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Despite the availability and efficacy of COVID vaccines, many people with a history of suspected allergies to the first mRNA COVID vaccine dose—reactions such as hives, swelling, shortness of breath and/or low blood pressure—have not gotten their full series. Their fear is understandable. After all, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently states that there are two contraindications to the COVID vaccine: “severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose or to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine,” and “known diagnosed allergy to a component of the COVID-19 vaccine.” Yet as an allergist/immunologist who has been seeing such patients on a daily basis for the past year, I believe that the CDC is wrong and should change its guidelines. (Charles Feng, 2/3)

For countries with high vaccination rates, 2022 may be the last year when strong measures are required against Covid-19. The end of the pandemic, however, will not come easily. One might imagine that the end of the emergency would be joyfully welcomed. But conflicts over whether schools should remain open and the value of mask mandates reveal that just because the prognosis for Covid-19 has improved does not mean that public officials are absolved from the need to make hard choices about policy. A waning pandemic does not mean the end of leadership on Covid, but may instead mean it’s more necessary than ever. (Michael Bang Peterson, 2/4)

For the first time in a long while, there’s good news about Covid-19. The omicron wave is cresting in the U.S., and in many states is already receding. A respite from SARS-CoV-2 could well follow. And if new variants eventually emerge, it may be possible to live with them — that is, without shutting businesses, always wearing masks, and social distancing. A return to normal ... will require careful monitoring, better data collection, and a nationwide effort to prevent another crisis. (2/3)