Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of Dec. 20 to 23, 2021. This […]
Here is what the editors at Physician’s Briefing chose as the most important COVID-19 developments for you and your practice for the week of Dec. 20 to 23, 2021. This roundup includes the latest research news from journal studies and other trusted sources that is most likely to affect clinical practice.
FDA Gives OK to Merck Antiviral At-Home COVID-19 Pill
THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Many Americans now have two oral antiviral pills that can be taken at home to treat a fresh case of COVID-19. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Thursday approved the emergency use of the molnupiravir pill from Merck for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in people who have just tested positive.
Three Days of Remdesivir Cuts Risk for Severe COVID-19 in Outpatients
THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) — A three-day course of remdesivir results in a lower risk for hospitalization or death compared with placebo among nonhospitalized patients at high risk for COVID-19 progression, according to a study published online Dec. 22 in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Efficacy of Bamlanivimab for COVID-19 May Vary With Antibody Status
THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Among patients hospitalized with COVID-19, the efficacy and safety of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 neutralizing monoclonal antibody bamlanivimab varies according to whether endogenous neutralizing antibodies are present, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Less Protective in Elderly With Comorbidity
THURSDAY, Dec. 23, 2021 (HealthDay News) — Among elderly veterans with a high burden of comorbidity, messenger RNA COVID-19 vaccination is 69 percent effective against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection and 86 percent effective against SARS-CoV-2-related death, according to a study published online Dec. 21 in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
FDA Approves Pfizer Pill as First At-Home COVID-19 Treatment
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 22, 2021 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved the emergency use of the new Pfizer antiviral pill Paxlovid in people who are at high risk for severe COVID-19. It is the first approved treatment for COVID-19 meant to be taken at home.
U.S. Army Reports Progress on COVID-19 Vaccine That Fights All Variants
WEDNESDAY, Dec. 22, 2021 (HealthDay News) — The U.S. Army says it has developed a COVID-19 vaccine it believes could work against any and all coronavirus variants, including omicron. Results from early human trials of the Spike Ferritin Nanoparticle COVID-19 vaccine are expected by the end of the month, the Army added.
COVID-19 Certification Mandates May Increase Vaccine Uptake
2005 to 2023 Saw More U.S. Women Never Screened for Cervical Cancer 
4CMenB Vaccine Confers Modest Protection Against Gonorrhea in Teens 
AAP Releases Influenza Vaccine Recommendations for All Children 6 Months and Older 
Most U.S. Adults Unsure Which Vaccines CDC Recommends During Pregnancy .jpg)
Pregnancy Complications Rare for Women Receiving CAR T-Cell Therapy 
Higher Parental Vitamin B12 Tied to Lower Prevalence of Birth Defects 
Adenotonsillectomy Tied to Increase in Respiratory Tract Infections in Children 
Paternal Exposure to Valproate Not Linked to Offspring Neurodevelopmental Disorders 
