immuno comprised people need more doses if they have certain degrees of mere conversation -- immuno comerom is asian. -- immuno compromise. i think it is to medically important to do position medicine -- position medicine -- precision medicine. saying we are going to prefer the mrna vaccines because there are risks with the johnson & johnson vaccine for females, but for males, doctors have said they want this in the practice. >> the pandemic the initial response is with a hammer but as we get on with her, it's gotta be a little bit more surgical. >> of course. we want safety and people to trust us. we want young men to have no side effects, young women to have no side effects, that's the right approach. >> i see your questions on facebook live. i promise we will get to them. i want to ask about omicron. we are hearing that omicron cases are doubling every two to four days in this country. we are hearing new york state is seeing cases triple in just one week. omicron is more so transmissible than previous variants, is that how you are taking it? >> i think it is much more transmissible th

. >>> people who are immuno compromised are more likely to have a breakthrough covid infection. researchers looked at 500,000 patients who received one dose of a covid vaccine. those that were previously classified as immuno compromised have a higher likelihood to have breakthrough cases. researchers suggest people with a compromised immune system, including transplant patients and those battling diseases, consider wearing masks full-time and make sure they have received the standard doses and a booster. >>> it takes more than a car slamming into a covid testing site in medford, massachusetts, to stop the tests. a car crashed into the testing tent outside of an urgent care center. only the driver of the car was injured. the testing site was up and running after a brief delay. the driver said it was not intentional. >>> several cruise ships are back in the u.s. after caribbean and mexican ports turned them away because of covid outbreaks. the cdc is investigating. cruise members tested positive. passengers reacted differently. >> everybody on the ship wearing masks. this might be

many of these immuno compromised people are not able to get the level of protection they need from a vaccine alone. we will have more than half a million doses of astrazeneca's monoclonal antibody treatments in january. we are preparing to purchase significantly more over the next three months. finally, let me provide an update on the antivirals. we have good news. there was an authorization of pfizer's antiviral. the merck bill authorizes a new pill with oral treatment options to our nations medicine cabinet. as soon as emerging science shows the promise of the antivirals, we have to quickly and aggressively prepurchase 10 million treatments of pfizer and 3 million courses of merck. for merck, by the end of jerry, i anticipate 3 million treatment courses available to send to space, if the fda authorizes it. the pfizer team has a very promising and now authorized treatment. a pill that dramatically reduces the risk of hospitalization and death for those at risk. we purchased 10 million courses. more than anyone else in the world. according to pfizer, complex chemistry involved in the

many of these immuno compromised people are not able to get the level of protection they need from aaccine alone. we will have more than 500,000 doses of astrazeneca's monoclonal antibody treatments in january and we are preparing to purchase significantly more across the next months. finally, let me provide an update on antivirals. we got good news today with the authorization of pfizer's antiviral. merck's pale, if authorized, along with pfizer's newly authorized bill, add oral treatment options -- newly authorized pill,, add oral treatment options to our medicine cabinet. as soon as they showed promise, we acted quickly to purchase 10 million courses of pfizer and 3 million courses of merck. for merck at the end of january , we anticipate 3 million courses to be sent to states if the fda authorizes. the pfizer team has a very promising and now authorized treatment, a pill that dramatically deuces -- dramatically reduces the risk of hospitalizations and deaths. we purchased 10 million courses, more than anyone in the world. according to pfizer, the complex chemistry involved in cre

what about folks who got boosted but are immuno compromised?ou are going to visit others who are immuno compromised? how deadly is omicron? kr is there a shortage of tests still? will biden's warning persuade the millions of americans who still won't get vaccinated many of whom are resistant because of the politics on the right on full display this weekend as donald trump and bill o'reilly revealed they had both gotten booster shots and promptly got booed by their own supporters. >> both the president and i are vaxed. did you get the booster? >> yes >> i got it, too. okay. >> oh, don't, don't, don't. no. that's all right. very tiny group over there. >> joining me now the founder and ceo of advancing health equity and msnbc medical contributor with the "new york times" editorial board. it is good to see you both. doctor, omicron is now the dominant u.s. strain as i have turned to you and asked you many times over the course of the last year and a half, what does that mean and what do we need to know? >> first of all, thank you so much for having

