Moderna researching combination vaccine for COVID booster, flu shot, RSV vaccine
Moderna said it's in the early stages of research for a combination vaccine that would combine three vaccines into one: a COVID-19 booster, a flu vaccine and an RSV vaccine.
There is no current vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, a virus that causes mild symptoms in most adults but can be deadly for older adults and young children. This new study will only test the vaccine in adults over 60.
The CDC estimates RSV kills 14,000 Americans over 65 each year.
-ABC News' Sony Salzman
Feb 22, 2022, 6:25 AM EST
Queen Elizabeth cancels virtual engagements
Buckingham Palace on Tuesday canceled some of Queen Elizabeth's virtual engagements, saying the monarch continues to have mild COVID symptoms.
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II smiles during a reception in the Ballroom of Sandringham House, the Queen's Norfolk residence, as she celebrates the start of the Platinum Jubilee, Feb. 5, 2022
Joe Giddens/POOL/AFP via Getty Images, FILE
"As Her Majesty is still experiencing mild cold like symptoms she has decided not to undertake her planned virtual engagements today, but will continue with light duties," palace officials said in a statement.
The palace announced on Sunday that the Queen, 95, tested positive.
-ABC News' Zoe Magee
Feb 21, 2022, 4:29 PM EST
New Zealand will only lift COVID restrictions 'well beyond' omicron peak, prime minister says
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday the country will only lift COVID-19 restrictions when it is "well beyond" the omicron peak.
During a Post-Cabinet press conference, Ardern said COVID-19 cases are expected to double every three to four days with a peak expected in mid-to-late March.
“It’s likely then that, very soon, we will all know people who have COVID or we will potentially get it ourselves,” she said.
Restrictions currently include unvaccinated people not being allowed to enter restaurants and bars, students being required to wear masks and events such as weddings being limited to 100 guests, or 25 guests if there are unvaccinated people in attendance.
In this Jan. 23, 2022, file photo, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern speaks during a press conference at Parliament, in Wellington, New Zealand.
Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images, FILE
Ardern also addressed protesters who have been occupying the grounds of the parliament building over the last week in protest of COVID rules.
"Everyone is over COVID. No one wants to live with rules or restrictions. But had we not all been willing to work together to protect one another, then we all would have been worse off as individuals, including losing people we love," she said.
Ardern continued, "We all want to go back to the way that life was, and we will, I suspect sooner than you think. But when that happens, it will be because easing restrictions won't compromise the lives of thousands of people, not because you demanded it."
Feb 21, 2022, 3:24 PM EST
Maui ends vaccination requirement for indoor restaurants and gyms
Maui announced Monday it is ending its requirement for people to be fully vaccinated to enter indoor restaurants and other businesses.
"Beginning February 21, 2022, proof of vaccination or testing will no longer be required for indoor service at restaurants and bars," according to a statement on the island's website.
People using fitness centers and gyms will also not need to know show proof of vaccination.
This makes Oahu the last island in Hawaii to still require people to be fully vaccinated to enter restaurants, bars and gyms.
However, the County of Maui still requires masks to be worn indoors, and out-of-state travelers must show proof of vaccination to avoid a mandatory five-day quarantine.
