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This week, studies in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report describe the landscape of COVID-19 vaccination among women of reproductive age and those who are pregnant, showing better outcomes for infants whose mothers were vaccinated during pregnancy. Maternal mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 have been widely recommended by providers for more than 2 years, and now evidence from the Omicron surge shows they were effective in preventing hospitalizations for infants ages 6 months or less. (Soucheray, 9/28)

Maternal vaccination was 54% effective against COVID-19 hospitalization in infants younger than 3 months old over the past season. The findings from the CDC-backed Overcoming COVID-19 Network were published Thursday in the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. They drew from data on hospitalizations from 26 pediatric hospitals around the country through May 2023. (Tin, 9/28)

In a group of adults in the state of Georgia tested for both COVID-19 and influenza A, most of whom were vaccinated and/or previously infected, median SARS-CoV-2 viral loads peaked on the fourth day of symptoms, while flu loads peaked soon after symptom onset. The authors of the study, published today in Clinical Infectious Diseases, say the findings have implications for the use of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 and flu. (Van Beusekom, 9/28)

The results of a phase 3 clinical trial show an antibiotic used for treating pneumonia could be an option for treating bloodstream infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers reported today in the New England Journal of Medicine. The trial, which was led by investigators from Duke University and received funding from the US Department of Health and Human Services, found that the cephalosporin antibiotic ceftobiprole was noninferior to daptomycin for treatment of patients with complicated Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, including methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA). (Dall, 9/28)

For the first time ever, a human has successfully received an implanted device to enable movement of the arms, hands and fingers after a paralyzing spinal cord injury. Onward Medical NV, a medical technology company based in the Netherlands, announced on Wednesday the surgical implant of its ARC-IM Stimulator, which is designed to restore function to the upper extremities of paralyzed patients. (Rudy, 9/28)

The rush of heat comes out of nowhere, so fierce for some that their faces burn and sweat streams from every pore of their bodies. Welcome to the hot flashes and other symptoms of approaching menopause — an experience experts say about 75% of women will share if they live long enough. Even if menopause is years or decades away, it’s time to pay attention — because according to emerging science, the menopause experience may be damaging to future health. (LaMotte, 9/27)