Pharmacist Kim Nguyen administers a Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine at a CVS, Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023, in Cypress, Texas.
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Heres whats happening today:
What to know: A new study found possible links between COVID-19 vaccines and slight increases in neurological, blood and heart-related conditions such as myocarditis, pericarditis and Guillain-Barre syndrome. The study is the largest of its kind since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Researchers stressed that an association between the vaccine and adverse side effects does not prove the vaccine caused them and that side effects were rare. Over the past three years, more than 13.5 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered around the world.
Whats happening: The U.N. Security Council is set to vote Tuesday on a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza. The U.S. has said it would veto the measure because its trying to make a deal on its own that would bring a truce in the Israel-Hamas war and release hostages held by Hamas. The latest >
The latest: The Texas Department of Public Safety named Don Steven McDougal, 42, as a person of interest in the disappearance of an 11-year-old Texas girl whos been missing since last week. Audrii Cunningham was supposed to catch a bus near her home in Polk County on Thursday but never showed up to school. A small backpack was found Friday near Lake Livingston Dam northeast of Houston, and now a massive search effort is underway in that area.
Person of interest: McDougal was arrested Friday on an unrelated charge of aggravated assault. The Texas Department of Public Safety said McDougal, who lives in a camper behind the home where Cunningham lives, is a family friend and was the last person to see the 11-year-old. McDougal has previous child enticement charges, but he was not required to register as a sex offender. While police consider McDougal their main person of interest, theyre not ruling out anyone else.
How to help: Polk County Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of those responsible for Cunninghams disappearance. People can contact the Sheriffs Office at 936-327-6810 or the Polk County Crime Stoppers line at 936-327-7867 to submit tips.
What to know: Utah mom and former YouTube star Ruby Franke and her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt are set to be sentenced Tuesday. Franke pleaded guilty to four counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse in December.
Video concerns: In 2020, the 8 Passengers YouTube channel sparked controversy when one of Frankes sons said he was forced to sleep on a beanbag as punishment for his prank on a sibling, and another video shows Franke saying she refused to bring food to her then-6-year-old daughter at school.
The arrests: Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested on six felony counts each of aggravated child abuse in August of last year after Frankes 12-year-old son escaped Hildebrandts home, and a neighbor called police because the child appeared malnourished and had duct tape on his ankles and wrists. Responding officers also reported finding Frankes 10-year-old daughter appearing to be malnourished inside Hildebrandts home. Find a timeline retracing key details of the case here >
Were keeping an eye on these topics today. Make sure you tune in to our latest coverage and share your thoughts with us on social media!
Alabamas Supreme Court has ruled frozen embryos are children under state law and subject to legislation dealing with the wrongful death of a minor. What we know >
Lawmakers in Hawaii are on the verge of passing a new initiative for the U.S.: a $25 climate tax targeting tourists. The latest on the proposal >
Youve heard of Snakes on a Plane, but what about a snake on a chopper? Well, that was the case for coast guard crews in Florida. Check out a photo >
Does it feel like youre seeing or smelling more skunks out lately? A small mammals expert in Oklahoma has the reason why >
A superbug that causes serious infections continues to spread in Las Vegas hospitals and health care facilities, reaching its highest levels in January. Read more >
The nations capital is seeing an uptick in youth violence and crime, but an organization in Washington, D.C., is mentoring at-risk teens and providing support to get to the root of the issue. Read more >
Teenager with Down syndrome completes Austin half-marathon: With the help of a friend, 18-year-old Owen Rawl completed the Austin Half-Marathon on Sunday morning. I feel amazing, Rawl told NewsNation affiliate KXAN. Read more >
A recent study conducted across multiple counties in the United States has shed light on the complex factors contributing to COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. By analyzing COVID-19 vaccination data, researchers have provided a comprehensive insight into the reasons why some people choose not to get vaccinated. The analysis was based on a weighted generalized additive model (GAM), with the response variable being COVID-19 unvaccinated percentage (UP). The UP was obtained by subtracting the partial vaccination rate from 100%, using data from Georgetown Universitys U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Tracking website.
