Coronavirus News Roundup: Biden Announces Ramping Up of Vaccine Rollout, CDC Provides Safety Updates

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination effort is well underway in the US, with over 26 million administered doses and 1.3% of the population fully vaccinated against the virus as of press time. This week, the Biden-Harris administration announced updates on vaccine rollout, and new data was released on therapies and vaccines for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2).

Here’s a roundup of the latest coronavirus-related news:

NCPA Supports Biden-Harris COVID-19 National Strategy

The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has issued a statement to express its approval of the Biden administration’s COVID-19 national strategy and commitment to work with President Biden in executing this strategy, as well as other initiatives moving forward.

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Biden Administration Announces Steps to Ramp Up COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout

President Joe Biden announced several measures aimed at ramping up COVID-19 vaccination efforts, including the purchase of 200 million more vaccine doses for the United States.

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COVID-19 Vaccine: CDC Updates Guidance on Interchangeability, Dosage Intervals

The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has updated its interim recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.

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Study: Bamlanivimab-Etesevimab Combo Treatment for High-Risk COVID-19

Eli Lilly and Company announced study results showing significant improvements in hospitalization and death rates among high-risk patients recently infected with COVID-19 with its antibody therapies.

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Prior Metformin Use Reduces COVID-19 Mortality Risk in Patients With Diabetes

Results of a recent study suggest that taking metformin prior to COVID-19 diagnosis reduced mortality in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

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American Heart Association Report Predicts COVID-19 Effects on Cardiovascular Disease Burden

The American Heart Association’s 2021 Statistical Update reported that heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and COVID-19 may have an impact on cardiovascular health and mortality rates for years to come.

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ACIP Meeting: COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Updates

On Wednesday, an emergency virtual meeting of the CDC’s ACIP provided an update on COVID-19 vaccine safety.

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Johnson & Johnson Reports Efficacy Rates of COVID-19 Vaccine Candidate

Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate is 66% effective in preventing moderate-to-severe COVID-19 and met all primary and secondary end points of its phase 3 ENSEMBLE clinical trial, according to a news release published on Friday.

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