COVID News: Pfizer seeks booster shot approval for all adults

NEW YORK (WABC) -- Pfizer is asking the FDA to amend its COVID-19 vaccine booster authorization to include all adults 18 and older.

In September, the FDA and CDC authorized Pfizer booster shots after six months for anyone older than 65, and younger adults with a high risk of developing COVID-19. But the agencies stopped short of recommending a Pfizer booster for all adults, saying data was insufficient to recommend boosters for everyone.

Since then, Pfizer published new data from its Phase 3 trial showing that a third shot raises vaccine efficacy against symptomatic infections to 96%, regardless of the person's age.

Now, the company is asking the FDA to broaden its authorization so that everyone over the age of 18 would be eligible for a booster shot.

Here are more of today's COVID-19 headlines:

Hochul announces 50 scholarships for vaccinations

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced 5 to 11-year-olds who are vaccinated in New York will be entered in a drawing to win one of 50 full scholarships to SUNY or CUNY schools in drawings held over the next five weeks.

Hochul also announced a competition for children to design stickers to show they were vaccinated. Officials say 75% of all New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Suffolk County offering free vaccines to kids

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced that beginning Tuesday, the Suffolk County Health Department will administer free COVID-19 vaccines to children ages 5 to 11. Vaccines will be administered at the H. Lee Dennison Building located at 100 Veterans Memorial Highway in Hauppauge on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Thursday, November 11, the vaccine clinic will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. All children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, who must complete the New York State COVID-19 Vaccine Form for the first dose and attest that they are eligible to be vaccinated.

"I am beyond pleased that the CDC has recommended that children ages 5 to 11 years old be vaccinated against COVID-19," Bellone said. "As a father, I am encouraging all parents who may have questions to talk with their pediatrician or a trusted healthcare provider about the importance of getting their children vaccinated. This vaccine saves lives and it could save the life of your child."

While appointments are not required, they are strongly encouraged. Walk-ins will be available on a first come, first served basis. For more information on the county's vaccine efforts, or to schedule an appointment call 311 or visit SuffolkCountyNY.gov/vaccine.

Mom of 3 who gave birth while battling COVID-19 goes home after nearly 100 days

After spending nearly three months in the hospital on a ventilator battling COVID-19, a South Carolina mom is finally home with her family and newborn baby. It was a moment nearly 100 days in the making when Cierra Chubb walked out of the hospital to rehab. Her healthcare heroes cheered her on after she nearly died from the coronavirus.

NYC works to meet big demand for kid vaccines at schools

New York City officials are working to keep up with big at-school demand for children's COVID vaccines. The turnout was so high at some locations Monday that children had to be turned away. Officials said 4,500 vaccinations were administered to students ages 5-11 Monday alone, and large turnouts are expected again Tuesday at many locations as parents try to get their children vaccinated.

NY, NJ and CT governors reach agreement on pandemic transit relief

Governors Kathy Hochul, Phil Murphy, and Ned Lamont have announced agreement on the suballocations of federal emergency relief transit funding from Congress in the wake of historic pandemic-related losses. Approximately $10.85 billion of the funding will go to cover transit losses in New York, $2.66 billion to New Jersey, and $474 million to Connecticut. The funding is provided from the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA) and the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Broadway extends vaccine mandate

The Broadway League will extend its vaccine mandate for audience members through Feb. 28 and masks are still required inside. There are new rules for international visitors and kids under 12: International guests must show proof of two doses of any combination of an FDA or WHO approved shot and kids under 12 must show proof of one shot or a negative COVID test.

International tourists on flights to US welcomed back to NYC for 1st time in 20 months

New York City and the U.S. marked a monumental moment in the nation's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic Monday with the return of international tourists. JFK Airport led the nation's welcome party with the first flights, and there were emotional moments as families are reunited for the first time in 20 months.

"I've been waiting for this moment for a long time," said Alex Yip, who along with his brother Frank embraced their mother after her Cathay Pacific Flight from Hong Kong.

Turkey Day troubles? Smaller birds, popular Thanksgiving sides could be harder to find in 2021

Consumers may have to trim their list of trimmings for their highly anticipated Thanksgiving meal this year. Top turkey seller Butterball said it doesn't expect an overall gobbler shortage, but that those in search of a smaller size bird could have a hard time.

"Typically a 10- to 12-pound (turkey) up to 14 pounds is going to be more difficult," Butterball CEO Jay Jandrain told Good Morning America. "Anything over 16 pounds, they'll certainly be more readily available."

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