Global

A growing body of preliminary research suggests the Covid vaccines used in most of the world offer almost no defense against becoming infected by the highly contagious Omicron variant.

All vaccines still seem to provide a significant degree of protection against serious illness from Omicron, which is the most crucial goal. But only the Pfizer and Moderna shots, when reinforced by a booster, appear to have initial success at stopping infections, and these vaccines are unavailable in most of the world.

Moderna's Omicron-specific booster could start clinical trials early next year Biotechnology company Moderna continues to work on developing Covid-19 boosters that specifically target certain variants, including Delta and Omicron, Dr. Stephen Hoge, president of the company, said Monday. By Jack Guy and Aditi Sangal CNN

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CDC handing out free COVID-19 test kits for international travelers The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is handing out free coronavirus tests for international travelers during the holiday season. Lexi Lonas TheHill

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The CDC announced Thursday the initiative began Wednesday in a move to encourage international travelers to test themselves once they enter the country since the U.S. does not require it.