|
NIH COVID-19 Communities Responding Together |
|
 Credit: Adapted from Pfizer, Dec. 8, 2021
Initial Studies Suggest Boosters Offer Increased Protection Against Omicron Variant
In a new blog post, Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D., who served as the director of the National Institutes of Health for 12 years, wrote about the important role boosters play in protecting people against the Omicron variant of the virus that causes COVID-19.
Dr. Collins summarizes initial results of studies conducted both in the lab and real world. These studies show that people who get a booster shot, or third dose of vaccine, may be better protected. While these data are preliminary, they suggest that getting a booster will help protect people already vaccinated from breakthrough or possible severe infections with Omicron.
The variant has more than 50 mutations. Of particular concern is the location of about 30 of those mutations. They are in the part of the coronavirus that COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems to attack. While researchers continue to study Omicron, Dr. Collins encourages us to use all tools available — vaccines, boosters, masks, testing — to protect ourselves, loved ones, and fellow community members.
Read the blog post. Also, keep up with the latest information about the Omicron variant on the CDC page Omicron Variant: What You Need to Know. CDC has up-to-date recommendations and information on Omicron, including a map of states with at least one detected case.
|
|
CDC Guidance for Holiday Gatherings
Holiday traditions are important for families and children. See the steps CDC recommends family and friends take to help protect everyone’s health. Recommendations include specific guidance for travelers and people with weakened immune systems. Download and share CDC’s holiday infographic, which has simple, easy-to-understand tips.
|
|
Teens Ages 16-17 Can Now Receive a Vaccine Booster
Vaccine booster eligibility has expanded. Teens ages 16 to 17 are eligible for the booster if they received a second Pfizer shot more than six months ago. Visit vaccines.gov for the most current information on boosters and where to find them. For booster-related resources to share with your community, check out the We Can Do This campaign.
|
|
U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on Youth Mental Health
The Surgeon General’s Advisory on Protecting Youth Mental Health outlines a series of calls-to-action to mitigate the mental health impact of the pandemic on young people. Recognizing that systemic change is essential to supporting the mental health of children and youth, Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A., offers recommendations to 11 groups, including young people, school districts, health care organizations, and technology companies.
Read the Advisory
|
|
Top CEAL Resources from 2021
“Vaccine” is Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year, and nearly all of our most frequently downloaded resources are focused on vaccines. Check out the popular CEAL resources from 2021 if you haven’t yet. Be sure to follow us to stay up-to-date on the important issues in 2022.
|
|
Events and Key Conversations
CEAL events promote community engagement, inclusion in research, and COVID-19 vaccines. These key conversations, including town halls and panel discussions, can also be found on our Events Page.
|
|
ICYMI: Past Events and Key Conversations |
|
Roundtable on the Promotion of Health Equity
December 7 & 9, 2021 | Workshop Materials
The virtual workshop explored how the COVID-19 pandemic has uniquely affected the Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian communities. It examined vaccination and testing participation rates and discussed ideas for improving the health and well-being of these communities.
|
|
MBC COVID-19 Town Hall - Returning to Worship in a Pandemic Environment
December 4, 2021 | Watch the town hall
Tune in to a replay of the Metropolitan Diaconate COVID-19 Town Hall on variants, current statistics, vaccinations, and how to stay safe. Gospel radio’s Jacquie Gales Webb moderated the discussion between the panel of community health leaders, including Dr. Panagis Galiatsatos from the DC, Maryland, and Virginia CEAL team.
|
|
|
|
