Health Highlights: Aug. 12, 2021
Here's some of HealthDay's top storiesfor Thursday, Aug. 12:
More evidence that COVID vaccines help new moms and their babies. Two studies show that getting the COVID vaccine can bring safer pregnancies, and illness-preventing antibodies could even be passed on to baby via breast milk. Read more
Moderna vaccine might offer more protection than Pfizer's against 'breakthrough' infections. The Mayo Clinic study data is preliminary, but it suggests that folks who got Moderna's mRNA vaccine might be more immune to breakthrough COVID cases than those who had the Pfizer shots. Read more
Some diabetes meds might also lower Alzheimer's risks. The South Korean study can't prove cause-and-effect, but researchers found that people taking a widely used class of diabetes medicines also had less buildup in their brains of protein 'plaques' tied to dementia. Read more
Bimonthly injection beats daily pill for HIV prevention. For years, people at higher risk of contracting HIV have taken PrEP, a daily pill to curb the risk. Of course, compliance is an issue, so a new regimen that only requires an injection once every two months might be a game-changer.Read more
FDA to OK booster shot of COVID vaccine for immunocompromised people. About 3% of Americans have weakened immune systems due to various medical conditions, and the standard regimen of COVID-19 vaccines may not provide enough immunity. The FDA on Thursday is expected to approve booster shots for this group.Read more
Moderna vaccine is safe, effective in teens. The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine could soon join the Pfizer shot in gaining FDA approval for kids aged 12 to 17. New clinical trial data involving over 3,700 teens shows the two-dose regimen is both safe and highly effective, similar to what's seen in adults. Read more
California to mandate vaccination for all teachers. With coronavirus infections surging and a new school year beginning, California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Wednesday made his state the first to mandate that teachers get the COVID-19 vaccine or face regular coronavirus testing. Read more
Daily half-hour walk boosts outlook for stroke survivors. In a study lasting nearly five years, even a little activity -- 30 minutes of walking or gardening per day, for example -- greatly lowered the odds that folks who'd survived a stroke might die. Read more