COVID-19 – Updates

Welcome and thank you all for standing by. At this time, all participants will be in a listen only mode until the question and answer portion of today's conference.

CDC is adjusting our recommendation for when people can receive a booster shot, shortening the interval from 6 months to 5 months. Earlier this week <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2022/s0104-Pfizer-Booster.html">CDC made this recommendation for recipients of a Pfizer-BioNTech primary series</a> and, after <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-update-fda-shortens-interval-booster-dose-moderna-covid-19-vaccine-five-months">FDA action</a> this morning, we’re extending this recommendation to recipients of a Moderna primary series.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will provide an update to media on the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is raising awareness of the risks of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/rabies/index.html">rabies</a> from bats in the U.S. after three people, including one child, died from rabies between late September and early November 2021.

Today, CDC is endorsing the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendation to expand eligibility of booster doses to those 12 to 15 years old. CDC now recommends that adolescents age 12 to 17 years old should receive a booster shot 5 months after their initial Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination series.

CDC is updating our recommendation for when many people can receive a booster shot, shortening the interval from 6 months to 5 months for people who received the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

CDC is shortening the recommended time for isolation from 10 days for people with COVID-19 to 5 days, if asymptomatic, followed by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others.

CDC Releases Emergency Guidance for Healthcare Facilities to Prepare for Potential Omicron Surge

CDC is currently investigating two separate Listeria outbreaks, both of which are linked to packaged salads. One outbreak is linked to packaged salads produced by Fresh Express. The other outbreak is linked to packaged salads produced by Dole.

Today, CDC released two reports in the <em>Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report</em> highlighting the use of test-to-stay practices used in schools to minimize absenteeism and learning loss which can occur during traditional quarantine at home.