

The Czech Republic has been hit by a steep rise in coronavirus infections that have reached levels unseen since late April. In response, the government will require everyone to wear face coverings at workplaces.

US details plans to roll out COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11

Kids aged 5 to 11 will soon be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine, and the White House is detailing plans for the expected authorization of the Pfizer shot.

CDC to continue recommending masks in all schools, Walensky says

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said officials will “continue to recommend masks in all schools for all people in those schools.” The reason: time.

AY4.2 variant: CDC says new delta sublineage of COVID-19 seen in US

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said Wednesday the AY4.2 sublineage recently identified in the United Kingdom has also been observed in the United States.

COVID-19 boosters: FDA expected to authorize mix-and-match shots

A study of different booster combinations found an extra dose of any type revs up levels of virus-fighting antibodies regardless of the brand.

Judge refuses to toss mask-rule challenge

An administrative law judge Wednesday rejected a request by the Florida Department of Health to dismiss a challenge by six school boards to a rule that seeks to prevent student mask mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OSHA warns Arizona, South Carolina and Utah over COVID-19 violations

OSHA says Arizona, South Carolina and Utah are not complying with promises to enforce COVID-19 labor standards that are at least as good as those adopted by the federal government.

All New York City employees will be required to get COVID vaccine

All city workers, excluding uniformed correction officers, will be required to have at least one dose by 5 p.m. on Oct. 29.

CDC: Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine 93% effective at preventing hospitalization in ages 12-18

Between June 1 and Sept. 30 of this year, the CDC performed a case-controlled study of Pfizer’s vaccine in adolescents at 19 pediatric hospitals in 16 states, according to the study published on Tuesday.