Why even fully vaccinated older people are at high risk for severe COVID-19 Many factors weaken the aging immune system. But vaccines—and booster doses—do offer protection from hospitalization and death. Science

Mounting data suggest that older people are at higher risk of severe disease from a breakthrough infection of COVID-19—and scientists say that should come as no surprise. After all, older age brackets have been disproportionately at risk throughout the pandemic, and that continues to be true even once someone is fully vaccinated.

ERs are now swamped with seriously ill patients — but most don't even have COVID Patients who couldn't see a doctor earlier in the pandemic, or were too afraid to go to a hospital, have finally become too sick to stay away. Many ERs now struggle to cope with an onslaught of need. NPR.org

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COVID-19 Booster Shot At this time, only some people who have had 2 shots of Pfizer-BioNTech may receive a COVID-19 booster shot 6 months after their second dose. CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

COVID-19 Vaccine booster shots are available for the following Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine recipients who completed their initial series at least 6 months ago and are:

The U.S. needs more nurses, but nursing schools don't have enough slots Across the country, hospitals are desperate for RNs and specialty nurses. Yet, paradoxically, the nursing pipeline has slowed, with educators retiring or returning to clinical work themselves. NPR.org

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China to start vaccinating children to age 3 as cases spread TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Children as young as 3 will start receiving COVID-19 vaccines in China, where 76% of the population has been fully vaccinated and authorities are maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward outbreaks. AP NEWS

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Children as young as 3 will start receiving COVID-19 vaccines in China, where 76% of the population has been fully vaccinated and authorities are maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward outbreaks.