In US, more than 200 million people now fully vaccinated against COVID-19

Over 200 million people in the U.S. — or about 60% of the total population — are now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, even as cases and hospitalizations climb.

WHO warns omicron variant fears may set off hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines

The World Health Organization has expressed concerns that rich countries spooked by the emergence of the omicron variant could step up hoarding of COVID-19 vaccines.

Hospital crowding in Arizona reaches pandemic high

The current hospital crowding is due not only to large numbers of COVID-19 patients, most of whom were unvaccinated, but also many non-virus patients needing treatment for other conditions.

Pfizer COVID booster: FDA expands extra dose to people as young as age 16

The Food and Drug Administration has given emergency authorization for 16- and 17-year-olds to get a third dose of the vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech -- if it's been six months since their last shot.

The Phoenix Zoo is giving animals the COVID-19 vaccine

Phoenix Zoo officials say the decision was made months ago out of an “abundance of precaution,” and that they have been using an “experimental” vaccine made specifically for animals that is not widely available yet.

US jobless claims hit lowest level in 52 years amid seasonal volatility

U.S. unemployment claims dropped to 184,000 last week, the lowest since September 1969 — offering more evidence that the job market is recovering.

Wisconsin requests federal help for staff-strapped hospitals

Wisconsin's top health official said Wednesday that 270 health care facilities have requested staffing help and the state has asked for medical reserve teams from the federal government to provide relief for long term care facilities facing worker shortages.

Senate rejects Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for businesses

The Senate has narrowly approved a resolution to nullify the Biden administration’s requirement that businesses with 100 or more workers have their employees be vaccinated against the coronavirus or submit to weekly testing.

Arizona reports 3,506 additional COVID cases, 18 more deaths

The latest figures posted on the Department of Health Services’ coronavirus dashboard increased Arizona’s pandemic totals to 1,301,597 cases and 22,779 deaths.

LAUSD fires hundreds of unvaccinated employees

Nearly 500 Los Angeles Unified School District employees have been fired after they refused to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Pfizer: COVID-19 booster offers protection against omicron in early study

Pfizer said its COVID-19 booster dose may protect against the new omicron variant, but the initial two doses appear significantly less effective.

Alleged kidnapper and teen stopped at Canadian border after invalid COVID-19 tests

A complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Burlington on Friday says the 19-year-old man was apprehended by U.S. border agents at the Highgate Springs port of entry on Thursday after he and the girl were refused entry to Canada.

COVID-related stress weighs heavily on Gen Z

Among Americans in Gen Z, 46% said the pandemic has made it harder to pursue their education or career goals.

WHO: Kids in 5-14 age group account for Europe's highest COVID-19 rates

The WHO's office for Europe said children in the 5 to 14 age group now account for the highest rates of reported COVID-19 infections in the region.

Healdsburg protests in support of unvaccinated councilwoman

At the center of the turmoil: Councilwoman Skylaer Palacios, who is not allowed to attend in-person meetings because she is unvaccinated against COVID-19.

Woman from NW Harris Co. tests positive for Omicron variant

A woman in her 40s from northwest Harris County has tested positive for the Omicron variant of COVID-19, according to Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

As ICUs fill up, patients in Arizona face long wait for emergency room doctor

Hospital emergency rooms and intensive care units across Arizona are filled to capacity amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and that means some are facing some very long wait times.