The study incorporated several variables that could potentially influence vaccine hesitancy. These included demographic and socioeconomic factors, political affiliations, historical COVID-19 infection rates, MMR vaccination coverage, and information consumption variables (Twitter misinformation and cable TV viewership ratings). Using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), the researchers explored the relationship between these variables and the unvaccinated percentage, providing a holistic view of the factors driving vaccine hesitancy.
Interestingly, the study also analyzed the differences between urban and rural counties. This sub-analysis revealed the disparities in vaccination rates between these two types of areas, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to combat vaccine hesitancy in each. The study, therefore, not only provides an overview of the current vaccination landscape but also offers valuable guidance for future vaccination campaigns.
Among the various factors associated with vaccine hesitancy, political affiliation, social media misinformation, and geographic disparities stood out. The study demonstrated a correlation between these factors and the unvaccinated population, providing a new perspective on the role of politics and social media in public health. Similarly, the researchers also found a link between educational attainment and health insurance status and vaccine hesitancy, suggesting that socioeconomic factors also play a significant role in vaccination decisions.
The CDC has utilized federal survey data to develop state, county, and sub-state level predictions of hesitancy rates for COVID-19 vaccination. This data-driven approach, which uses the U.S. Census Bureaus Household Pulse Survey (HPS) data and the 2019 American Community Survey (ACS), can help health authorities strategize more effectively to overcome vaccine hesitancy.
Understanding the factors behind COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is crucial in overcoming the barriers to achieving herd immunity. The recent studies conducted at the county level in the U.S. have provided valuable insights into these factors. By focusing on the role of demographic, socioeconomic, and political factors, these studies offer a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by public health officials. They highlight the need for targeted, data-driven interventions to tackle vaccine hesitancy and ensure the success of vaccination campaigns.
Researchers looked for side effects occurring up to 42 days after vaccination with Pfizer and Moderna mRNA and AstraZeneca viral-vector vaccines. It is the largest COVID vaccine study conducted to date, and included data from 183 million doses of the Pfizer mRNA vaccine, 36 million doses of the Moderna mRNA vaccine, and 23 million doses of the AstraZeneca adenovirus-vector vaccine.
According to the findings, the risk of pericarditis was nearly seven times higher among those who took a third dose of AstraZenecas viral vector vaccine. It was 1.7 and 2.6 times higher among patients who took a first and fourth dose of Modernas mRNA vaccine, respectively.
The data indicates patients who received the first, second, and third doses of any mRNA vaccines faced a slightly increased risk of myocarditis, which is a heart condition marked by inflammation of the outer lining of the heart. The risk was six times higher after the second Moderna dose.
The COVID-19 vaccines were also linked to a potential risk of pericarditis, which involves swelling of the saclike tissue that surrounds the heart. Both myocarditis and pericarditis can lead to symptoms like a heart attack, including sharp chest pains.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a condition that affects the nerves, which can cause weakness and tingling in the feet and legs that can spread to other parts of the body. Researchers found that the risk for Guillain-Barre syndrome from the COVID-19 vaccine was 2.5 times higher, and individuals who received the AstraZeneca vaccine were three times more likely to develop venous sinus thrombosis, which is a condition that causes blood clots in the major veins in the brain and can cause headaches, seizures, and weakened limbs.
The researchers also determined patients faced nearly four times the risk of developing acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, a type of inflammation and swelling of the brain, when they took the Moderna vaccine. They also faced twice the risk of the condition if they took the AstraZeneca vaccine.
Researchers said the data confirmed a small risk of developing the various conditions based on the type of vaccine that was administered. But the risk of contracting COVID-19 and facing serious infection, complications, or death is still much higher than the risk from the blood, brain, and heart conditions outlined in the study.
The risk of having a neurological side effect after COVID-19 infection is 617 times higher than the risk faced after receiving any COVID-19 vaccine. The same is true for developing myocarditis or another heart condition after contracting the COVID virus compared to the COVID vaccine, they determined.
So far, roughly 71% of the worlds population has received at least one dose of a COVID vaccine. More than 13.5 billion doses have been administered since the start of the pandemic.
Despite an uptick in COVID-19 infections this winter from the JN.1 variant, COVID cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are declining overall, researchers say, due to the widespread administration of COVID-19 vaccines.
The Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) recently conducted a comprehensive evaluation of 13 neurological, blood, and heart-related medical conditions to determine if there is an increased risk following COVID-19 vaccination.
The research, hosted at the University of Auckland, is part of the Global COVID Vaccine Safety Project. The experts analyzed a vast dataset covering 99 million individuals across eight countries. Overall, the data encompassed more than 23 million person-years of follow-up.
As of November 2023, at least 70.5% of the worlds population had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, wrote the researchers.
This unparalleled scenario underscores the pressing need for comprehensive vaccine safety monitoring as very rare adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccines may only come to light after administration to millions of individuals.
The research pinpointed pre-established safety signals for myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA vaccines. In addition, the experts identified safety signals for Guillain-Barr syndrome alongside cerebral venous sinus thrombosis post-viral vector vaccines.
The team also identified possible safety signals for transverse myelitis following viral vector vaccines and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis after both viral vector and mRNA vaccines.
A detailed follow-up of these findings was carried out by the GVDNs site in Victoria, Australia, with the outcomes and data accessible on GVDNs interactive data dashboards for public scrutiny.
The methodology used for the study was an observed versus expected rates analysis. This type of evaluation is valuable for spotting potential vaccine safety signals. It scrutinizes the risk of developing a medical condition post-vaccination against a timeframe prior to the vaccines availability.
Study lead author Kristna Faksov is an expert in the Department of Epidemiology Research at Statens Serum Institut in Copenhagen, Denmark.
The size of the population in this study increased the possibility of identifying rare potential vaccine safety signals. Single sites or regions are unlikely to have a large enough population to detect very rare signals, explained Faksov.
The initiative emphasizes transparency and effective communication with both the healthcare sector and the general public by making these data dashboards widely available.
GVDN supports a coordinated global effort to assess vaccine safety and effectiveness so that vaccine questions can be addressed in a more rapid, efficient, and cost-effective manner. We have a number of studies underway to build upon our understanding of vaccines and how we understand vaccine safety using big data, said GVDN Co-Director Dr. Steven Black.
By making the data dashboards publicly available, we are able to support greater transparency, and stronger communications to the health sector and public, added GVDN Co-Director Dr. Helen Petousis-Harris.
The GCoVS Project is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The project enables the comparison of vaccine safety across a wide range of global populations. This highlights its significance in the broader context of vaccine research and public health.
While our study confirmed previously identified rare safety signals following COVID-19 vaccination and contributed evidence on several other important outcomes, further investigation is warranted to confirm associations and assess clinical significance, concluded the study authors.
Covid vaccines represent a monumental effort in the history of medicine. Researchers around the world quickly identified the genetic makeup of the virus, laying the groundwork for vaccine development.
Next, companies and academic institutions rapidly developed and tested vaccine candidates through unprecedented collaboration.
The most notable COVID vaccines, such as those developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, employ various technologies. These vaccines use mRNA technology, which instructs cells to produce a protein that triggers an immune response.
AstraZeneca-Oxford and Johnson & Johnson, on the other hand, use viral vector technology. This involves a harmless virus delivering genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 to stimulate the bodys immune defense.
Regulatory agencies across the globe conducted rigorous reviews to ensure the vaccines safety and efficacy before granting emergency use authorizations. Following approval, governments and health organizations launched massive vaccination campaigns to distribute doses worldwide.
The study is published in the journal Vaccine.
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As COVID-19 variants continue to pose new challenges, many wonder: Are COVID-19 shots still necessary? A recent groundbreaking paper by the Progressive Policy Institute (PPI) provides crucial insights into this question.
The report, titled Quantifying the Economic and Health Benefits from Rapid-Development COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters, authored by Michael Mandel, PhD, Chief Economist, Progressive Policy Institute (ppi), Robert Popovian, PharmD, MS, Chief Policy Science Officer at GHLF, and Wayne Winegarden, PhD, Director, Center for Medical Economics and Innovation, Pacific Research Institute, emphasizes the vital role of boosters in protecting against evolving variants.
