COVID-19 / Health News Updates Archive

8/18/22 - Long COVID Symptoms

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8/11/22 - Monkeypox Vaccination

The walk-in vaccination clinic at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital at 1001 Potrero, Building 30, will open from August 9 through August 12, from 8 am - 12 pm. Additionally, the clinic will be open this Saturday, August 13, from 8 am – 3:30 pm.

The Monkeypox vaccine is also available by appointment at clinics throughout the city, including Kaiser Permanente, Sutter, and UCSF.

Learn more by visiting： https://sf.gov/information/monkeypox-vaccine

8/3/22 - Who is Currently Recommended to Receive the JYNNEOS Vaccine for Monkeypox?

• Individuals who are known close contacts of confirmed monkeypox cases identified by public health.

• Individuals with certain risk factors are more likely to have been recently exposed to monkeypox even if they have not had documented exposure to someone with confirmed monkeypox.

• Individuals at occupational risk of monkeypox include laboratory workers who perform monkeypox testing and clinical and public health workers who collect monkeypox specimens.

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7/28/22 - Omicron BA.4 & BA.5

About BA.4 & BA.5:

• The most common subvariants in the US

• BA.5: 77.9%, BA.4: 12.8%

• Less severe than previous variants

• Breakthrough infections may happen after vaccination

7/20/22 - One-Stop Test to Treat Program

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, you can get tested, be seen by a health care provider, and receive medication -- all in one place at a Test to Treat site.

Find the COVID-19 Test to Treat Locator by visiting: aspr.hhs.gov/TestToTreat/Pages/default.aspx

7/14/22 - Which COVID Vaccines Are Accepted in the US?

Vaccines approved or authorized by the U.S. FDA currently include Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen, Moderna, and Pfizer-BioNTech.

Vaccines listed for emergency use by the World Health Organization (WHO) currently include AstraZeneca, Covaxin, Covishield, BIBP/Sinopharm, Sinovac, Novavax/Covovax, and Convidecia

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7/8/22 - COVID-19 and Animals

The risk of animals spreading COVID-19 to people is low. However, COVID-19 can spread from people to animals during close contact. People with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 should avoid contact with animals, including pets, livestock, and wildlife.

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6/29/22 - Vaccination Cards for Children

Will children who are vaccinated receive a COVID-19 vaccination card?

Yes. At your child’s first COVID-19 vaccination appointment, you should get a vaccination card. Consider taking a picture of the card as a backup and bring the card to their next COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

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6/23/22 - Vaccine Breakthrough Infection

CDC says when someone who is vaccinated with either a primary series or a primary series plus a booster dose gets infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, it is referred to as a “vaccine breakthrough infection,” but they are much less likely to experience severe symptoms than people who are unvaccinated.

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6/17/22 - COVID Vaccines for Young Children

FDA authorizes Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use in children as young as six months. However, shots can't be given until the CDC recommends them.

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6/15/22 - CDC Lifts COVID Testing Requirement for Fliers

CDC rescinds the order requiring persons to show a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before boarding a flight to the United States, effective on June 12, 2022.

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6/9/22 - COVID-19 Vaccines While Pregnant or Breastfeeding

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, trying to get pregnant now, or might become pregnant in the future.

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6/1/22 - Reinfection

Studies suggest that reinfection with the same COVID variant or a different variant is both possible. Early reinfection within 90 days of the initial infection can occur.

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5/26/22 - Post–COVID Conditions Among Adult Survivors

A study found that COVID-19 survivors have twice the risk of developing pulmonary embolism or respiratory conditions.

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5/17/22 - Another Round of Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Residential households in the U.S. are now eligible for another order of free at-home tests on USPS.com. Each order now includes 8 rapid antigen COVID-19 tests.

https://special.usps.com/testkits

5/11/22 - Time Adjustment for 2nd COVID Primary Dose

People ages 12 through 64 years, especially males ages 12 through 39 years, may consider getting the second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine 8 weeks after the first dose to minimize the rare risk of heart problems.

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5/3/22 - COVID-19 Booster Update

Everyone ages 12 years and older can get the first booster.

Adults ages 50 years and older, people ages 12 years and older who are immunocompromised, and people who received two doses of the J&J vaccine are eligible for the second booster shot.

