US details plans to roll out COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5-11

Kids aged 5 to 11 will soon be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine, and the White House is detailing plans for the expected authorization of the Pfizer shot.

CDC to continue recommending masks in all schools, Walensky says

Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, said officials will “continue to recommend masks in all schools for all people in those schools.” The reason: time.

CDC: Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine 93% effective at preventing hospitalization in ages 12-18

Between June 1 and Sept. 30 of this year, the CDC performed a case-controlled study of Pfizer’s vaccine in adolescents at 19 pediatric hospitals in 16 states, according to the study published on Tuesday.

COVID-19 boosters: US expected to authorize mix-and-match shots

The FDA is expected to authorize the mixing and matching of COVID-19 booster shots this week in an effort to provide flexibility, the AP reports.

FDA unveils proposal for over-the-counter hearing aids

The move follows years of pressure from medical experts and consumer advocates to make the devices cheaper and easier to get.

Phthalates: Study finds chemicals in consumer goods linked to early death

Daily exposure to synthetic chemicals called phthalates was linked to roughly 100,000 early deaths each year in older Americans in a new study.

Older adults are more susceptible to severe breakthrough COVID-19, studies show

Health officials say older adults are more at risk for severe COVID-19 breakthrough cases due to underlying medical conditions and less robust immune systems.

Montgomery County close to dropping indoor mask mandate

In Maryland, Montgomery County is getting closer to dropping its indoor mask mandate, but will county officials actually end the indoor cover requirement – especially as experts warn of a serious flu season and possible COVID-19 surges with upcoming holiday travel?

CDC: Unvaccinated 11 times more likely to die of COVID-19

The latest data from the CDC shows COVID-19 vaccines remained highly effective against hospitalization and death even as the extra-contagious delta variant swept the country.

Arkansas restaurant pays student employees to do homework during shift

A restaurant group in Arkansas is allowing student employees to do homework for an hour while on the clock, an initiative that is raising grades and also recruiting more employees amid the country’s labor shortage.

September was worst month for child COVID-19 infections, AAP says

The American Academy of Pediatrics also said the overall COVID-19 infection rate is 8,035 cases per 100,000 children in the population.

Allison Williams leaving ESPN over COVID vaccine mandate

Allison Williams is leaving ESPN, saying she was 'morally and ethically not aligned' with Disney's vaccine mandate.

Fauci: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas gatherings safe for vaccinated people

Dr. Anthony Fauci said it is OK for vaccinated people to attend the upcoming Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings, but he has a warning for the unvaccinated population.

Nursing school applications rise amid COVID-19 burnout among staff

Nurses around the U.S. are getting burned out by the COVID-19 crisis and quitting, yet applications to nursing schools are rising.