Updated
May 25, 2022
May 25, 2022
COVID vaccines cause hepatitis?
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"COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccines are causing hepatitis in kids."
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Cases of hepatitis have been reported among some children in Europe, the US, and Israel. Laboratory tests identified adenovirus type 41 as a possible cause. So far, there is no clear connection to the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 or COVID-19 vaccines. The CDC continues to monitor the cases and encourages personal hygiene as a protective measure.
COVID vaccines can't stop new variants?
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The current COVID-19 vaccines will not protect against the newest variants
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The current COVID-19 vaccines may not stop a person from getting infected with new variants. But, for the most recent variant, Omicron, and the subvariant BA.2, we know that vaccines still protect against severe illnesses, hospitalization, and death. This vaccine protection is more robust with booster doses.
Some people can get a second booster?
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"Some older people can get a second COVID vaccine booster dose"
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On March 29th, the FDA authorized a second COVID vaccine booster dose to add an extra level of protection for people at a higher risk of severe COVID outcomes. This includes immunocompromised individuals and elderly people over 50 years who received their first booster dose (whether Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson) at least four months ago.
CDC now recommends face masks?
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"The CDC recommends facemasks in public transport"
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On May 3, the CDC updated its mask recommendation for people 2 years and older to wear well-fitted masks in indoor areas of public transportation, including trains and airplanes. This recommendation was made because of the rising COVID-19 infections and new variants. Wearing facemasks properly can protect you and others.
Are COVID cases rising?
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"COVID cases are rising"
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More than half of the US states have reported increasing COVID cases, mostly due to the Omicron subvariant. As of April 14, daily COVID cases in St. Louis County remain relatively low (about 151 per day), but that is a 113% increase from 2 weeks ago. Precautions like face masking, full vaccination, and timely use of COVID treatment pills can reduce serious health risks from COVID infection.
More free test kits?
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"US residents can order additional at-home COVID test kits for free"
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US residents can order additional at-home COVID test kits for free. Each US household can now order eight (no longer four) free at-home COVID test kits from the government at COVIDtests.gov. Rapid testing helps reduce the spread of COVID-19 by quickly detecting if a person is infected so they can quarantine or start treatment.
Test to treat?
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"When you test positive for COVID, you can get free treatment pills on the spot"
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The federal Test-to-Treat program will allow people 12 years and older with COVID symptoms to get a free test and effective treatment drugs for COVID "on the spot." Few pharmacies and health centers with clinics will have this program at the start. Full vaccination with booster shots continues to protect against severe COVID conditions.
J&J vaccine recipients need boosters?
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"If you got the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine, you may be due for a booster"
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Anyone who received the Johnson & Johnson's Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (whether as a first dose, booster shot, or both) at least 4 months ago may now receive an additional booster dose using either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine to keep them protected from moderate to severe COVID-19.
TOP CONCERNS THIS WEEK
1 COVID vaccines cause hepatitis?
2 COVID vaccines can't stop new variants?
3 Some people can get a second booster?
4 CDC now recommends face masks?
5 Are COVID cases rising?