It turns out our hopes of beating COVID-19 solely with vaccines were a bit too optimistic. As of November 2022, around 77.5 percent of people had caught COVID-19 at least once, with even higher rates among those aged 16 to 49. Its a reminder that COVID-19 is still a significant challenge were facing.
But heres the good news: Vaccination really does help protect us from the worst outcomes of COVID-19, and the data speaks volumes. According to the ppi paper, COVID shots have
The data shows that COVID-19 vaccines have provided enormous health and economic benefits to the United States, saving millions of lives and hospitalizations, as well as $500 billion in hospital costs, said Dr. Mandel. This comprehensive report also analyzes the individual consequences of deciding whether or not to receive a COVID-19 booster and finds that there is a great economic benefit to getting COVID boosters.
But the findings do not stop there. The authors explored the importance of COVID-19 shots in the ongoing battle against new variants. COVID-19 vaccines act as an extra layer of defense, providing a crucial immunity boost in the face of evolving challenges.
Immunization continues to be the most cost-effective and clinically safe way of gaining immunity against viral pathogens of COVID-19, says Dr. Popovian. While the data demonstrates that both prior infection and vaccination provide similar protection against future COVID-19 infections, there are typically more health and economic consequences from obtaining protection through prior infection compared to vaccination.
Dr. Popovian explains that while natural immunity theoretically provides similar protection to vaccination, it requires experiencing the illness itself, which can lead to severe outcomes such as hospitalization or even death. With vaccinations, you avoid the illness, you avoid the potential bad outcome, and you get to the back end, having gained immunity toward a very deadly disease, he says.
Furthermore, the report sheds light on the economic consequences of skipping booster shots. For instance, a 30-year-old who foregoes boosters could face economic losses of $654 over the next five years, while a 75-year-old might endure losses exceeding $65,000. These figures underscore the tangible benefits of prioritizing booster shots, particularly for those at higher risk.
If youre unsure about getting another COVID shot, dont hesitate to reach out to your health care provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual health needs and circumstances.
As we navigate the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19 and its variants, its essential to prioritize health, safety, and informed decision-making. This includes working together with health care providers and staying informed about the latest recommendations so you can take proactive steps to protect yourself and your community.
We cannot go back to the days that we were hesitant about immunization because COVID is one infection there are many other infections out there, says Dr. Popovian. And we need to protect our patients, especially our most vulnerable patients who happen to be elderly or immunocompromised.
The Global Healthy Living Foundation (GHLF) is dedicated to promoting accurate, evidence-based insights on vaccines and vaccine research. We consistently provide resources that highlight the importance of vaccines, including the COVID-19 vaccine. Additionally, we advocate for collaborative decision-making between patients and health care providers while creating content tailored to both patients and policymakers. Learn more.
Join GHLFs free COVID-19 Support Program for chronic illness patients and their families. We will be providing updated information, community support, and other resources tailored specifically to your health and safety. Join now.
US News
By Yaron Steinbuch
Published Feb. 20, 2024, 8:21 a.m. ET
COVID vaccines from companies like Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZenecahave been linked to rare occurrences of heart, brain and blood disorders, according to the largest vaccine study to date.
Researchers from theGlobal Vaccine Data Network analyzed 99 million people who received jabs in eight countries and monitored for increases in 13 medical conditions, Bloomberg News reported.
The study, which was published in the journal Vaccine last week, found the vaccines were linked to a slight spike in neurological, blood and heart-related medical conditions.
Rare cases of myocarditis inflammation of the heart muscle were found in the first, second and third doses of Pfizer-BioNTechs and Modernas mRNA vaccines.
Another heart condition,pericarditis, the inflammation of the cardiac muscle, had a 6.9-fold increased risk in those who received a third dose of AstraZenecas viral-vector shot, the study found.
Meanwhile, a first and fourth dose of Modernas jab had a 1.7-fold and 2.6-fold increased risk, respectively.
An increased risk also was identified of a type of blood clot in the brain from viral-vector shots such as the one developed by the University of Oxford and manufactured by AstraZeneca, Bloomberg said.
There was a 2.5 times greater risk of developing Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves, among people who received AstraZenecas jab, according to the study.
