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NIH COVID-19 Communities Responding Together |
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FREE COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available to order
Starting today, Jan.19, community members can order up to four at-home rapid COVID-19 tests for free! The COVIDtests.gov program will ensure broad access to at-home tests to those who request them. Tests are limited to four per residential address and will usually ship within seven to 12 days of ordering. Learn more.
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CDC updates guidelines on masks
Masking is a critical public health tool for preventing the spread of COVID-19. While some masks offer higher levels of protection than others, it is important to remember that any mask is better than no mask.
Last week, CDC updated its mask recommendations urging everyone to:
- Wear a well-fitted mask correctly that is comfortable and provides good protection
- Wear their most protective well-fitted mask that they will wear consistently
For people at increased risk for severe disease the agency recommends that a highly protective mask be worn.
Find shareable images with information on masks in English and Spanish. CDC’s mask recommendations provide information that people can use to improve how well their masks protect them.
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Booster eligibility expanded to children 12+
With research findings, data, and even the virus changing quickly, federal guidelines and recommendations on vaccinations and boosters evolve.
Here’s a quick round-up of the most recent guidelines on boosters and what to do if you have or have been exposed to COVID-19. Share both with your communities.
Children and teens 12-17 years old can—and should—get a booster five months after their second Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. The CDC Advisory Committee on Vaccine Practices’ review of safety data on more than 25 million vaccine doses in adolescents showed that the vaccines are safe and effective for this age group.
Also new for children: Immunocompromised children 5-11 years old should get an additional vaccine dose 28 days after their second Pfizer shot. Immunocompromised adults can already get a third shot.
Adults who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should get a booster five months after their second vaccine. The previous guideline was six months. The guideline for Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) Janssen vaccine (booster after two months) hasn’t changed.
To stay current on the booster guidelines, visit CDC’s webpage on boosters. In addition, FDA.gov has an infographic titled “Do I qualify for a COVID-19 vaccine booster and which one?” that you can download and share.
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When and how to isolate and quarantine
If you have COVID-19, CDC guidelines now say you should isolate for five days. After that, if you haven’t had a fever for 24 hours and you don’t have symptoms, you can end your isolation. However, you should wear a well-fitting mask when around others for the next five days. Why the change? Most transmission of the virus happens early in the course of illness; from one-to-two days before symptoms until two-to-three days after symptoms begin.
If you’ve been in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and you aren’t up-to-date on your COVID-19 vaccinations, quarantine for at least five days. If you’re up-to-date with your vaccinations or have had COVID-19 in the past 90 days, you don’t need to quarantine. Get tested at least five days after exposure.
More information and resources to share with your community:
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An inter-faith alliance to stop COVID-19
In Georgia, CEAL team members helped launch an alliance of faith communities to understand local concerns, increase vaccination rates, counter false information, and address pandemic-related issues, such as food insecurity. Working together, they are holding vaccination events, food banks, and community education forums.
Read the story in English
Read the story in Spanish
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New CEAL Team Scientific Pathway members
Meet Dr. Yvonne (Bonnie) Maldonado, a Stanford University School of Medicine pediatrician and epidemiologist, and Julia Kachar, a child COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial volunteer. Dr. Maldonado and Julia are new members of the CEAL Scientific Pathway, which features diverse scientific and community leaders who have played an important role in addressing COVID-19.
Dr. Moldonado encourages parents and caregivers to vaccinate eligible children. “We want people to talk to their pediatricians or their health care providers about these vaccines to make sure they feel comfortable with them, and to recognize that they're safe and can prevent infections that can lead to hospitalization and death, because we don't really know how to predict which children will wind up getting very sick,” says Dr. Moldonado.
Julia champions the participation of eligible children in clinical trials. “I participated in a vaccine trial because I thought it would be cool,” says Julia Kacher. “It would give me an opportunity to get the vaccine earlier than other kids in my age group, and I would be able to help other people. I was not afraid to be in a COVID-19 trial,” she adds.
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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.
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Narratives of Pandemics Past: Archival Approaches to Understanding the COVID-19 Pandemic
Jan. 27, 2022 | 2:00PM ET | You'll be able to view this webcast on the day of the event
Alexandre White (Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University and School of Medicine) will discuss previous epidemics, how people experienced and perceived them, and how we can employ these histories in understanding present times.
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ICYMI: Past Events and Key Conversations |
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Hablando Entre Nos (Community Conversations)
Jan. 13, 2022 | Watch the recording
Hear expert panelists discuss the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on diverse communities. The event was hosted by Dia de la Mujer Latina.
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All About the COVID-19 Vaccine for Children
Jan. 12, 2022 | Watch the recording
Get your questions answered about the COVID-19 vaccine for children by listening to a panel (in Spanish) of experts, organized by the Berkeley Health Initiative of the Americas. During break-out sessions, participants asked questions and shared their experiences.
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COVID-19 Two Years Later: The Impact on Research and Public Health in Diverse Communities
Jan. 7, 2022 | Watch the VideoCast
This virtual panel was co-hosted by the NIAID Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the NIH–FDA COVID-19 Scientific Interest Group and is a part of the NIAID Diversity Series. Moderated by NINR Director Shannon Zenk, Ph.D., R.N., the webcast highlighted the disproportionate health and socioeconomic effects of the pandemic on specific communities in the United States and discussed strategies for researchers and public health professionals who are engaging with these communities.
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