Children ages 19 and under died from COVID-19 at a rate at 1 per 100,000, making it rare, but still a leading cause of death among that age group.

The declarations have been extended several times since they were first enacted back in 2020. The plan could have implications for several COVID-related policies, such as funds for tests and vaccines.

Under a deal agreed to by the Florida Ethics Commission, Vanessa Baugh will pay an $8,000 fine and accept a public reprimand.

A single booster seems to prevent death and hospitalization in most people, but protection from the current vaccines wanes within months. FDA experts say they need to know more from the CDC to decide the best long-term strategy.

Advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration today endorsed a proposal to make big changes in the nation's approach to vaccinating people against COVID-19.

Experts say Gov. Ron DeSantis' conclusion could not be drawn from the study he cited, adding that the research focused on health care workers, who are likelier to be exposed to COVID and more likely to be vaccinated. Those findings should not be applied to the general public.

Although reported cases are trending down in Florida, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 continues to mutate. The latest subvariant, called XBB.1.5, has mutations that make it highly transmissible and somewhat resistant to vaccines and past infection.

The state reported 21,949 new cases Jan. 13-19, down 6,300 from previous week and 8,000 from the week before that. The dip looks to be part of a national trend after a winter spike blamed on XBB.1.5.

The new approach would simplify vaccination guidance so that, every fall, people would get a new shot, updated to try to match whatever variant is dominant.

COVID-19 continues to hit seniors with disproportionate severity. Experts say Paxlovid is an effective therapy that is being underprescribed for people 65 and older.