Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Studies: Immune Cell Protection From Vaccines Holds Up Against Omicron
Two studies yesterday in Nature show that the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines provide robust cellular protection against serious illness caused by the highly transmissible Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant, despite evidence of waning neutralizing antibody protection against the virus. In one study, University of Cape Town researchers in South Africa evaluated the ability of vaccine-elicited T cells to react with Omicron's spike protein in vaccine recipients and in unvaccinated COVID-19 survivors. (2/1)
In other updates on the vaccine rollout —
A new study shows that a multicomponent vaccine campaign—which included staff recognition, targeted education, and small gifts—did not significantly increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among skilled nursing facility (SNF) staff and residents from December 2020 to March 2021. The study was published yesterday in JAMA Internal Medicine. (2/1)
With COVID-19 cases, positivity rate, and hospitalizations declining in Milwaukee County and across the state, and the surety that another variant is on the horizon, the Milwaukee Health Department is launching a new vaccine incentive program to help boost the area's vaccination rates. Starting Thursday, anyone age 5 and older, who receives their first vaccine dose will receive a $100 gift card. To be eligible you must receive your first vaccine at one of the three health department sites, or a mobile clinic hosted by the health department. (Bentley, 2/1)
Almost six out of 10 Utahns are now fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, according to the Utah Department of Health. The state reported Tuesday that 1,947,712 Utahns are fully vaccinated, 59.53% of the state’s total population. That includes children under the age of 5, who are not eligible for vaccines. (Pierce, 2/1)
A group of nonprofits launched a series of monthly "one-stop" shops Tuesday to provide  free health screenings, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, rental and utility assistance and a food pantry for residents in Detroit and Hamtramck. Through next year, the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency is collaborating with Wayne Health, which is affiliated with the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and ICNA Relief Michigan Muslim Family Services to offer the combination of services and to increase vaccinations. The work is supported by a roughly $99,000 grant Wayne Metro received from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation. (Rahman, 2/1)