it also countering that, we have the issue of immuno senescence, where you don't get as good a t cell response. can you comment about the spacing now with the third dose, and also, are there people that are aged or have some type of immuno compromise, are they going to be the ones where we see the breakdown of this t cell story? >> all these responses are so interconnected, i don't think we can pinpoint to one and say if this breaks down, that's it, game over. so it will be difficult. i feel bad for these people because at the moment, there's not a lot we can offer them. i forgot, what was the question? >> the story of age with t cell and spacing. >> here's the problem. yes, there's been a study, or a couple of studies spacing initial two doses at different times. but it's a small number of people and there a small improvement in the antibody responses, but it's not that great. it's not as big as i would like it to be. the problem is that we cannot experiment at the moment. we know that the third dose is going to provide a great improvement in our protection, so we can't really risk w

of course i was thinking for myself here and people that i love.rs there are many people who are immuno compromised, otherwise vulnerable to severe illness. not to mention a lot of people who need care in hospitals that either are or are going to be ta squeezed and a lot of people who work in those hospitals basically at their wits' end. on top of that dealing with a disease this contagious and you're not doing something dramatic like locking everyone down, closing everything, putting people in their houses, it is just going to disrupt a lot of every day life.op we're seeing that in broadway shows being canceled because the cast, the crew all come down with omicron. nfl and nba rosters just decimated by covid.st tons of players being signed and bringing guys out of retirement. thousands of flights are canceled. g the flights are canceled because just too many airline crews are getting sick. restaurants and schools across t the country are closing again not as a public health measure but simply because there aren't enough healthy workers.co transmissibility is so high, the numbers are so

have passed to get their booster given the timeline and exactly to your point, those with either immuno compromised situations who are high risk, who are elderly. so, the holiday season is what really brings this into the starkest contrast for many who are really making these decisions if i feel safe and personally can travel, if i'm boosted and everything that's great, but if i make a decision that then puts somebody else at risk because i'm going to so them and they haven't been able to be vaccinated or have this higher risk category, that's the kind of thing these health experts are going to address because so many americans have those questions and then also a long list oaf questions this team still needs to answer for in terms of how the at-home rapid tests will be distributed by the federal government and how that is going to work. we still don't have a clear picture on when in january they will be available and how many per household and how they're going to be distributed. will certain high risk priority groups get access first or a free for all. the big question, katy, is this

especially critical for those most vulnerable, including seniors, pregnant people, and those who are immuno compromised. tomorrow, we will release data on cdc's covid data tracker that provide a snapshot of national and state level data on covid-19 vaccine and booster effectiveness among residents of cms certified longtime care facilities. covid-19 cases among nursing home residents by vaccination status includes individuals who are unvaccinated, represented by the top red line, those fully vaccinated, represented by the middle blue line, and, those who have received an additional booster dose, represented by the bottom green line. as expected, nursing home residents who are unvaccinated have the highest weekly covid-19 case rate. it increased from 3.42 8.8 per thousand nursing home residents between october 31 to december 5. for those fully vaccinated, we are starting to see cases increase. that is likely due to the waning of vaccine protection over time. the good news is that these data show that nursing home residents who are fully vaccinated and have received a booster dose have a 10 ti

>> we don't have a breakdown, but we know in general, people who are older and immuno compromised cane a greater number of severe cases >> reporter: for many this confusing data could not come at a worse time with christmas a week away. should you be getting on an airplane this christmas? >> get on the airplane but keep the mask on >> reporter: should people be gathering for the holidays >> everyone's risk tolerance is very different. i don't think that large gatherings should be encouraged keep the gathering as small as possible. >> i think we should hang our stockings with care. i think we need to be careful. we should all be vaccinated and if eligible, boosted. >> reporter: our experts recommend getting a rapid test that day >> take a rapid antigen test right before you gather. shortly before not earlier in the day. it's a best way to find out if you are in active infection >> reporter: we are a week away from christmas, what should the people do? >> do not do activities that expose you to other people, and not in large crowds where you have to take your mask off. >> i think we hav

risk to those unvaccinated and even vaccinated people, particularly the vulnerable and elderly an immuno compromise. if we are people that care about other people, that might be the most import in fact i told you. host: that is susan in to connecticut. the department of justice contends it should defend former president trump and his 2019 defamation suit. the justice department lawyer argued friday the u.s. should be allowed to represent donald trump in a defamation suit, saying the law protects a president from being sued in such a case. the 2019 lawsuit, it alleged mr. trump lied earlier when -- if the second u.s. court of appeal ruled an fate of the justice department, it would almost certainly bring an end to her case because federal employees cannot be sued for defamation for actions they take in their official capacity. more on that in the wall street journal if you want to read it there. from st. louis, missouri, independent line, hello. caller: hello. i have been thinking about things, watching in decades past and all kinds of things, and i think one reason why we keep having all