Possible safety signals fortransverse myelitis, a spinal cord inflammation, were identified after viral-vector vaccines, as was acute disseminated encephalomyelitis, the inflammation and swelling in the brain and spinal cord, after both viral-vector and mRNA vaccines, the researchers found.
The experts at GVDV in New Zealand a research arm of the World Health Organization examined 13 medical conditions that they considered adverse events of special interest among the subjects, aiming to identify higher-than-expected cases after a vaccine.
More than 13.5 billion doses have been administered worldwide since the start of the pandemic. A small proportion of those immunized were harmed by the shots, stoking debate about the benefits of the jabs versus the risks.
The size of the population in this study increased the possibility of identifying rare potential vaccine safety signals, lead author Kristna Faksov of the Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut in Denmark, said in a release.
Single sites or regions are unlikely to have a large enough population to detect very rare signals, she added.
One expert who was not involved in the study maintained that the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the risks.
The odds of all of these adverse events is still much, much higher when infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), so getting vaccinated is still by far the safer choice, Jacob Glanville, CEO of biotech company Centivax, told Forbes.
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center, shared a similar conclusion.
The massive study and review of the data reveals some rare association of the mRNA vaccines and myocarditis, especially after the second shot, as well as an association between the Oxford Astra Zeneca adenovirus vector vaccines and Guillain-Barre syndrome, Siegel, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.
But these risks are rare and other studies show that the vaccine decreases the risk of myocarditis from COVID itself dramatically, he said, adding that all vaccines have side effects.
It always comes down to a risk/benefit analysis of what you are more afraid of the vaccines side effects or the virus itself, which can have long-term side effects in terms of brain fog, fatigue, cough, and also heart issues, Siegel said.
Denying or exaggerating a vaccines side effects is not good science nor is underestimating the risks of the virus, especially in high-risk groups, Siegel added.
Pfizer told The Post in a statement that while it was not involved in this study, we welcome independent research and academic discourse to advance the study of COVID-19.
Safety is a top concern for all of us and Pfizer and BioNTech take reports of side effects that are potentially associated with our COVID-19 vaccine very seriously, it said in the email.
Since its initial authorization for use in December 2020, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine has been administered to more than 1.5 billion people, has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in all age groups, and has helped protect against severe COVID-19 outcomes, including hospitalization and death, the company added.
Moderna and AstraZeneca did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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Increased Protection Against COVID-19 Symptoms
The most recent COVID-19 vaccines have shown to provide a notable 54% more protection against symptoms compared to unvaccinated Americans. This is indeed promising news for those who have received the vaccine, indicating a significant level of immunization. The study suggests that the vaccine is effective in preventing symptoms and provides hope for controlling the spread of the virus. But, like any medical intervention, vaccines too come with potential side effects.
According to a new study published in the journal Vaccine, potential links have been discovered between COVID-19 vaccines and neurological, blood, and heart-related conditions. This study, the largest of its kind, found slight increases in conditions such as myocarditis, pericarditis, and Guillain-Barr syndrome. Out of more than 99 million people studied, researchers observed 190 cases of Guillain-Barr Syndrome and 69 cases of hematological conditions. However, the study also highlighted the rareness of side effects and cautioned that an association between the vaccine and adverse side effects does not prove the vaccine caused them.
While the study identified rare cases of myocarditis, pericarditis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and blood clots after vaccination, health experts emphasize that the risks of developing COVID-19 are far greater than the risks of getting vaccinated. To put it into perspective, as of now, 13.5 billion COVID vaccines have been administered worldwide, with around 71% of the worlds population receiving at least one dose. Studies have indicated that COVID vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalizations, and death. The risk of developing these adverse events is much higher when infected with COVID-19 than after getting vaccinated.
A separate study conducted in Iran aimed to explore the short-term side effects of four available COVID-19 vaccines (Sputnik V, Sinopharm, Oxford AstraZeneca, and Covaxin) among healthcare workers. The prevalence of at least one side effect after the first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was 84.6% and 72.9% respectively. Common side effects included injection site pain, myalgia, muscle pain, fever, headache, and chills.
