By Marsha Mullings, MPH
USA
46.5 million cases,
758,000 deaths
Florida
3.7 million cases,
60,344 deaths
Update
*Florida has surpassed 60,000 deaths from coronavirus.
*The rate of new coronavirus infection remains steady in Florida. The state has a daily average of 1,500 new infections.
Announcements
Vaccine for Children
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the emergency use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 for children 5-11 years of age. The vaccine was already authorized for use among children 12 and older.
Pfizer COVID-19 Pill
Pfizer/BioNThech pharmaceutical has announced that its antiviral pill to treat COVID-19 is 89% effective at reducing the risk of hospitalization or severe disease among people who received the drug soon after exhibiting symptoms. The drug is currently undergoing clinical trials.
Booster Shots
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of a mix-and -match approach to administering booster shots for all three vaccines approved for use in the US. This means that an individual may receive booster shots from any available vaccine, regardless for the vaccine manufacturer used for the first two doses.
For individuals who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, boosters are available for the following groups:
*65 and older
*18 years and older living in a long-term care setting
*18 years and older with underlying medical conditions
*18 years and older living or working in high-risk settings
These individuals may receive any booster 6 months or more after their initial series.
For individuals who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, booster shots of any manufacturer are available to individuals 18 and older who had received their shot two or more months ago.
Advisory
Although new coronavirus rates have fallen sharply in Florida, COVID-19 remains a serious health crisis. Vigilance is critical to reducing the chance of acquiring an infection. Practice good COVID-19 control strategies:
*Observe social distancing guidelines (6 feet or more of separation from others).
*Practice good hand hygiene (wash hands frequently with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizers).
*Wear a mask when out in public if you are unvaccinated.
For more information on coronavirus (COVID-19) prevention, visit www.FloridaHealth.org; nyt.com; www.coronavirus.jhu.edu; www.cdc.gov;
