INDIANAPOLIS — Here are Wednesday's latest updates on the coronavirus pandemic, including the latest news on COVID-19 vaccinations and testing in Indiana.
Registrations for the vaccine are now open for Hoosiers 5 and older through the Indiana State Department of Health. This story will be updated over the course of the day with more news on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pfizer asks US to allow 4th COVID vaccine dose for seniors
Drugmaker Pfizer is expected to request authorization this week for an additional COVID-19 booster dose for seniors, according to a person familiar with the matter.
It would add a fourth dose to the regimen, which currently consists of a primary series of two shots, followed months later by a booster dose, in an effort to provide maximum protection to the over-65 population that has been hit hardest by the pandemic.
The Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control must approve the request.
Speaking to CBS' "Face the Nation" on Sunday, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said, "Right now, the way that we have seen, it is necessary, a fourth booster right now. The protection that you are getting from the third, it is good enough, actually quite good for hospitalizations and deaths. It’s not that good against infections, but doesn’t last very long. But we are just submitting those data to the FDA and then we will see what the experts also will say outside Pfizer."
As spring break travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, health experts are cautiously optimistic
Spring Break travel is picking up as COVID-19 restrictions are being lifted and popular destinations are booking up. It comes as states see a drastic drop in cases.
“We are watching the numbers each day, and we are happy to see them as low as they are. We expect a little bit of a bump, but I don’t expect anything drastic,” said Shandy Dearth, the director of the Center for Public Health Practice at the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health.
Like many health officials, Dearth is preparing for a slight increase in cases and reminds Hoosiers to not let their guard down just yet.
“COVID is still there. We haven’t eradicated it, but the numbers are definitely better and again, we still encourage everybody to be vaccinated and boosted,” she said.
Despite the surge in spring break travelers, many businesses and resorts lifted their mask mandates, but the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) extended its mandate another month after it was set to expire in a few days.
MORE: As Spring Break travel returns to pre-pandemic levels, health experts are cautiously optimistic
Latest US, world numbers
There have been more than 79.58 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the United States as of 5:15 a.m. Wednesday, according to Johns Hopkins University. There have been more than 966,470 deaths recorded in the U.S.
Worldwide, there have been more than 461.68 million confirmed coronavirus cases with more than 6.05 million deaths and more than 10.71 billion vaccine doses administered.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness like pneumonia, or death.
Costco ending shopping hours reserved for seniors, first responders
Membership-only retailer Costco has announced it will end special operating hours for senior customers, health care workers and first responders.
In an update posted on its website, Costco said after April 17, there would be no restrictions on who could shop at any time. Currently, only a select group of shoppers were allowed in between the hours of 9 and 10 a.m. in most locations while seniors shopped.
The special hours at Costco and other stores were put in place during the early stages of the pandemic. People over 60 have a higher risk of developing severe symptoms from COVID-19, especially if they are unvaccinated, putting them in danger in large crowds of people such as in crowded stores.
IPS hosts immunization clinic at Crispus Attucks on Wednesday
Indianapolis Public Schools is hosting a "Back on Track" clinic at Crispus Attucks High School Wednesday, March 16, to allow children to update routine childhood vaccinations that were delayed or canceled by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vaccinations for measles, mumps, rubella, polio, and HPV will be available, as well as flu shots and, for those age 5 and older, COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
The event is open to everyone and will include free school supplies and raffles every 30 minutes for $50 gift cards from MDwise, which is partnering with IPS on the clinic.
Parents and caregivers should sign up online at: patients.vaxcare.com/registration (enter enrollment code IN65942, then select "Crispus Attucks 3/16").
Registration is encouraged but not required.
The clinic hours run from 2:45 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Crispus Attucks High School, which is located at 1140 Dr. Martin Luther King St. on the near west side of Indianapolis.
Those needing a ride to the clinic may contact MDwise customer service at 800-356-1204.
Marion County COVID-19 vaccination and test clinics continue
The Marion County Public Health Department (MCPHD) continues to provide free COVID-19 vaccination and testing to anyone interested in receiving these services.
MCPHD is operating one COVID-19 testing site, which is a drive-thru clinic located at 3838 N. Rural St. in Indianapolis.
The clinic's current hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. This clinic offers PCR testing only and no rapid testing. A list of additional test sites registered with the Indiana Department of Health is available at coronavirus.in.gov.
Appointments for COVID-19 testing at the MCPHD location are not required but are available by visiting marionhealth.org/indycovid or calling 317-221-5515.
MCPHD is also offering COVID-19 vaccines at its district health offices, ACTION Health Center, and four other locations in Marion County. Appointments for vaccines are not required but are recommended.
Please visit ourshot.in.gov or call 2-1-1 to find a vaccination clinic.
Marion County March clinic schedule
- Northeast District Health Office, 6042 E. 21st St.
Mondays: 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Tuesdays: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 26 only, 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Eagledale Plaza Health Office, 2802 Lafayette Road
Tuesdays: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Northwest District Health Office, 6940 N. Michigan Road
Thursdays: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, March 19 only: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. - South District Health Office, 7551 S. Shelby St.
Mondays: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Fridays: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Saturday, March 12 only: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. - ACTION Health Center, 2868 N. Pennsylvania St.
Wednesdays: 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. - Martindale-Brightwood Public Library Branch, 2435 N. Sherman Drive (ages 12-over only)
Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - College Avenue Public Library Branch, 4180 N. College Ave. (ages 12-over only)
Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - East 38th Street Public Library Branch, 5420 E. 38th St. (ages 12-over only)
Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. - IndyGo Carson Transit Center, 201 E. Washington St. (ages 12-over only)
Tuesdays: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Thursdays: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.