WHO says COVID-19 boosters are needed, reversing previous guidance

An expert group convened by the World Health Organization said it “strongly supports urgent and broad access” to coronavirus vaccines, including booster doses.

Taller people could be at higher risk for colorectal cancer, study suggests

Researchers found that the individuals who were taller had a 24% higher risk of developing colorectal cancer as opposed to their shorter counterparts.

Drinking wine with meals may lower risk of type 2 diabetes, study finds

The study found consuming alcohol with meals was associated with a 14% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to consuming alcohol without eating food.

Exercise after COVID-19 vaccine may increase antibodies, study finds

The study demonstrates that 90 minutes of exercise after immunization of the COVID-19 vaccine increases antibody response several weeks later.

T cells from common colds may help protect against COVID-19, study suggests

T cells generated from the common cold may help protect against COVID-19, a new study found. But researchers stressed that "no one should rely on this alone."

Pfizer: COVID-19 booster offers protection against omicron in early study

Pfizer said its COVID-19 booster dose may protect against the new omicron variant, but the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.

Omicron shows need for global accord on pandemics, WHO chief says

The WHO is pushing for an international accord to help prevent future pandemics amid the emergence of the new omicron COVID-19 variant.

Merriam-Webster declares 'vaccine' as 2021 word of the year

Merriam-Webster has declared an omnipresent truth as its 2021 word of the year: vaccine. Last year, it chose “pandemic.”

COVID-19 boosters: CDC director OKs shots for all adults after FDA approval

The FDA has authorized Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 booster shots to all U.S. adults, ahead of approval from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

CVS to close 300 stores a year for the next 3 years

CVS Health will close 900 stores over the next three years as it evaluates its retail businesses.

OSHA suspends enforcement of COVID-19 vaccine mandate amid legal challenges

OSHA said it is currently not taking steps to implement or enforce President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for big businesses as long as the mandate is tied up in court.

Santa Claus may not be coming to town this year amid hired Santa shortage

There are an estimated 10-15% fewer Santa Clauses this year compared to last year due to COVID-19 and many Santas retiring, according to Mitch Allen, head elf at Hire Santa.

Sesame Street's Big Bird gets COVID-19 vaccine

“I got the COVID-19 vaccine today!” Big Bird tweeted, just days after the shot was cleared for kids ages 5-11 years old.

FDA issues warning after spike in eye injuries from alcohol-based hand sanitizers

The FDA said between January 1, 2018, and April 30, 2021, it has identified “3,642 cases of side effects resulting from eye exposure to these hand sanitizers,” likely due to the increase in use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 vaccines for kids 5-11 to be ‘fully up and running’ next week, White House says

The shot still needs a final recommendation from the CDC, but White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said Monday that “starting the week of November 8, the kids’ vaccination program will be fully up and running.”