One-Dose mRNA Data In; Merck Steps Up; Dual Ebola Outbreaks Continue

Note that some links may require registration or subscription.

Single doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 and Pfizer/BioNTech vaccines led to “substantial” reduction in risk of illness for people 70 and up, though less than previously seen with two doses, according to an unreviewed manuscript posted online by British researchers Monday.

While the U.S. focuses on Western companies’ vaccines, much of the world is quietly relying on shots from China. (AP)

Merck, which dropped out of the COVID vaccine race after its candidate flopped, is reportedly offering to manufacture Johnson & Johnson’s. (Washington Post)

As of Tuesday at 8:00 a.m. EST, the unofficial COVID-19 toll in the U.S. stood at 28,664,722 cases and 514,660 deaths — up 58,545 and 1,568, respectively, over the previous 24 hours.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) reached agreement with legislators on a multibillion-dollar school reopening plan. (Los Angeles Times)

And teachers are among groups now eligible for vaccines in Los Angeles County. (CBS Los Angeles)

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump received their COVID vaccinations in January at the White House. (Axios)

It is “premature” and “unrealistic” to expect the pandemic to end this year, a WHO leader said. (AP)

Another at-home coronavirus antigen test, from Quidel, received emergency use authorization for prescription use, and the NIH said it’s now testing a companion smartphone app.

Researchers call a halt to another convalescent plasma trial, this one in outpatients, determining it had little chance of showing benefit. (Brief19)

Connecticut plans to base COVID vaccine eligibility “strictly on age,” scrapping plans for more targeted distribution — simpler, but is it fair? (Kaiser Health News)

In other news:

• More Ebola cases confirmed in Guinea and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. (Reuters)
• The FDA authorized marketing of the first robotic surgical device for performing transvaginal hysterectomy in certain patients.
• The nation’s first research and innovation campus for children’s health is set to launch this summer, with partners Children’s National Hospital, Virginia Tech and Johnson & Johnson Innovation-JLABS. (WTOP)
• Five e-cigarette companies, including Juul and RJ Reynolds, must submit data on sales, advertising and promotional activities to the Federal Trade commission, which is probing the industry’s marketing practices. (CNBC)