#ShotforSam: Samuel Adams offering free beer to people who get COVID-19 vaccine

The Samuel Adams brewing company is offering the first 10,000 people who share photo proof that they received the COVID-19 vaccine $7 to redeem a free beer.

NIH begins study of rare allergic reactions to Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines

Severe allergic reactions to the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are very rare, and most had a history of life-threatening allergic reactions, the NIH said.

NIH study finds coronavirus infects mouth cells, saliva

Researchers from the National Institutes of Health found evidence to suggest that the novel coronavirus is able to replicate and infect mouth tissue, spreading to a person’s saliva and eventually infecting a patient’s lungs when swallowed.

Wolf: Vaccine 'winning' against virus despite state surge

Pennsylvania is “winning” the race to contain a recent spike in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations thanks to its accelerating vaccine rollout, the governor said Wednesday, as state officials sought to address what they view as the pandemic’s next big challenge — persuading stragglers to get the shot.

UK COVID-19 variant now ‘most common lineage’ in US, CDC says

As more and more younger adults are being hospitalized with severe COVID-19, CDC Director Rochelle Walensky confirmed Wednesday that the B.1.1.7 variant from the UK has become the most common lineage in the country.

EU agency details ‘possible link’ between AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine and rare blood clots

“The reported cases of unusual blood clotting following vaccination with the AstraZeneca vaccine should be listed as possible side effects of the vaccine,” said Emer Cooke, the agency's executive director.

'Walk-up Wednesdays': Philadelphia hosts three walk-up COVID-19 vaccine clinics for people 65+

A day after President Joe Biden directed states to make all adults vaccine eligible by April 19, Philadelphia Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Farley said it's getting "a little bit easier each week" for city residents to get the crucial shot. 

156 million coronavirus relief payments issued, Treasury says

The Treasury Department says it has issued more than 156 million payments as part of President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief plan.

'I did three funerals in three weeks': Some dying of COVID-19 while waiting turn for vaccine

Air Force veteran Diane Drewes spent months hoping to receive a COVID-19 immunization. But her daughter says the call offering an appointment came only when Drewes was dying of the illness.

Fauci says variants are ‘wild card’ in COVID-19 booster vaccine equation

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading expert on infectious diseases, said he feels confident in current indications of the enduring efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines — but there’s a “wild card” in play: emerging coronavirus variants.

Georgia woman contracts breakthrough COVID-19 infection after vaccination

The Dallas, Georgia, IBM retiree hoped getting fully vaccinated would make it easier and safer, but almost a month after her second shot, she tested positive for COVD-19.

Vice President Kamala Harris says vaccinated workers can be 'role models' for friends, family

Vice President Kamala Harris is urging Chicago union members to share their experience receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and act as “role models” for family and friends who may be reluctant even as Illinois prepares to open access to all adults.

UK variant a 'brand new ballgame,' infecting children in US 'very readily,' epidemiologist warns

Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, said the U.K. variant appears to infect children more easily than previous strains of the virus.

Biden moves COVID-19 vaccine eligibility date for all US adults up to April 19

President Joe Biden on Tuesday plans to announce that every U.S. adult will be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine by April 19, the Associated Press reports.