clearly true come as time goes onnd more of the population has been infected or vaccinated is our immunoistance against infection and severity of symptoms is going up. one of the things authorities are clearly reacting to is the fact that i'll hospitalization rates are going up relatively slowly relative to case rates, case rates are climbing at a high rate. so there is both a pressure to react but an awareness that very likely our immune systems are coming to our defense. it is true that there are an increasing number of drugs and vaccines to defend ourselves, but the immune system is the imary defense we have right now and that is arguing for a relaxation of the regulations by american authorities. i would also point out that the risks we are facing right now are being measured in terms of hospitalization, but economic and other collateral damages. i think the government of the united states and other governments are trying to balance a holistic strategy here and, in my view, it is probably the right thing to be doing right now. anchor: let's get some of today's other news -- turkish a

ok on immuno. she don't deny he's local there and she 3 monks, the army has reportedly killed over $800.00 unknown for testers, including at least 50 children and arrested thousands more. a men was a civil servant who'd never been involved in politics before the coo and even the seni i louis. i mean, i own and then am i being the guy out now? i don't know when i not be a new mom. you know, if you will, will, who the less you don't, if you're going to be under my trial, we are lonely. will a allow the living, the same of the old. why would rule pm, you don't want to be on the or not line that guy. now if you get, you don't want to be on my yahoo may. so when you are my only mom here and she, i came to the lease and i, we don't want to go live, we'll do the chase. we're not going to need a lateral as well. i will do. i don't care like travelling across the front line to insert and control territory was a huge personal risk. loankey on fabian nunez over 1000000 world machine. okay. and i, i mean, i do

saddler's, make anees musical, but as your body the kink, unless you're now but i got anti saddled immuno process or your specific i'm in the elusive waste those in the scale up. it won't affect dollars separate the heater, but now they see see, on the i see lot oil is that to thought therefore, shall if the question 1st to diplomatic asylum. that is, and of course, no general international law obligation to recognize right of diplomatic asylum, a nation. thank with susan. so you can push that unless, you know, put another instance with a very complex manager in which government has only a few things to show. on the same day, there's an impromptu meeting between wiki leaks and a high ranking swedish official door talked about. and you limiting the time and pres, how's detention particularly in cases where the person hasn't been charged yet? are you referring to the case with mr. song, i really sorry to exit with responses. he was a person who is suspected of crime with a definitely not more time than it's necessary for a fact. you don't have an imitation with you. in most countries, pre t

. >> reporter: the doctor says it is always important to remember that there are a lot of immuno compromised people in our community. they are, of course, the most vulnerable. he said the best way to protect them is to be aware of who you'll be gathering with. get vaccinated, boosted, and wear your masks. in daly city. nbc bay area news. >> so could there possibly be any good news regarding covid at the moment? as steam as the increase in cases has been, perhaps the drop-off when it happens, will be just as dramatic. sergio quintana has been talking with medical experts about what to expect with covid moving forward. >> reporter: across the bay area, this holiday season feels similar to last year. in san jose, valley medical center has already set up tents to get ready for more patients. in vallejo, the doctor just spent the day at the emergency room at kaiser hospital. they're already seeing more patients. >> health care workers are fatigued by and large. this has been a long two years for us. >> reporter: but he and other doctors across the bay area say there's light at the end of the tunn

that tends to be those immuno compromised or older or frail. >> the next question, if holiday plans arenow if you are fully vaccinated, your kids are vaccinated, had your booster shots, i would assume you can feel pretty good about things, even if you get it it is not going to be a big deal if you are planning on visiting older and immuno compromised family, should that be part of the plan. >> i believe we are in for a difficult four to six weeks and people who are vulnerable need to take precautions. it is breaking through people who know they are vulnerable many have been sheltering for a year and sadly living diminished lives. this is going to be a difficult four or six weeks. that doesn't mean you can't gather safely. you need to do things like testing and make sure you are not introducing the aim yik cases into that setting and do testing. >> a little practical news on testing. i follow michael mine owe who i think you follow as well online around the testing procedures. it seems like before a dinner or family event, peopleare saying test within 72 or 48 hours prior to said dinner