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4/26/22 - COVID-19 Treatments

If you are at high risk of developing serious illness from COVID-19 and recently tested positive and have mild or moderate symptoms, do not delay seeking treatment for COVID-19, as these drugs must be used soon after your symptoms start.

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4/21/22 - Mask Recommendation from CDC

CDC continues to recommend that people wear masks in all indoor public transportation settings.

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4/20/22 - Second Booster Shot for 50 Years and Older

The second booster shot for adults 50 years and older must be the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

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4/13/22 - Mask Mandate for Public Transit Extended

The CDC extends the mask mandate on planes and public transit for another two weeks. The mask mandate is now set to expire on May 3.

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4/6/22 - What should I do if I only received one dose of the J&J vaccine?

Everyone ages 18 years and older who received one dose of the J&J COVID-19 vaccine should get a booster. CDC encourages those people to get an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) booster.

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3/29/22 - Second Booster Dose

The Food and Drug Administration has authorized a second booster dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine for people age 50 and older at least four months after receiving their first booster dose of any authorized or approved COVID-19 vaccine.

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3/23/22 - CDC’s New Quarantine and Isolation Calculator

People who have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or have COVID-19 can use this tool to determine if they need to isolate, quarantine, or take other steps to prevent spreading COVID-19.

http://bit.ly/qi-calculator

3/17/22 - How to Get a Free Digital Copy of Your COVID-19 Vaccine Record

Get a digital copy of your vaccine card. Just enter a few details to get a link to a QR code. Save it on your phone and use it as proof of vaccination wherever you go.

https://myvaccinerecord.cdph.ca.gov/

3/16/22 - Omicron BA.2 Sub-Variant

The BA.2 sub-lineage of the Omicron variant now makes up nearly a quarter of new COVID-19 infections nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated Tuesday, up from around 1 in 10 new cases just a week prior.

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3/15/22 - Should We Remove Masks at School?

SF Health Officer Susan Philip reports masks are not required at school. However, masks are still recommended if a student or their family feels more comfortable with them and may choose whether or not to wear one based on their own situation.

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3/14/22 - No Proof of Vaccination Required

San Francisco will no longer require proof of vaccination or a negative test to enter certain indoor public settings.

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3/11/22 - Mask Use on Public Transportation

At CDC’s recommendation, TSA will extend the security directive for mask use on public transportation and transportation hubs for one month, through April 18th.

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3/10/22 - What is a Self-Test or At-Home Test?

Self-tests for COVID-19 give rapid results and can be taken anywhere, regardless of your vaccination status or whether or not you have symptoms.

• They detect current infection and are sometimes also called “home tests,” “at-home tests,” or “over-the-counter (OTC) tests.”

• They give your result in a few minutes and are different from laboratory-based tests that may take days to return your result.

• Self-tests along with vaccination, wearing a well-fitted mask, and physical distancing, help protect you and others by reducing the chances of spreading COVID-19.

• Self-tests do not detect antibodies, which would suggest a previous infection and they do not measure your level of immunity.

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3/9/22 - Masks in School Decreases COVID Spread

The study published Wednesday in the journal Pediatrics found schools with required masking had 72% less within-school spread of COVID-19 compared to schools that made masks optional.

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3/8/22 - When to Take an At-Home COVID-19 Test

Test yourself if:

• You have any COVID-19 symptoms
  Timing: Immediately

• You were exposed to someone with COVID-19
  Timing: At least 5 days after exposure. If your COVID-19 test result is negative, consider retesting within 1 to 2 days of the first test

• You are going to an indoor event or a gathering
  Timing: Immediately before, or as close to, the time of the event as possible

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3/7/22 - Test Positive for COVID-19

If you test positive for COVID-19 and are at risk of becoming very sick, contact a health professional right away to determine if you may be eligible for treatment. Don’t delay, treatment must be started within the first few days to be effective.

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3/4/22 - Pfizer Vaccine Effectiveness Among Children and Adolescents

Two doses of Pfizer vaccine effectiveness were lower during Omicron predominance. A booster dose restored effectiveness to 81% among adolescents aged 16–17 years. But data during Omicron predominance and among children aged 5–11 years are lacking. The study suggests all eligible children and adolescents should remain up-to-date with recommended COVID-19 vaccinations, including a booster dose for those aged 12–17 years.

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3/3/22 - FDA Warns Not to Use Certain COVID-19 Tests

The FDA has issued a "do not use" warning for a certain COVID-19 test, saying it has not been authorized for use in the U.S. and could provide false results.

