Coronavirus News Roundup: US Secures 100 Million Doses of Vaccine From Moderna, Flu Season Preparation Underway

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has infected an estimated 20,950,402 individuals worldwide, and approximately 5.3 million Americans. The latest COVID-19 related news includes preparation for flu season, the Trump administration securing 100 million doses of Moderna’s investigational COVID-19 vaccine, and Russia announcing the first approved vaccine for the COVID-19 virus.

Here’s a roundup of the latest coronavirus-related news:

AstraZeneca Ships Intranasal Influenza Vaccine, Increases Production in Anticipation of High Demand

In anticipation of high demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the pharmaceutical company increased production by more than 25% in the United States.

AstraZeneca announced the first shipment of its intranasal influenza vaccine live (FluMist Quadrivalent) doses in the United States in preparation of the 2020-2021 influenza season.

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Guideline Released for Managing Digestive Disorders in COVID-19

The Chinese Gastroenterology Expert Group and the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology published new management consensus for digestive disorders in patients with the coronavirus disease 2019.

The Chinese Gastroenterology Expert Group and the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology published new management consensus for digestive disorders in patients with COVID-19.

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Trump Administration Secures Deal With Moderna for 100 Million Doses of COVID-19 Vaccine

The US government and Moderna are collaborating to produce 100 million doses of investigational COVID-19 vaccine candidate mRNA-1273.

The US Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Defense announced today an agreement with Moderna to purchase 100 million doses of mRNA-1273, Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate, for $1.5 billion, according to a press release.

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Brace for Flu Season as COVID-19 Pandemic Persists

Keep up-to-date on flu vaccine options and counseling considerations, especially as COVID-19 continues to strike.

With influenza season approaching, it is critical to be prepared, because COVID-19 will likely still be circulating throughout the United States. Pharmacists serving on the front lines amid the pandemic also will play an important role in flu vaccine administration and education.

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Russia Boasts First COVID-19 Vaccine Approval Ahead of Late-Stage Trials

Experts worry that the approval is prioritizing the economy and national prestige over safety.

Russia is the first country worldwide to grant regulatory approval of a vaccine for COVID-19, President Vladimir Putin announced today.

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Managing Drug Diversion Amid Pandemic

The COVID-19 crisis poses unique challenges for managing controlled substances in hospitals.

In a webinar offered by Becton, Dickinson and Company, experts focused on provider collaboration in managing drug diversion amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

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