Despite the slight increase in certain health conditions linked to the COVID-19 vaccines, the consensus among health professionals is that the benefits of the vaccines still outweigh the risks. This is especially true when compared to the risks of contracting the virus itself. While its important for researchers to continue monitoring and investigating potential vaccine-related health issues, its equally crucial for the public to understand that the overall risk profile of the vaccines remains very favorable.
In one of the largest assessments of its kind, involving 99 million people and investigating adverse reactions to Covid-19 vaccination, findings indicated that Guillain-Barre Syndrome, myocarditis, pericarditis, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) occurred at least 1.5 times more than expected after mRNA and ChadOX1 vaccinations. These observations, published this month in the peer-reviewed journal Vaccine, align with previous reports from the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency, leading to the classification of these effects as 'rare' following Covid-19 vaccination.
Guillain-Barre syndrome involves the immune system attacking nerves, potentially causing muscular damage and requiring prolonged treatment. CVST refers to brain blood clots, while myocarditis and pericarditis involve inflammation of the heart tissue, all serious and potentially fatal conditions.
The study excluded data from India, where a significant number of individuals received ChAdOX1 or Covishield vaccines. The urgency of vaccine development during the pandemic led to novel vaccination approaches, such as using synthetic viral particles, with shortened testing programs.
The Global Covid Vaccine Safety Project conducted this assessment, gathering electronic healthcare data on adverse events across multiple locations worldwide, reported The Hindu. The analysis computed observed versus expected ratios (OE ratios), with ratios greater than 1.5 signaling potential safety concerns and warranting thorough investigation.
The study further observed that OE ratios greater than 1.5 for Guillain-Barr syndrome and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (3.23) after the first dose of the ChAdOx1 vaccine. Additionally, acute disseminated encephalomyelitis had an OE ratio of 3.78 following the first dose of the mRNA-1273 vaccine. Myocarditis and pericarditis OE ratios were significantly increased for BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech), mRNA-1273 (Moderna), and ChAdOx1 (Oxford/AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India).
As of December 6, 2022, India reported a total of 92,003 Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI), representing 0.009 per cent of vaccinated Indians. In comparison, the US and the UK reported AEFI in 0.2 per cent and 0.7 per cent of their vaccinated populations, respectively. It's essential to note that reporting system strength varies among countries, influencing these ratios.
Chandrakant Lahariya, a health policy expert, emphasized that baseline rates and reporting systems differ between countries, making direct comparisons challenging.
The study, conducted by the Global Covid Vaccine Safety Project, acknowledged the confirmation of rare safety signals following Covid-19 vaccination. However, the researchers emphasized the need for further investigation to validate associations and assess clinical significance.
(Published 21 February 2024, 11:10 IST)
CDC guidelines still recommend isolating for five days. People should also wear a high-quality mask if they have to be around others in their home.
PORTLAND, Ore. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) eyes easing its five-day isolation policy for those who test positive for COVID-19, the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) had already adopted that practice in May 2023.
The OHA's policy is that someone with COVID-19 doesnt need to stay home for five days.
"Were seeing a lot less severe disease than we had early on in the pandemic, given the amount of people who are vaccinated already, have recovered from COVID-19 or both and had some level of immunity," said Dr. Dean Sidelinger, Oregon's state epidemiologist. "So that is what contributed to our decision back in May."
OHA recommends people now look at symptoms to determine when it is time to stop isolating. With the new approach, the agency said people don't need to stay home if they are fever-free for 24 hours without medication and have mild or improving symptoms.
"COVID can be unpredictable, but so far, we are seeing a slow steady decline," Sidelinger said. "Our vaccines work to protect people from the variants that have emerged over the past couple of years. COVID is coming down, influenza is coming down and RSV is coming down."
As of February, emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths from COVID-19 are down, according to the latest CDC data.
To keep this immunity up, OHA said it is important for people to stay up to date on vaccinations, especially when it comes to kids in school.
On Saturday, Multnomah County held a free catch-up clinic for children still needing their immunizations at David Douglas High School. If they dont meet this requirement by Feb. 21, they will be turned away from all schools or daycares.