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3/2/22 - Another Round of Free COVID-19 Tests

Starting next week, every home in the U.S. will be able to order an additional set of 4 free at-home COVID tests.

Read more: https://www.covidtests.gov/

3/1/22 - No Masks Required for CA Schools

After March 11, masks will no longer be required in schools and childcare facilities, regardless of vaccination status. Masks are still strongly recommended by public health officials.

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2/28/22 - Many Healthy Americans Can Take a Break from Masks

The CDC put out a COVID-19 risk map and placed more than 70% of the U.S. population in counties where the coronavirus poses a low or medium threat to hospitals. Those are the people who can stop wearing masks.

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2/25/22 - CDC Updates Interval of mRNA Vaccines

CDC updated the vaccine guidance, adding considerations for an 8-week interval between the first and second doses of a primary mRNA vaccine schedule. The three- or four-week interval is still recommended for people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, adults 65 and older.

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2/24/22 - The SMARTER Plan - Next Phase of California’s COVID-19 Response

• Shots – Vaccines are the most powerful weapon against hospitalization and serious illness.

• Masks – Properly worn masks with good filtration help slow the spread of COVID-19 or other respiratory viruses.

• Awareness – We will continue to stay aware of how COVID-19 is spreading, evolving variants, communicate clearly how people should protect themselves, and coordinate our state and local government response.

• Readiness – COVID-19 is not going away and we need to be ready with the tools, resources, and supplies we will need to quickly respond and keep public health and the healthcare system well prepared.

• Testing – Getting the right type of tests—PCR or antigen—to where they are needed most. Testing will help California minimize the spread of COVID-19.

• Education – California will continue to work to keep schools open and children safely in classrooms for in-person instruction.

• Rx – Evolving and improving treatments will become increasingly available and critical as a tool to save lives.

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2/23/22 - Poison Control Issues Warning About COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests

Rapid home COVID-19 antigen tests contain a small amount of the toxic chemical sodium azide. When swallowed, sodium azide can cause low blood pressure, dizziness, headache, and heart palpitations. In more severe cases, seizures, loss of consciousness, and death may occur. But the risk of poisoning is low when these tests are used and disposed of properly. Source

2/22/22 - Masking for Kids

An effective mask has both good fit and filtration. It should be snug to the face, cover the nose, and have no gaps around the edges. It should be made with material that filters air well enough to block viruses. Children should be encouraged to wear the best possible mask – one that fits and filters well. Source

2/18/22 - Should You Still Get a Booster Shot After Testing Positive for COVID-19?

Yes. Wait until your symptoms get better and your isolation period has ended to get your booster shot. Source

2/17/22 - Effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine During Pregnancy

Completion of a 2-dose mRNA COVID-19 vaccination series during pregnancy might help prevent COVID-19 hospitalization among infants aged less than 6 months. Source

2/16/22 - CDC Recommendations on Masks

The CDC recommends indoor masking in areas with substantial or high transmission. That includes 97% of U.S. counties. Source

2/15/22 - Booster Requirement

Businesses and governmental entities with personnel in the high-risk settings have until March 1, 2022, to comply with the booster verification requirement, meaning those who are eligible to receive a booster on or before February 14, 2022, must have received their booster by March 1, 2022. Source

2/14/22 - After COVID-19, Risks of Heart Problems Remain Elevated for Up to a Year

The study, published last week in Nature Medicine, found that the illness increased the possibility of heart rhythm irregularities, as well as potentially deadly blood clots in the legs and lungs, in the year after an acute infection. Source

2/11/22 - How to Keep Safe Against COVID-19 for Superbowl Sunday

• Get Tested – Be a team player and test for COVID-19 before and after any game day gatherings.

• Open Windows – Play your best defense by keeping windows open for better ventilation and airflow.

• Mask Up – Gear up by wearing a mask in settings where it can protect you and others, including indoor public and crowded spaces.

• Stay Home if Sick – Don’t fumble by exposing loved ones to illness! If you’re feeling under the weather, catch the big game at home instead and keep all the party snacks to yourself.

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2/10/22 - Should Mask Mandates Be Dropped?

