Vaccinations

The authorization comes in the midst of an explosion of COVID-19 cases nationwide driven by the omicron variant — a surge that has brought a spike in pediatric hospitalizations.

Two studies that have not yet been peer reviewed indicate increased protection against the infectious omicron variant.

Untreated medical conditions, lack of access to testing and limited paid time off leave uninsured Texans particularly vulnerable to the disease.

The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals said the costs of delaying implementation of the vaccine rule would be high. Employers have until Feb. 9 to comply with the testing requirement.

Data from 78,000 South Africans with COVID show the Pfizer vaccine is far less effective in preventing infection by the omicron variant. But there is still significant protection from severe illness.

Austin extended requirements for masking in public schools and reauthorized its risk-based guidelines until June to try to limit the impact of COVID-19.

The fast-spreading omicron variant has been detected in Harris County but not yet in Austin. Local health leaders, though, say it’s likely here as well.

In small studies in South Africa and in Germany, the results indicate a marked decrease in the ability of vaccines to neutralize this variant. But there are other findings that are encouraging.

Parents of children under 5 have to wait a little bit longer before COVID vaccines are available. In the meantime pediatricians are still working to increase vaccinations in the 5-11 age group.

Booster shots have been authorized for all U.S. adults, and the government is urging people to get them. But what if you've already had COVID and the vaccine?