Coronavirus Vaccine Updates: Moderna set to seek full FDA approval of vaccine

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Moderna has released the results of its vaccine trial after six months allowing it to seek full FDA approval.

The new trial data shows the vaccine is 90% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID.

It's also 95% effective against severe cases of the virus.

Moderna says there's been no evidence of blood clots linked to the vaccine's use.

The company is currently testing variant-specific boosters, and collecting data on the vaccine's use in adolescents.

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Here are more of today's headlines:

Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine to remain in limbo while officials seek evidence

Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine will remain in limbo a while longer after U.S. health advisers told the government Wednesday that they need more evidence to decide if a handful of unusual blood clots were linked to the shot - and if so, how big the potential risk really is.

The reports are exceedingly rare - six cases out of more than 7 million U.S. inoculations with the one-dose vaccine. But the government recommended a pause in J&J vaccinations this week, not long after European regulators declared that such clots are a rare but possible risk with the AstraZeneca vaccine, a shot made in a similar way but not yet approved for use in the U.S.

What to know about schools, employers requiring the COVID vaccine

While the COVID-19 vaccine is the best way to beat the pandemic, many want to know if a business or school can require you to get vaccinated.

The road back goes down an essential path as universities have jumped to the forefront, requiring students get immunized before classes start in the fall.

Empty middle seats on airplanes can reduce risk of COVID-19 exposure by up to 57%, CDC study says

Leaving middle seats vacant on airplanes can significantly reduce a passenger's risk of being exposed to COVID-19, a new study suggests.

The risk of being exposed to the virus may be reduced by 23% to 57% on single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft when middle seats are vacant compared with a full occupancy flight, according to the study published on Wednesday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

7 On Your Side with tips to know before taking next trip amid coronavirus pandemic

Want to get away? It's called revenge travel -- getting back at COVID for clipping our wings all year -- but before taking off, take note before spending money and time, so a long-awaited vacation isn't ruined. 7 On Your Side provides tips on things to know before going on that trip.

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Health passports could be key to audiences returning to live events

Health passports could become as common as a driver's license. Many believe they are key to larger audiences returning to live events safely.

Data suggests 'breakthrough' COVID-19 cases in the thousands across U.S.

The COVID-19 vaccines might make you feel invincible, but the reality is they aren't foolproof.

The CDC calls them breakthrough infections and we don't know exactly how many of these cases there are, but data from states suggests it's in the thousands.

Northwell Health opening trauma center for workers impacted by COVID-19

Nearly two million New Yorkers have been diagnosed with COVID-19, with over 50,000 deaths, and perhaps the hardest hit are the frontline medical workers who have worked tirelessly over the past year to treat desperately ill patients while dealing with their own feelings of trauma, grief and loss. Now, Northwell Health is launching the Center for Traumatic Stress, Resilience and Recovery to offer help to employees at the system's 23 hospitals and their families who are struggling with these issues.

NY to extend restaurant curfew, allow fans at horse & auto racing events

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday New York will be easing restrictions for dining and certain sporting events. Restaurants in the state will be allowed to stay open until midnight and catered events until 1 a.m., starting Monday, April 19. Cuomo also said the state will allow fans back to horsing and auto racing tracks with restrictions starting April 23.

Vaccination sites in the Tri-State area adjust to J&J pause

Federal health officials are expected to meet Wednesday, one day after abruptly calling for a nationwide pause in administering all doses of the single-shot Johnson and Johnson COVID vaccine.

The CDC and FDA cited six cases of blood clotting out of nearly 7 million doses. All of the cases involved women, one of whom died.

Appointments being rescheduled for homebound seniors in NYC

COVID vaccination appointments for homebound seniors in New York City are being postponed until Sunday. That's because the program used the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Dr. David Chokshi said that the appointments are being rescheduled with transportation so that the seniors can receive either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead.

Hoboken residents 16+ can now register for vaccine

The Hoboken Health Department has opened the city's pre-registration list to now accept sign-ups for all Hoboken residents ages 16 and up, who will become eligible to receive the vaccine as of Monday, April 19.

Hoboken residents ages 16 and up can now pre-register, while selecting the category "general public," if they do not meet other currently listed categories. Those pre-registering are encouraged to provide an e-mail address if they have one, to allow for a faster registration process.

Hoboken residents ages 16 and 17 require a parent or guardian to pre-register on their behalf in order to receive a vaccine through the Hoboken Health Department at Carepoint.

What the suspension of Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine means for you

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration on April 13 halted use of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine that has been given to 6.8 million people in the U.S.

The pause is due to reports of blood clotting in six people who have received the vaccine. One woman died, and another has been hospitalized in critical condition. Dr. William Petri, an infectious disease physician and immunologist at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, answers questions to help put this development in context.

FEMA overwhelmed by calls on 1st day to apply for COVID funeral assistance

Families who lost loved ones to COVID-19 can now get help with funeral expenses from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, though the program got off to a bumpy start. The agency on Monday launched a hotline -- 844-684-6333 -- to apply for up to $9,000 in assistance per burial. While FEMA has aided families with disaster-related burial costs in the past, the COVID-19 effort is the largest of its type. Some $2 billion was allocated as part of the $900 billion relief deal Congress approved in December, while the Democrats' $1.9 trillion package last month bolstered it by providing the agency with an additional $50 billion to use for coronavirus-related costs.

NYC students opting-in

City officials say 51,000 students have opted back into New York City public schools to finish out the school year. Students returning in all grades will return on April 26.

When did you realize the COVID pandemic changed everything?

Many of us had a moment, most often occurring in March 2020, when we realized that COVID-19 had completely changed our lives forever. Even though we've managed to move forward and adapt to a new normal, that memory still sticks with us. Tell us: What was that moment to you?

Top 7 COVID vaccine questions answered

You had questions about COVID-19 vaccines and 7 On Your Side is getting you answers from doctors on the front line of the pandemic.

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