ACAAI's COVID-19 Newsbrief

We’re keeping you informed with regular COVID-19 updates

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June 8, 2022

The College's COVID-19 NewsBrief provides timely curated COVID information and helpful resources for use in your practice and with your patients.

FDA advisory committee recommends Novavax’s vaccine EUA

The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) has recommended emergency use authorization (EUA) for Novavax's protein-based vaccine. The EUA will now be reviewed by the FDA.

Early trial results indicate Moderna’s updated vaccine booster protects against Omicron

Moderna’s early trial results show its redesigned COVID-19 booster appears to provide stronger protection against the Omicron variant than its current vaccine. The shot targets both the Omicron variant and the original coronavirus strain and leads to an eight-fold increase in antibody levels.

High-risk patients have difficulty getting antiviral pills; FDA provider resource on Paxlovid can help

Some high-risk COVID patients are finding it difficult to get antiviral pills to treat coronavirus infections. Providers looking to prescribe Paxlovid for treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 should review the FDA’s provider information. The information provides clarity on patient eligibility for Paxlovid and includes a patient eligibility screening checklist for use by prescribers. It also includes guidance on managing drug to drug interactions with Paxlovid.

Some people exposed to COVID never test positive

Some people may test negative for COVID and be infected with the virus, especially if they are fully vaccinated. Possible reasons for the negative test result include a vaccinated person’s body reacting very quickly to the virus upon exposure and the viral load being too low to show up on a test.

Children previously infected with COVID not protected against Omicron

A study in Nature Communications has found that children who had COVID-19 in the past aren’t protected against infection from the Omicron variant. Vaccines reduce children’s chances of infection, however.

Visit the ACAAI COVID page

Visit the College’s recently updated COVID-19 resource page for information related to COVID that allergists may need. The College’s federal response page has updates on the federal level.