Public Health Emergency remains in effect

The COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) will remain in effect at least until Jan. 11 and will likely be extended for another 90 days, as the U.S. government did not provide the promised 60-day notice to states or health care providers of its intent to lift the declaration. The continuation of the PHE allows for policies to remain in place, such as emergency authorizations of drugs, health care coverage through Medicare/Medicaid, and more. A notice of 60 days will be provided when it is decided to terminate the PHE.

Repeat COVID infections increase risk of death and health complications

A study in the journal Nature Medicine has found that those who have been infected with COVID-19 more than once have a higher risk of dying or suffering long-term health problems.

Moderna data: bivalent vaccine is effective against COVID variants

Moderna announced that its bivalent booster performs better against B4.4 and BA.5 variants compared to its prototype vaccine. Vaccine-triggered antibody responses were an average of 15.1-fold higher. Moderna's analysis has not yet been vetted through the usual scientific review process.

Visit the College's COVID-19 page