The approval of shots for children is near, more vaccine mandates are in effect, and the US' pandemic strategy evolves. Here's what you need to know:
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Pfizer and BioNTech request that the FDA approve shots for children younger than five years old
Yesterday, Pfizer-BioNTech requested that the FDA issue an emergency authorization for its vaccine in children aged 5-11 years old. Drugmakers have submitted relevant data, including details on how they will prepare the pediatric doses. Each child dose is one-third as strong as those given to adults. This is a topic that the agency will discuss in an October 26 meeting. A CDC advisory panel meeting has been set for November 2 and 3. It means that shots for children in this age bracket could be available soon after. Experts agree that vaccinating younger Americans is an important step to ending the pandemic. Many parents want their children vaccinated.
Distribution of these shots is likely to prove difficult logistically as well as politically, even after they are approved. Although pediatric practices are not required to provide vaccines, parents will want their children to be vaccinated in a familiar setting. Administration of vaccines at schools could be a time-saving move, but it would also likely spark controversy.
More vaccine mandates go into effect despite pushback
President Biden's calls for vaccine mandates are more intense lately. Yesterday, he stated that his administration views the shots as crucial in fighting the pandemic. Recent weeks have seen more mandates from employers and districts. So far, it appears that the number of people who miss vaccine deadlines has been relatively low. More people seek religious exemptions to avoid getting shot because of the increasing number of mandates. However, legal challenges to mandates have been interpreted differently by different courts, creating confusion.
How can everyone be convinced to get vaccinated. Experts are trying to determine the most effective messaging. There is no clear answer. Mandates are great for increasing compliance but they're not the perfect solution.
The Biden administration continues to implement its pandemic mitigation strategy
The booster shot plan for the Biden Administration has been fraught since the beginning. Some outside experts have called on the White House not to reduce it. Johnson & Johnson, however, asked the FDA this week to approve a booster dose. Johnson & Johnson argued that this booster shot improves protection against disease. This evidence will be reviewed by the FDA and they will decide whether J&J recipients can receive another shot from a different drugmaker.
This pandemic is a clear indication of America's poor public health readiness. New concerns are constantly being raised. Experts warn that it is more important than ever to get a flu shot this flu season to prevent what some call a twindemic. This week, the White House purchased $1 billion worth of rapid at-home tests. This is a sign that the Biden Administration takes testing seriously. It is crucial for mitigating the spread of the virus.
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One question
Is it possible that remote learning has created privacy problems for children due to pandemic-induced radiation?
Yes, unfortunately. Schools lent tablets and laptops to students who were not equipped with them when tens of million of students moved away in 2020. Many of these devices were equipped with monitoring software. This created a system where students who used school devices were more likely to face disciplinary action and their activities were less hindered than those using the same device. According to one report, Black and Hispanic families are more likely than other to use school-issued technology and therefore more likely to be monitored. This can lead to individual children being hurt and can have a significant impact on the wider learning environment.
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