do you remember he said if you had covid, you would be met -- naturally immuno?t the time we were led to believe we would not need to have the shot. then they changed their tunic and those of us who have had covid, they are telling us even though we have had it, we have natural immunity and still have to get a shot. it will be over my dead body that i will have to get the shot. i will not do it. they'd better not touch my kids either. that's where the -- >> some people say i might lose my job. i might get kicked out of school. gov. palin: yeah, i know. i think if enough of us rise up and say enough is enough, there are more of boston of them. it for us to be hesitant and wait for somebody else and stand up and say enough is enough, you need to look around and realize that as you stiff in your spine and take those positions you know are right, that is what it comes to --government telling us what we have to inject in our bodies? no. realize that those around you, there spines will stiffen. there is empowerment in a group like this where you walk can realize and fe

. >> other groups at risk include the elderly and the very young, those who are immunity -- immuno common, and those who are pregnant. the doctor says whether or not you have the flu or covid cannot be determined from symptoms alone. the good news is that if you've got your flu shot and are doing the right things to protect yourself from covid, you greatly reducing your risk of the flu. >> it's exactly the same protective measures. ama: a live look at our camera on lake tahoe. in the dark, you can't see much but you don't see snow. there is still plenty on the ground. that is causing problems, some gas stations have run out of gas and food is hard to come by for some trying to get back to the gate -- to the bay area where roads are closed. bumper-to-bumper traffic along highway 50 near south lake tahoe . >> i'm in this car literally no moving. >> she is trying to get back to san francisco, but her story is similar to that of so many others who are trying to leave the tahoe region and moving a matter of feet per hour. >> >> highway 50 was moving at times, but long backups due to accidents

if it will be more immuno evasive and not the cellos compared to omicron, that will mean it needs tog dominant in much of europe and as we've been hearing, a number of countries are introducing new restrictions on people's behaviour. let's look at that situation with professor ralf reintjes, an epidemiologist at the hamburg university of applied sciences in germany. professor, thank you forjoining us. how would you describe the situation in germany regarding covid compared with other parts of europe? yes. in germany regarding covid compared with other parts of europe?— with other parts of europe? yes, the situation here _ with other parts of europe? yes, the situation here in _ with other parts of europe? yes, the situation here in germany _ with other parts of europe? yes, the situation here in germany is, - with other parts of europe? yes, the situation here in germany is, we - with other parts of europe? yes, the situation here in germany is, we are | situation here in germany is, we are at the very early stages of the omicron way. we are still struggling with the delta wave. with

if travel is avoidable or if someone in your party is unvaccinated, as an illness, is elderly, or immuno definitely rethink travel. anna: i was hearing more about airlines a staggering mealtimes to avoid a situation where the whole plane removes the mask at the same time. let me ask about our ability to treat covid-19, and any of its forms, any of its variants. how much less safe is it to going to hospital with covid now versus where we were at the start of the pandemic? because with these antivirals, we see announcements from the u.s. government and the u.k. government today about big purchases of antivirus -- antivirals. dr. hansoti: at the start of the pandemic, we were in a very different spot. many of the sick and dying were people with covid who were elderly. a large proportion of the population, those who the highest numbers of comorbidity, terminal illnesses, and/or elderly have been vaccinated and successfully boosted. in addition to that, we also have some new therapies that have just been put on the market. we have two oral therapies that are available to individuals at the on

it could have come from somebody that is immuno compromised. the virus to mutate. it could have been circulating and picked up more and more mutations overtime. we can't worry about where it came from. what we can worry about is how do we get in front of it? that is back to the question of how do we get in front of it? we vaccinate the world. >> the same answer to all of it. we know what the answer is and what to do, we just have to do it. thank you. good to see you. >> my pleasure. >>> it will be a socially distanced and quiet new year's eve, with many cities cancelling or restricting celebrations because of surging number of covid restrictions. contact restrictions will be in effect december 28th in germany. new year's eve celebrations of ten or more people is forbidden. in london, trafalgar square, canceled. all of the gatherings in deli bars and restaurants. and the celebration concert in rio canceled. the fireworks display will go on. spain, one of the few european countries where celebrations will take place. madrid will hold an event up

