The FDA grants full authorization to the Pfizer vaccine for those 16 and older. Tulane Epidemiologist Doctor Susan Hassig says she’s hopeful full approval will increase vaccination rates.
Kids 12 to 15 can still receive the vaccine under emergency use authorization.
With full FDA authorization in hand, UL System students will either need to provide proof of vaccination or claim a personal exemption the next time they register for classes, to enroll at the system’s nine schools. UL System President Jim Henderson says their request to add fully FDA-approved vaccines to their immunization schedule was approved by the State Department of health.
Today’s COVID numbers show the state appears to be beginning the slow exit from the devastating 4th wave that’s sent more Louisianans to the hospital than at any time before. At mid-week last week Louisiana had over 3,000 COVID-related hospitalizations, now we’re down to 2,838.
BESE releases a statement saying they will not hold another meeting to discuss mask mandates in school after the last was disrupted by anti-mask protestors. BESE says instead they will allow the Governor’s statewide mandate to be the law of the land in Louisiana K-12 schools. Some Republican state lawmakers have asked residents to mail BESE in objection.