In the midst of your regular onslaught of NEWS programming, here’s a friendly reminder that the Biden-Harris Administration has made FREE COVID tests available again and you can order them RIGHT NOW:
Please note: that’s a direct link to the USPS page where you can order the tests — if you’d like a little more information, you can visit COVIDtest.gov/ — there’s some additional information and links there including a link to the FDA’s list of extended expiration dates.
And if you’d like even more information — including stuff you might want to mention to folks to help remind them of the fact that Biden and Harris at least care about their fellow Americans - here's a link to a press release from The Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR):
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Reopening of COVIDTests.gov
Availability of free, over-the-counter, COVID-19 tests increases access for people nationwide
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“Reopening this popular program is the latest step by the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure that over-the-counter COVID-19 tests are available to all who want them this fall and winter,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell. “Before you visit with your family and friends this holiday season, take a quick test and help keep them safe from COVID-19.”
The available tests include one that is more accessible for people with disabilities affecting dexterity or who are blind or have low vision. HHS continues to support development of test technologies to improve accessibility.
This round of ordering follows six previous opportunities to obtain free over-the-counter COVID-19 tests through this program. Since the program began in the winter of 2021, ASPR and USPS have distributed more than 900 million tests, free of charge, to American households nationwide.
Moving on — here’s a quick update on the current variant landscape — from the CDC (it’s dated August 19, 2024 but still accurately describes the current landscape):
KP.3.1.1 is the Predominant Variant as COVID-19 Activity Increases
- COVID-19 activity continues to increase in many parts of the country.
- KP.3.1.1, of the Omicron family, is now the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant circulating in the United States, having overtaken its parent linage KP.3 and previous KP.2 variants.
- KP.3.1.1 is the only major variant increasing in proportion nationally.
Read the rest...
Meanwhile, XEC has been spreading in Europe:
New COVID Variant XEC Is Spreading in Europe. Here's What You Need to Know — “XEC is a “recombinant” variant made up of two JN.1-related variants—KS.1.1 and KP.3.3.”
FWIW, XEC accounts for approx. 6% of cases in the US, which you can see here:
COVID Data Tracker: Monitoring Variant Proportions
Wrapping up — the new vaccines are out — make sure to check whether or not you’re covered. The new FDA approved mRNA vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer are a monovalent formula targeting KP.2.
In addition, there is a new vaccine from Novavax — from Novavax’s Press Center:
Novavax 2024-2025 Formula COVID-19 Vaccine Available at Major Pharmacies Across the U.S.
- Doses of Novavax's 2024-2025 Formula COVID-19 vaccine now available at thousands of locations nationwide
- Novavax's updated vaccine is the only protein-based option available in the U.S. this fall for individuals aged 12 and older
GAITHERSBURG, Md., Sept. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Novavax, Inc. (Nasdaq: NVAX), a global company advancing protein-based vaccines with its Matrix-M™ adjuvant, today announced that doses of the Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine, Adjuvanted (2024-2025 Formula) (NVX-CoV2705) to prevent COVID-19 in individuals aged 12 and older are in stock at major pharmacy retailers across the U.S.
Through agreements with pharmacies, Novavax's updated vaccine is expected to be widely available in locations including, but not limited to, CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Costco, Publix, Sam's Club, Kroger, Meijer, hundreds of other regional grocers and thousands of independent pharmacies. Novavax's updated vaccine received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) on August 30, 2024 from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
"We have worked hard to ensure greater ease of access for consumers this vaccination season by more than doubling the number of locations stocking our vaccine compared to last year and offering a more convenient presentation in a pre-filled syringe," said John C. Jacobs, President and Chief Executive Officer, Novavax. "Our vaccine targets JN.1, the 'parent strain' of those currently circulating, and our vaccine has demonstrated cross-reactivity against JN.1 lineage viruses, including KP.2.3, KP.3, KP.3.1.1 and LB.1.1"
That’s it for now — hope everyone stays safe this fall and winter!
While discussion is of course welcomed, please make sure to follow the basic rules of a reality-based community and provide links/sources/citations for any information your share!