children can pass it on and there is a rare condition that affects one in 3000 that leads to very rare immunos if they have not received the vaccine and do contract covid, and that could cause severe sickness, lasting for months. there is still some urgency with getting those vaccines into the arms of the very young here in australia. haidi: a lot of parents in this country don't want to go through another round of homeschooling. paul allen and sydney with the latest. we are looking at other stories in australia and new zealand. the bank and new zealand is due to release its november export prices. we will give the latest read on inflation at the melbourne institute. the review is reporting that it is set to start the sale of its -- in february. we have more ahead. this is bloomberg. ♪ haidi: a quick check of the latest business flash headlines. chinese developer sunshine 100 defaulted on close to 180 million dollars in debt and interest payments due on sunday. the company said it cannot make the payments due to liquidity issues arising, including the macroeconomic environment. sunshine's pro

it is exactly what was going to happen, and it looks likely that omicron developed in a severely immunopromised individual that enabled these radical mutations to take place. but if you look at the stats, 6% of africa has been vaccinated. that is 78 million doses out of a population of 1.3 billion. that is not a good step. we will continue seeing variants if we cannot get vaccines shipped, and the vaccines taken. it is not just a matter of access. it is also a matter of having credible organizations within those countries actually ensuring that people take the shots. and astrazeneca has done a phenomenal job. the latest stats i saw show that they have more vaccines than any other country in the world, more than pfizer, more than the chinese. alix: people need to want to take them, and he developed world seems to once the mrna. what using the future is for the astra vaccine? kate: i think it is a very strong, powerful vaccine. if you think about the way our bodies evolved in terms of our immune system, they evolved to get rid of infectious agents, including viruses. so the immune respons

. >> i contract illnesses very easily, though i am not considered immuno compromised.ly, the most dangerous illnesses for me are respiratory illnesses. this makes covid extraordinarily dangerous for me. >> my father, who is 89, has been in assisted living for a couple of years now and we had been very careful. my sister and my brother and all of our children had all been vaccinated before seeing my dad. in fact, no one could go see my dad if they hadn't been vaccinated. i had gone by to pick him up and take him for a checkup, and we end up going straight to the e.r. and he was diagnosed with covid pneumonia. the only way he could have contracted covid is someone coming into that assisted living facility, either unvaccinated or vaccinating asymptomatic and not wearing a mask. i think that only because he had the vaccines is he still alive. >> my grandma, she she lived a good long life and we were just sad that her last few weeks were away from us like they were. you know, it just pandemic is almost like a natural disaster that you know is here and it's happening. but i'

getting vaccinated to protect unvaccinated children, older individuals, those who are immuno compromised or people at risk of severe disease. cases across the country are up 27% in the last week. omicron variant has been confirmed in at least 19 states. >> we have not only had an incredible covid seurge, but a surge of those who are critically ill. jobina: 130 three children tested positive. now more than 733 have tested positive, and be more contagious and gleeful -- and lethal and less more money is designated to fight emerging threats. kumasi: and the county health department is facing questions about how and if it's vaccine mandate is being enforced. amy: county officials are calling the approach leading with education, but that is leading to confusion in the restaurant industry. they have to check for vaccination cards in contra costa county before letting diners inside. they have had more than 80 complaints in november, but not a single citation or fine was issued. that has some restaurant owners wondering what is going on and some supervisors questioning this policy. >> i am disap

plus and not to those who are 18 years old, even in the midst of an election and even if they are immunoompromise. we have a lot of examples in 2020 where we had robust election modernization. we need to look at those examples as an opportunity for hope to say that participation encourages public confidence and that is what election integrity actually is. >> the one question we have that sums up all of this is, what is the best strategy for getting young people out to vote? i will do a quick note of personal privileges. one of the best strategies would be to connect to an outfit called rise, which is the leading student advocacy and for voting rights organization in the country for students to get involved. their methodology is to have students talk to other students to get them out to vote. there's a second equally good thing which is to hire to break up the legal barriers that might stand in the way of your particular campaign. and third, talk to mike about the issues that will motivate voters. what are the issues motivating young people to come out and vote? and is democracy one of th

it impacts everyone around you, my children which i just talked to or someone who is immuno -- you're like that's obl i'll be fine, and a community we need to take into conversation when we are traveling what are we doing to again our are -- for the next couple of keeks i would think were if they are in with. i do think we're getting there. the fact there is a more live been the globally paying ail nothing rpg. we need to stay diligent and stay safe. >> we're all connected. >> doctor, thank you so much. really appreciate it. take care of yourself. >> thank you. >>> coming up, desmond tutu, nobel peace prize anti-apartheid leader has died at the age of 90. we'll take a look at his life and legacy. (man) hey, hon! (wife) hi, honey! (man) like what? (burke) well, you'd get a discount for insuring your jet skis... and boat...rv...life... ...home and more. you could save up to forty-five percent. (man) that's a whole lot of discounts. (burke) well, we offer coverage for a whole lot of things, and you could save a whole lot of something with farmers policy perks. (kid) sup, dad! (burke) sev

