February 18, 2022 – Why The F.D.A. Delayed Review Of Vaccines For Kids Under 5, BA.2 Omicron Subvariant Appears More Severe

In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle talks about the new plan and where California goes from here with Jackie Fortiér, health reporter for KPCC & LAist and speaks with Dr. Dean Blumberg, professor of medicine and chief of Pediatric Infectious Diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.  Topics today include:  California's new plans for the next phase of the coronavirus pandemic.  WSJ: Lower Omicron efficacy delayed F.D.A. review on Pfizer shot in kids under 5.  Lab studies point to signs of severity with the BA.2 subvariant of Omicron.  Orange County hospitalizations dip below 400 patients for the first time since December.  As California unveils its endemic strategy, here's what other western states are doing:  Washington State to drop mask mandate, including for schools, next month.  New Mexico to end indoor mask mandate immediately.  U.S. ramping up vaccination assistance to 11 African countries.  This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.