Health CareFDA authorizes first revamp of COVID vaccines to target omicronAugust 31, 2022The new shots from Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech target both the original strain of the coronavirus and the omicron BA.4/BA.5 subvariants that most people are catching now.
Health CareKaiser mental health clinicians in California enter third week of open-ended strikeAugust 29, 2022 | Claire MorganClinicians have agreed to a wage offer from Kaiser, but the two groups are divided on working conditions.
Health CareThe government will no longer be sending free COVID-19 tests to AmericansAugust 29, 2022The Biden administration is pausing its distribution of free COVID-19 tests this week, but you can still order new ones before the end date.
Health CareSacramento school districts waiting for guidance on monkeypox as school year startsAugust 25, 2022 | Janelle SalangaThe state department of health says school is a “minimal” risk setting for contracting monkeypox. Districts are asking parents and staff to monitor symptoms and report any suspected or confirmed cases to schools.
Health CareCongressman’s wife died after taking herbal remedy marketed for diabetes and weight lossAugust 24, 2022Lori McClintock, the wife of U.S. Rep. Tom McClintock of California, died after ingesting white mulberry leaf, according to the Sacramento County coroner.
Health CareCalifornia wants to snip costs for vasectomies and condomsAugust 23, 2022Most women can already get free birth control. California lawmakers are debating whether to extend that perk to millions of men.
Health CarePfizer asks FDA to greenlight new omicron booster shots, which could arrive this fallAugust 23, 2022Pfizer has submitted data on its bivalent COVID-19 booster shot that specifically targets the latest omicron subvariants. If authorized, the company says the shots could be ready as soon as September.
State GovernmentCalifornia governor vetoes supervised drug injection sitesAugust 22, 2022Gov. Newsom vetoed a bill that would have allowed a handful of California cities and counties to operate supervised drug injection sites. In his veto message, he said he’s concerned these sites could result in unintended consequences.
State GovernmentMore communities are giving flavored tobacco the boot. Will California follow?August 20, 2022San Jose and Sacramento this summer joined scores of other California cities and counties that have banned the sale of flavored tobacco products. In November, California voters will decide whether to allow a statewide ban to take effect.
Health CareMonkeypox resources are scarce in California’s Central ValleyAugust 17, 2022While monkeypox vaccines are targeted to the state’s largest cities, where case numbers are highest, other communities are struggling to respond.