omicron represented somewhere in a sequestered pocket, either in immuno compromised individual or inome animal reservoir, a strain of the virus that had broken off literally a year ago was mutating over a very long time and then reemerged and created the epidemic that we are now seeing around the world. this was an unexpected event. we are seeing infections hit this country very hard in places like new york city, florida. there are some indications that omicron started in some european cities and in particular, london. i suspect we may be a couple weeks away from seeing peaks in new york city. it is going to get worse before it gets better. we are seeing a very clear decoupling between the number of cases occurring on a daily basis and the impact it is having in terms of hospitalization and people getting very, very sick. that's probably a function of two features of the virus. one, it is probably innately less violent -- virulent than other strains. also, it is sitting a population that has a very high level of immunity. a combination of vaccination and also prior infection. people

the hundred micro gram shot is actually authorized here and around the world for people with immuno compromise be cancer, maybe organ transplant. we presented the data this week and i think what we want to do now is work with governments, work with health systems. let them decide as the pandemic continues to go ahead, you know, do they want to have a higher dose of the moderna vaccine or can we continue to provide protection with 50? i weathink we still need to wai and see. >> your company says its omicron specific booster could start clinical trials early next year. how soon could that shot get into people's arms? >> dr. hogue our president talked about that as well earlier this year. we're looking to begin those trials in early 2022. it will take a couple months to do the trials to get some blood to see if we make antibodies. we are confident we will but need to confirm. i think it is a second quarter scale up. >> as you know both israel and germany are now taking steps to offer fourth doses of coronavirus vaccines to certain segments of the population, people 60 and older, health care worke

those who are immuno compromised -- but the most important thing that we have to keep in mind is thatbout going back to the office and getting things together, we can do that. every time covid-19 is there, we have to learn to conquer. we have to use the tools that we have available to us. we are getting more more tools every day, so the science is fact based. we cannot get overwhelmed by misinformation and health care. >> thank you for talking to us. i hope you have a safe and successful one. >> thank you. >> pg nde is one of a dozen utilities across the country that is speeding up the build of electrical charging stations. the electrical charging station is made by 50 utilities. it must work in good faith to create a fast charging network in their own area by the end of 2023. officials say the united states needs more than 100,000 fast charging ports. >> strong winds from storm fara -- vera are creating storms across the niceties. i would never want to be on this plane. kudos to this pilot. this was at manchester. it is not sure how many people were on board, but it seems like they w

. >> older family members, people who have immuno compromised or underlying medical conditions i wouldt reassurance of a test before you go visit. >> surely you've seen the drug stores. the rapid tests just aren't available for people who want them. certainly not in places like new york, boston, other places where people are going in to find them. >> that's why in this moment we are actively looking for surge capacity in testing to see where the biggest demand is in this moment for testing and set up the new federal testing sites before the holidays so they'll be available to more people. >> israel calling for now a fourth shot for people older than 60 years old. is that something the united states will consider? >> certainly when we see science to examine that we will absolutely consider it. right now we are working to make sure our vaccinated people get a booster. if and when there is science that demonstrates that is necessary we'll certainly be reviewing that. what i do want to say also, though, is that we have many vaccines where two shots, two primary series and a booster gives s

if you are over the age of 65, immuno compromised, or otherwise at risk for developing severe disease i suggest you probably stay home and don't gather with anyone. if you are not as risk for severe disease there are things you can do to lower your risks. go to a gathering you know is going to be small, less than 15 people. if you're going to an event being outside is obviously lower risk than being indoors and of course wear your mask. >> new year's eve sucks anyway. i can't imagine anybody would want to risk their life for it. similarly, many kids will head back to school in just a few days. washington, d.c. just announced all students and staff are going to have to test negative for covid before returning. but it is an ugly reality. the u.s. does not have the infrastructure or testing in place to test every single kid. now that we know how important it is to keep schools open because of the psychological and academic and emotional damage closing schools did to so many kids last year, what do you recommend for parents? how do you weigh the risks of going to school with the problems

