Merck Seeks COVID Pill EUA; Transplant Centers Ban Unvaxxed; Beware the ‘Twindemic’

Note that some links may require registration or subscription.

Merck applied to the FDA for emergency use authorization for molnupiravir, its oral antiviral to treat COVID-19. (AP)

Even after the Pentagon instituted a vaccine mandate, hundreds of thousands of military personnel remain unvaccinated. (Washington Post)

Around the country, organ transplant centers are cracking down on patients who refuse to get vaccinated, either bumping them down on the list or banning them altogether. (NBC News)

President Biden’s proposed health research agency, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, will be a victim of cuts Democrats made to the reconciliation bill, sources say. (Politico)

As of Monday at 8 a.m. EDT, the unofficial U.S. COVID-19 toll is 44,340,408 cases and 713,354 deaths, up 656,644 cases and 12,176 deaths versus a week ago.

In the U.K., pregnant and unvaccinated women account for one in five critically ill COVID patients. (Washington Post)

It’s “freedom day” in Australia as the country opens up after 100 days of virus restrictions. (Reuters)

Newly revealed texts from Stephen Hahn, MD, revealed the role the former FDA commissioner played when then-President Trump contracted COVID-19. (Endpoints News)

Even if you were vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine more than 6 months ago, your immunity isn’t going to immediately disappear, experts say. (CNN)

Do people who experienced breakthrough infections need a booster? (Wall Street Journal)

The Indian Health Service said that Black Native Americans known as the Freedmen can receive healthcare, reversing a long-held policy. (New York Times)

Hospitals are bracing for the dreaded “twindemic” this winter: a bad influenza season, as well as COVID. (NPR)

Scientists collected data from kids in Brazil born with Zika virus. Years later, parents say they have yet to hear anything about the results. (Slate)

The Infectious Diseases Society of America announced that a judge dismissed a 2017 lawsuit brought by Lyme disease patients, which sued the organization as well as doctors and major health plans.

CDC reported an outbreak of Salmonella linked to a Colorado seafood company, which has so far caused 102 illnesses and 19 hospitalizations in 14 states.

FDA approved allogeneic processed thymus tissue (Rethymic) for pediatric patients with congenital athymia, a rare immune disorder.

No, a rapid test immediately after flying does not clear you from having picked up an infection while traveling. (NPR)

Actress Shannen Doherty shared photos of her battle with breast cancer. (Page Six)