Top in ID: Fauci to step down; omicron booster for all ages

Last week, Anthony S. Fauci, MD, announced that he will step down as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in December.

The 81-year-old scientist and physician will also step down as President Joe Biden’s chief medical advisor. Fauci said in a statement that he is not retiring, merely pursuing the next phase of his career. It was the top story in infectious disease last week.

Another top story was about Pfizer and BioNTech’s efforts to bring a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose to younger children.

Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:

Fauci says he will step down as head of NIAID in December

Fauci announced that he will step down as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases in December after 38 years in the position. Read more.

Pfizer-BioNTech eye authorization of omicron booster for all ages

After requesting emergency use authorization for their omicron-adapted COVID-19 vaccine in people aged 12 years and older, Pfizer and BioNTech said they are also working with the FDA on bringing a booster to younger children. Read more.

Moderna sues Pfizer, BioNTech over patents related to COVID-19 vaccine

Moderna said that it is filing lawsuits against Pfizer and BioNTech, alleging that their COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccine infringes on patents crucial to the development of Moderna's mRNA vaccine. Read more.

Pfizer says RSV vaccine candidate safe, effective in older adults

Pfizer reported that its vaccine candidate for respiratory syncytial virus was nearly 86% effective in preventing severe illness in a phase 3 clinical trial of older adults. Read more.

Shorter antibiotic durations are better for some pediatric infections

Most patients when filling an antibiotic prescription are counseled to “take all of the antibiotic to complete the course, even if you feel better.” Read more.