BioNTech, Pfizer to start testing universal vaccine for coronaviruses Germany's BioNTech , Pfizer's partner in COVID-19 vaccines, said the two companies would start tests on humans of next-generation shots that protect against a wide variety of coronaviruses in the second half of the year. Ludwig Burger Reuters

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Millions remain unboosted, as scientists say 3rd COVID shot provides 'significant' protection Older Americans — people over 50 — have proven to be more likely to receive their first COVID-19 booster. ABC News ABC News

... new federal data reveals a significant proportion of Americans have yet to receive their first and second boosters.

Biden administration to widen access to monkeypox vaccine People who have had multiple recent partners in venues where monkeypox virus was spreading or in a geographic area where monkeypox is transmitting, not just those with known exposure, will be able to get the vaccine. Helen Branswell STAT

The Biden Administration announced Tuesday that it will broaden availability of monkeypox vaccine as it attempts to contain a growing outbreak of the disease.

Covid Live Updates: F.D.A. Panel Recommends Updated Boosters That Target Forms of Omicron The move came as new federal estimates show two subvariants, known as BA.4 and BA.5, make up more than half of new U.S. cases in the country. But it is possible that the virus might evolve yet again by the fall. The New York Times

An expert committee recommended Tuesday that the Food and Drug Administration plan on an updated booster shot of the coronavirus vaccines that targets some form of the Omicron variant that has dominated for months.

The next epidemic may be here. The U.S. isn't ready for it If HIV and Covid-19 were wake-up calls for the government to prioritize public health, monkeypox shows the consequences of hitting the snooze button too many times. Patrick Skerrett STAT

As if dealing with continued waves of Covid-19 isn’t enough, the U.S. is facing a new outbreak — monkeypox — that highlights just how close the U.S. public health system is to its breaking point.

WHO official says the more times a person gets COVID-19, the more likely they are to be 'unlucky' and get long COVID Long COVID "is the thing that none of us want because it can be so serious," David Nabarro, the WHO special envoy on COVID-19, told Sky News. Jake Epstein Business Insider

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Evolution is on omicron subvariants’ side Each new omicron subvariant is increasingly likely to lead to reinfection or breakthrough infection. ABC News ABC News

A new study finds that as the coronavirus continues to evolve, each new omicron subvariant is increasingly likely to lead to reinfection or breakthrough infection. However, researchers say current vaccines are still doing a good job of protecting people against severe illness.

China slashes COVID quarantine time for international travellers China slashed the quarantine time for inbound travellers by half on Tuesday, in a major easing of COVID-19 curbs that have deterred cross-border travel and resulted in international flights running at just 2% of pre-pandemic levels. Reuters Reuters

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CDC adds a Caribbean beach hot spot to its 'high' Covid-19 risk list The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday added just two destinations to its "high" category for Covid-19 risk: The Dominican Republic and Kuwait. By Forrest Brown and Marnie Hunter, CNN CNN

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In a weekly update with little movement overall, Monday's move to Level 3 is a big jump up for Kuwait, which had been at Level 1. The Dominican Republic moved up from Level 2.

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EU countries prolong COVID-19 certificates amid rising cases BRUSSELS (AP) — European Union countries approved Tuesday extending the use of COVID-19 certificates by one year until the end of June 2023 as cases of the deadly virus start to grow again ahead of the summer holiday season. AP NEWS

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Updates on the COVID-19 response from CDC. The COVID-19 Outbreak is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

... Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children and Teens ...

France asks citizens to wear masks again in public transport French people should start wearing masks again in crowded areas, especially in public transport, as France has to deal with a new wave of COVID-19 infections fuelled by new variants of the disease, Health Minister Brigitte Bourguignon said on Monday. Reuters Reuters

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France reported new 17,601 coronavirus infections over the past 24 hours, the highest figure for a Monday since April 18.

Court revives block of vaccine mandate for federal workers NEW ORLEANS (AP) — In a reversal for President Joe Biden, a federal appeals court in New Orleans on Monday agreed to reconsider its own April ruling that allowed the administration to require federal employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. AP NEWS

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