Top 5 Infectious Disease Stories of the Week-April 1, 2022

Here is an opportunity to catch-up with some of the important stories we have been covering this week.

Contagion compiles 5 highlights of our coverage in infectious disease including video interviews, podcasts, and significant stories from the week ending April 1, 2022.

Here are Contagion’s highlights from the week:

1. First Study to Estimate Life Expectancy After COVID-19 Pandemic Finds 2 Years Lost
The coronavirus pandemic caused the first global recorded decline in human life expectancy.

2. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA Vaccines Elicit Different Antibody Responses
 The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines were found to produce different antibody and killer T-cell responses, suggesting a “mix and match” booster approach may provide the best protection against COVID-19.

3. FDA Amends Authorization for Second Booster Dose for mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
The new action by the federal agency now means the additional booster shot can be administered to people 50 years and older.

4. NIH Launches Trial Evaluating Second COVID-19 Booster Shots
One day after the FDA approved second booster shots for certain vulnerable populations, the National Institute of Health (NIH) announced they have begun enrolling adult US participants in a phase 2 clinical trial to evaluate a second COVID-19 booster dose.

5. Sotrovimab Distribution Paused in Areas Where BA.2 Is Dominant COVID-19 Variant
The Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) announced a pause in sotrovimab distribution in regions where BA.2 is the dominant COVID-19 variant, citing evidence that the monoclonal antibody therapy would not effectively neutralize the BA.2 Omicron variant.