Top in ID: Over-the-counter COVID-19 test, Moderna vaccine

Last week, the FDA authorized the first over-the-counter test for COVID-19. It was the top story in infectious disease.

In other FDA news, the agency issued an emergency use authorization (EUA) for the second COVID-19 vaccine after the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee voted in favor of its use.

Read these and more of last week’s top stories in infectious disease below:

FDA authorizes first over-the-counter COVID-19 test

The FDA has issued the first EUA for an over-the-counter home diagnostic test for COVID-19. Read more.

FDA committee recommends authorizing use of second COVID-19 vaccine in US

An FDA advisory committee voted 20-0 with one abstention in favor of the vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. and the NIH. Read more.

COVID-19 vaccines developed at record speed, but experts say trust the data

In less than a year, scientists were able to develop several efficacious COVID-19 vaccine candidates. The speed of COVID-19 vaccine development has generated a lot of excitement, but also some concerns. Healio spoke with experts to discuss what lessons can be learned from the process, and how to mitigate concerns about safety and vaccine hesitancy. Read more.

OK to use extra COVID-19 vaccine doses found in vials, FDA says

Amid reports that vials of the COVID-19 vaccine currently being administered in the U.S. contain extra doses, the FDA advised that “it is acceptable to use every full dose obtainable ... from each vial, pending resolution of the issue.” Read more.

Pandemic associated with increase in all-cause mortality among younger US adults

Nearly 12,000 more younger adults died in the United States during a recent 5-month period than expected — an increase in all-cause mortality that was associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers reported in JAMA. Read more.