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Pfizer Vax OK at Higher Temps; Nerd Immunity; ‘Pathogen Porn’

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Pfizer, data in hand, persuaded the FDA to allow shipping and storage of its COVID vaccine at standard freezer temperatures for up to 2 weeks.

As of 8:00 a.m. ET on Friday, the unofficial COVID-19 toll in the U.S. reached 28,413,746 cases and 508,314 deaths — up 77,180 and 2,415 respectively, since this time yesterday.

In partnership with Boston Children’s Hospital and Castlight Health, the CDC launched a new online tool to help connect Americans with vaccine appointments. (NPR)

“Nerd immunity”: A new study suggested that wearing glasses for at least eight hours a day cut the risk of COVID-19. (Penn Live)

Eli Lilly said the federal government has ordered 100,000 doses of its two-antibody cocktail for treating nonhospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID.

Pandemic stress is wearing thin on nurses as many have been pushed to quit. (CNN)

High-intensity fitness classes at the gym are acting as mini super-spreader events. (The Washington Post)

New York City officials aren’t convinced that the new variant spreading across the city poses serious concern; one called media reports “pathogen porn.” (NBC New York)

States will soon know what to expect about vaccine shipments months in advance. (Politico)

As many insurance companies’ cost-sharing waivers for COVID-19 are fizzling out, the average patient over 65 is hit with $1,000 in bills after being discharged. (StudyFinds)

Has Tuskegee legacy gone global? In England, minorities show greater vaccination resistance as well as higher infection rates. (AP)

The city of Nice, France, is closing its iconic Promenade des Anglais beachside walkway this weekend to help stem COVID transmission. (Reuters)

Julia Roberts virtually presented Anthony Fauci, MD, with the amfAR Foundation for AIDS Research’s Award of Courage. (People)

Queen Elizabeth II wants everyone to think of others and get their jab. (Reuters)

In other news:

  • WHO officially declared El Salvador as malaria-free — the first Central American country to be so.
  • An environmental group accusing senior managers at the Environmental Protection Agency of ignoring damning evidence against the pesticide Telone (1,3-dichloropropene). (The Intercept)
  • ACIP approved a two-dose regimen for rabies vaccine pre-exposure prophylaxis, but not (yet) for kids. (AAP News)
  • A Pennsylvania nursing home administrator was indicted on three charges, including healthcare fraud, for allegedly falsifying time cards to make it look like the facility was fully staffed. (Pocono Record)
  • Kristen Monaco is a staff writer, focusing on endocrinology, psychiatry, and dermatology news. Based out of the New York City office, she’s worked at the company for nearly five years.

Source: MedicalNewsToday.com