a severe infection -- people over the age of 60 and people with pre-existing or -- conditions or immuno -- the im immunocompromised. we should be doing that now. many of our people in this country who have been -- who got boosted are now starting to approach that critical four-month period. we should start boosting america's healthcare workers now. otherwise, our hospitals are going to be even more shorthanded and every hospital is going to face the kinds of terrible issues that dr. zimmer is facing. >> yeah. you know, dr. zimmer, you talk about the unvaccinated and how that's the majority of who you are seeing in your hospital bid we hads right now. part of the president's speech was about appealing to people to get vaccinated finally. he called it a patriotic duty. what do you think? do you think that message cuts through to the patients that you are treating? >> you know, i think it depends to some of the patients on who the message comes from. i am not partisan in any way and i don't think the virus is either. i know that the vaccine is efficacious and it protects people across both

we want to keep our immuno compromised patients safe as well as our other staff safe. with a policy. >> dr. lisa hays, really appreciate you taking the time today. thank you for all you do and to your colleagues as well. we're sending you strength. hang in there. thank you for being there for us. >> thank you. thank you for the opportunity. >> you bet. >>> the bidens welcoming a new first pooch. ahead we'll spintroduce you to e new commander in the white house. ♪ happy so happy ♪ ♪ let's hit the open road ♪ ♪ camp without a tent ♪ ♪ talk without a phone ♪ ♪ kick off your boots ♪ ♪ cook something new ♪ ♪ the meeting just started ♪ ♪ careful you're on mute ♪ ♪ catch a snuggle bug ♪ ♪ warm-up your buns ♪ ♪ bring your friend dave ♪ ♪ and the only song he knows ♪ ♪ host a movie night ♪ ♪ get your zen on ♪ ♪ nice to feel at home ♪ ♪ everywhere you go ♪ ♪ fresh flavors... classic dishes... ♪ and a new seat at the table. ♪ it's the season of smiling. and at aspen dental, we make it easy to gift yourself the smile you deserve. new patients, start today with a full exam and x-ra

the organization said the gift cards are vital to helping immuno compromised. can't go out and enjoy the festivities. today we spoke with the elliott family of camel about what coastal kids home care. means to them. having her home means that you know, we know she's secure. we know she's cared for. we know our merce is and really they become a part of our family, and we trust them fully and. ah it's a world of difference. coastal kids. home care provides nurses, therapists , social workers and other medical professionals in homes to those who need in needed several coastal counties. feminist author and professor bell hooks has died at 69 years old hooks was born gloria jean watkins bell hooks was her pen name. she's known for books, including ain't i, a woman and all about love. her work was largely focused on feminism and civil rights. hooks also has bay area ties. she received her bachelor's degree from stanford and then went on to get her doctorate at uc santa cruz. well coming up breaking news from the nfl. urban meyer's out as head coach of the jacksonvill

is omicron more innately transmissible or traveling more naturally, because it has immuno-- >> pfizert that people are more optimistic about the united states only has on order 10 million doses of this should the u.s. government go to pfizer and say perhaps using the defense production act, we need to you make 150 million doses of this we need to have this on offer and we need to force to you do it and we need to force you to do it at a lower price point? >> well, pfizer is committed to making 80 million doses next year so you understand the situation, this is a protease inhibitor the single dose is six-to-nine months, that's typical across the board. when you get the starting materials and start manufacturing to the point you have a pill is at least six months to nine months. you will not get it down much more than that the only reason we have the doses, pfizer and the doses coming online. in july we voted and hit a billion dollars to start the manufacturing of this drug at risk so we started making the drug before we knew if it was going to work. that's the six month time line back

um most immuno competent patients develop these cells.l actually produce antibodies in the future if they see a variant that are adapted towards those variants, that's what adaptive immunity needs. so we don't need actually specific boosters or specific vaccines for bearing it. we need to get more people vaccinated in this country as well and worldwide. to prevent the emergence of these variants, you know, looking back at that moment one year ago, it certainly felt like the arrival of the vaccines was was going to meet the beginning. of the end of this pandemic to a lot of us, and i know you know to maybe maybe we were a bit naive. i don't know. but now here we are , at this point in the pandemic . we're dealing with surges. we're dealing with new variants . have you been surprised over the past year about just how many people have decided not to receive this vaccine? yes i actually have to be fair. i've been shocked and i think it's because this vaccine emerged in a setting of time where their social media where there's. news stations th