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
Nearly 3 in 4 Older Adults Express Interest in Vaccine to Prevent Dementia 
Updated COVID-19 Shot Beneficial for Those With Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease 
AAP Issues Recommendations for Pediatric RSV Vaccination in 2026-2027 Season 
Trends Reported in Vaccination Coverage for Adolescents for 2025 
Nutritional Deficiencies Seen in Youth Taking GLP-1 Receptor Agonists 
Youth Suicide Risk Linked to Community Firearm Violence 
Social Media Warnings Could Discourage Use Among Teens, Young Adults 
Digital Behavioral Health Game Reduces Depressive Symptoms in Teens 
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