CDC director says “Now is not the moment” to drop mask rules as states end mandates. Source

2/9/22 - Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Severe COVID

A study found that people with a vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have a severe or critical case of COVID-19. Source

2/8/22 - California to Lift Indoor Mask Mandate Next Week

The statewide indoor mask requirement will expire on 2/15, but unvaccinated people will still need to wear masks indoors. Source

2/7/22 - CDC Revises Guidelines to Fourth COVID-19 Vaccine for Certain Immunocompromised People

CDC recommends people who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should receive a booster dose at least 3 months after the last (third) dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. The previous recommendation was at least 5 months. Source

2/4/22 - SFDPH Updates COVID-19 Quarantine Guidance for Settings Serving Children Under 5

Children ages 2 and older who have tested positive for COVID-19  may return to childcare after 5 days of isolation with a negative test and no symptoms. Additionally, asymptomatic children of all ages with a close-contact exposure at a program may remain there with regular interval testing. Source

2/3/22 - Medicare Beneficiaries Able to Get Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests

People in either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage will be able to get over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost starting in early spring. Medicare beneficiaries will be able to access up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for free. Tests will be available through eligible pharmacies and other participating entities. Source

2/2/22 - FDA Fully Approves Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved a second COVID-19 vaccine known as the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine; the approved vaccine will be marketed as Spikevax for the prevention of COVID-19 in individuals 18 years of age and older. Source

1/31/22 - San Francisco Begins to Ease Some Indoor Mask Requirements

Beginning on February 1,  San Francisco office workers, gym members, and other “stable cohorts” of people may remove masks indoors. But individuals in these stable cohort groups are required to update their vaccinations, including the primary series and boosters when eligible. Source

1/28/22 - What You Need to Know About the BA.2 Omicron Variant

The rising number of cases caused by a variant of Omicron known as BA.2 is causing concern.

• BA.2 has 32 of the same mutations as the original BA.1 Omicron variant, but it also has 28 that are different.

• BA.2 is no more likely to cause severe illness than BA.1, but it may be 50 percent more transmissible.

• The existing vaccines are actually even better at protecting against BA.2 than BA.1.

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1/27/22 - COVID-19 Antiviral Therapeutics

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) to Pfizer and Merck for their oral antiviral drugs Paxlovid and Molnupiravir, respectively, to treat COVID-19. Source

1/26/22 - Omicron Survives Longer on Plastic and Skin

The Omicron variant can survive longer than earlier versions of the coronavirus on plastic surfaces and human skin, Japanese researchers found in laboratory tests. Source

1/25/22 - Free Masks

The Biden administration will distribute free N95 masks to pharmacies and community health centers, with the program expected to be fully up and running by early February. Up to three free masks are available to every person in the U.S. Source

1/24/22 - App Alerts You On Possible COVID Exposure

CA Notify, California’s COVID-19 exposure notification app, now allows users who test positive for COVID-19 to self-report test results to anonymously alert others who may have been exposed. https://canotify.ca.gov/

1/21/22 - Three Large New Studies from CDC Show Booster Shots Needed Against Omicron

Getting boosted was 90% effective at preventing hospitalizations while getting two shots was 57% effective when it had been at least six months past the second shot. People with three shots were less likely to get infected with Omicron. Having a booster also helped prevent people from becoming ill with Omicron. Source 1 Source 2

1/20/22 - When should you take a PCR or a rapid antigen COVID-19 test？

The prime time to take a PCR test is when you have had a known or suspected exposure to someone with COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms. A rapid antigen test is what you should be taking after you have had COVID-19 for several days and want to confirm you're probably no longer infectious to other people. Source

1/19/22 - Order Free At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits

Even a fourth shot of a COVID-19 vaccine is “not good enough” to prevent Omicron, according to a preliminary study in Israel.
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1/18/22 - New Study of Fourth COVID-19 Vaccine

Even a fourth shot of a COVID-19 vaccine is “not good enough” to prevent Omicron, according to a preliminary study in Israel.
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1/17/22 - Omicron Symptoms

Sore throats and runny noses are increasingly common in vaccinated people with Omicron. However, Omicron patients report fewer instances of fever, cough, and loss of taste or smell. Source

1/14/22 - COVID-19 At-home Test Kit Reimbursement

Beginning January 15, 2022, individuals with private health insurance coverage will be able to reimburse up to eight COVID-19 at-home test kits per month from their insurance. Source

1/13/22 - New Mask Recommendations

The California Department of Public Health recommends that people wear surgical masks or N95 and KN95 respirators instead of cloth masks. Source