On August 18, 2021, the Biden Administration announced with top US health officials a recommendation that Americans receive a COVID-19 booster shot eight months after their second dose was administered. The Administration is not recommending a booster for the one-dose
COVID-19 Update: FDA announces availability of COVID-19 booster shot for immunocompromised
On August 12, 2021, the United States Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) authorized a COVID-19 vaccine booster for immunocompromised individuals. Because booster vaccines were not previously authorized under the FDA’s emergency use authorization, the FDA’s announcement today was a necessary
World Health Organization urges moratorium for COVID-19 booster shots
On August 4, 2021, Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of the World Health Organization (“WHO”) emphasized the import of delaying the administration of booster shots for the COVID-19 vaccine until at least September 2021. He believes this delay will allow at
Biden administration requires federal employees to receive COVID-19 vaccination with Delta variant on the rise
On Thursday, July 29, 2021, the White House confirmed that the Biden Administration would articulate new goals related to COVID-19 and the Delta variant:
- Strengthening safety protocols for federal employees and federal contractors.
- Protecting those who serve our country.
- Expanding
COVID-19 update: CDC releases updated masking recommendations
On July 27, 2021, Dr. Rochelle Walenksy updated the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (“CDC”) recommendation regarding mask use for vaccinated individuals in a Media Telebriefing concerning COVID-19. At the time of this writing, the transcript is
The Joint Commission seeks to address disparities in the health care system
The Joint Commission issued a new advisory to encourage health care providers to take tangible steps to better understand and meet the needs of the diverse populations of which they serve. The Joint Commission recognized that COVID-19 has “shed a
COVID-19 update: CDC student guidelines and Delta variant
On Friday, July 9, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) released new guidelines for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. The CDC updated its guidelines to “provide safe and supportive learning environments for students.” It recognized that
COVID-19 Update: OSHA Issues Emergency Workplace Rules Applicable to Health Care
As we previously announced, on June 10, 2021 the U.S. Department of Labor issued long anticipated emergency workplace guidelines. The Emergency Temporary Standard is applicable to health care entities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities. The
COVID-19 Update: CDC Updates Mask Guidance
On May 13, 2021, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) released an update that fully vaccinated individuals no longer need to wear a mask in most settings. The update continues the trend of public
COVID-19 Update: Pfizer-BioNTech Vaccine Approved for Teens
On May 10, 2021 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) announced that the Pfizer-BioNTech Emergency Use Authorization (“EUA”) would be expanded to include children ages 12-15. Previously, the vaccine had been approved for individuals 16 and older. The press