"We want to make sure that our communities are protected," said Richard Bruno, the Multnomah County Public Health Officer. "We want to have very low-barrier access to vaccines that are needed. We dont check for insurance and have a great supply of vaccines available for anybody who needs it."
For parents who missed Saturday's clinic, they still have another chance to get their children up to date on vaccines. On Feb. 21, Multnomah County will hold its final immunization clinic with CareOregon Boys & Girls Club in Rockwood from 8:30 a.m. to noon.
Meanwhile, the CDC is still recommending that people who test positive for COVID-19 stay home for at least five days and isolate themselves from others in their home. People should also wear a high-quality mask if they have to be around others in their home during the isolation period, according to current guidelines.
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The largest COVID vaccine study to date has identified some risks associated with the shot.
Researchers from the Global Vaccine Data Network (GVDN) in New Zealand analyzed 99 million people who received COVID vaccinations across eight countries.
They monitored for increases in 13 different medical conditions in the period after people received a COVID vaccine.
The study, which was published in the journal Vaccine last week, found that the vaccine was linked to a slight increase in neurological, blood and heart-related medical conditions, according to a press release from GVDN.
LONG COVID IS HIGHEST IN THESE STATES, SAYS NEW CDC REPORT
People who received certain types of mRNA vaccines were found to have a higher risk of myocarditis, which is inflammation of the heart muscle.
Some viral-vector vaccines were linked to a higher risk of blood clots in the brain, as well as an increased likelihood of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the nerves.
Researchers from the Global Vaccine Data Network in New Zealand analyzed 99 million people who received COVID vaccinations across eight countries. (iStock)
Other potential risks included inflammation of part of the spinal cord after viral vector vaccines, and inflammation and swelling in the brain and spinal cord after viral vector and mRNA vaccines, the press release stated.
SHOULD THE CDC DROP ITS 5-DAY COVID ISOLATION GUIDELINES? DOCTORS WEIGH IN
"The size of the population in this study increased the possibility of identifying rare potential vaccine safety signals," lead author Kristna Faksov of the Department of Epidemiology Research, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark, said in the release.
"Single sites or regions are unlikely to have a large enough population to detect very rare signals."
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, was not involved in the research but commented on the findings.
More than 80% of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, per the CDC. (iStock)
"The massive study and review of the data reveals some rare association of the MRNA vaccines and myocarditis, especially after the second shot, as well as an association between the Oxford Astra Zeneca adenovirus vector vaccines and Guillain Barre syndrome," he told Fox News Digital.
"But these risks are rare," he added, "and other studies show that the vaccine decreases the risk of myocarditis from COVID itself dramatically."
COVID VARIANT JN.1 NO MORE SEVERE THAN PREVIOUS STRAINS, CDC DATA SHOWS
Siegel noted that all vaccines have side effects.
"It always comes down to a risk/benefit analysis of what you are more afraid of the vaccine's side effects or the virus itself, which can have long-term side effects in terms of brain fog, fatigue, cough and also heart issues," he said.
"Denying or exaggerating a vaccine's side effects is not good science nor is underestimating the risks of the virus, especially in high-risk groups," Siegel added.
"It comes down to a risk/benefit analysis of what you are more afraid of the vaccine's side effects or the virus itself."
The key is for doctors and their patients to carefully weigh the risks and benefits, the doctor emphasized.
"This study does not really change anything; it just provides much further evidence of what we already know," he said.
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Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, also reacted to the studys findings.
"This study is confirming in a much larger cohort what has been previously identified in the original studies during the pandemic myocarditis and pericarditis as a rare side effect of mRNA vaccines and clots as a rare side effect of the viral vectored vaccines," he told Fox News Digital.
Finley Martin, 14, is seen getting a shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena, May 14, 2021, in Pasadena, California. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez, File)
"The odds of all of these adverse events are still much, much higher when infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), so getting vaccinated is still by far the safer choice."
This study was part of a more widespread research initiative, the Global COVID Vaccine Safety (GCoVS) Project.
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The project is supported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
More than 80% of the U.S. population has received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, per the CDC.
Fox News Digital reached out to Pfizer and Moderna, makers of mRNA COVID vaccines, for comment.
For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.
