Tagged News

• Bill would rework state ordinance on school vaccine exemptions

  February 24, 2023 1:22 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A bill filed in advance of this year's legislative session would make changes to the existing law regarding student vaccinations, including a requirement that schools notify parents of exemption opportunities. State Rep. Kathy Edmonston (R-Gonzales) pre-filed HB 42 on Friday. It would amend existing code to... more »

• 'We understand this is a sensitive issue': online charter school pushing ahead with COVID vaccine mandate for employees Play Video

  March 22, 2022 10:11 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A virtual charter school is weeks away from placing unvaccinated employees on paid administrative leave, before potentially letting them go, as part of a COVID-19 vaccination mandate. University View Academy, an online K-12 school, informed employees in late February that its board of directors had approved... more »

• New York teacher facing years in prison after being accused of giving 17-year-old neighbor COVID vaccine

  January 22, 2022 1:13 PM

  NEW YORK - A teacher in New York could be facing jail time after being accused of giving what's speculated to be the COVID-19 vaccine to her neighbor's 17-year-old son. Laura Parker Russo could face up to four years in prison if found guilty of giving the vaccine to... more »

• CDC shortens Moderna booster dose interval to 5 months

  January 8, 2022 3:07 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Health is following new CDC recommendations to shorten the Moderna booster interval. This new guidance calls for the 6-month interval between completing the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine series and receiving a booster dose to decrease to 5 months. "Earlier this week, the... more »

• Science teacher arrested for vaccinating 17-year-old student

  January 5, 2022 5:26 AM

  NEW YORK - A high school teacher with no formal medical qualification allegedly injected a 17-year-old student with a COVID vaccine and was promptly arrested, according to BBC News . The incident occurred at the teacher's Long Island, New York home, in the village of Sea Cliff. Video... more »

• State-by-state COVID statistics in the U.S. Play Video

  January 3, 2022 4:51 AM

  According to data from Johns Hopkins University , since last January, at least 826,061 people have lost their lives as a result of COVID and approximately 55.1 million in the United States have been infected. In reporting these recent numbers, CNN also provided a state-by-state view of case statistics... more »

• Access to COVID testing reportedly strained amid holiday season demand

  December 22, 2021 5:23 AM

  With the approach of Christmas, New Years, and the increase in COVID cases, a large number of U.S. citizens who look forward to spending time with loved ones under safe conditions are seeking COVID tests. FRIDAY: Fire stations in Baton Rouge have a limited supply of at-home COIVD tests... more »

• Our Lady of the Lake reinstates COVID mitigation protocol amid increase in Omicron cases

  December 21, 2021 9:20 AM

  BATON ROUGE - In view of the increase in Omicron virus cases, Lady of the Lake Hospital has revisited its implementation of COVID-related mitigation measures. According to a Tuesday (December 21) morning news release, OLOL says it is reinstating the following protocol effective immediately: -Masks will be required... more »

• Louisiana reports 124 Omicron cases, 14 in Baton Rouge area

  December 17, 2021 4:38 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The Louisiana Department of Health reported 31 additional cases of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 Friday afternoon. Since Louisiana's first known Omicron case on Dec. 3, the state's total number has increased to 124. Most cases of the variant were identified in the Greater New Orleans... more »

• CDC Director discusses how pandemic may end

  December 11, 2021 5:52 PM

  Health experts are hoping to shore up a pandemic-fatigued public as the COVID-19 health crisis continues to pose a threat during the final months of 2021. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, recently shared with ABC News what she believes the U.S. will... more »

• State legislative committee votes against requiring COVID vaccines for kids in La. schools Play Video

  December 6, 2021 1:09 PM

  BATON ROUGE - A state legislative committee rejected adding COVID-19 vaccines to required immunizations for schools in Louisiana. The vote came at the end of an emotional day where people against the vaccines spoke before lawmakers. The House Health and Welfare vote Monday is likely to be overruled... more »

• Hundreds get first dose of COVID vaccine during weekend event at Quarters

  November 22, 2021 7:19 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Over 470 children and adults received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine during a family-friendly community vaccination event at Quarters in Baton Rouge on Sunday. These individuals also received a Shot for $100 Visa debit card. State and local leaders deemed the event a success... more »

• CDC says flu season may have returned, urges people to get flu vaccination

  November 19, 2021 7:10 AM

  The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says while it is not possible to predict what a flu season will be like, it is possible that flu season may have returned after a on-year hiatus due to last year's emphasis on frequent handwashing, mask use, and social distancing. ... more »

• La Dept of Health to hold fun, family-friendly vaccination event at Quarters

  November 18, 2021 12:37 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Now that a number of pandemic-related restrictions have been lifted, many Louisianans are flocking to healthcare providers for COVID vaccines, and to a variety of in-person recreational events. According to a Thursday news release from The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), this weekend local officials are... more »

• Ollie the comfort dog makes getting COVID vaccinations easier for California children

  November 18, 2021 9:08 AM

  Many parents have experienced the difficulty of comforting a crying child as they're getting a much-needed shot. Now that U.S. officials are recommending that children as young as 5 and up be vaccinated against COVID-19, a number of parents and healthcare providers are coming up with innovative ways to... more »

• Trucking industry concerned new vaccination mandate will increase driver shortage Play Video

  November 4, 2021 11:33 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana trucking industry officials worry the COVID-19 vaccination mandate for businesses with at least 100 employees could exacerbate the ongoing driver shortage. Details of the federal mandate, first announced in September, were released Thursday. Employees of private businesses with 100 or more workers must be fully... more »

• Emergency vaccine rule for large employers to be issued 'in the coming days'

  November 1, 2021 1:29 PM

  Private U.S. businesses with 100 or more employees will soon need to vaccinate workers or test them weekly, according to a soon-to-be published federal rule. CNN reports that President Joe Biden announced his decision regarding the new mandate back in September and as of Monday (November 1), the Office... more »

• Moderna says recent trial proves its COVID vaccine is safe, effective in children ages 6 to 11

  October 25, 2021 10:21 AM

  Moderna announced Monday that interim results of a Phase 2/3 trial prove that its vaccine is well-tolerated and effective in generating a robust immune response in children ages 6 to 11. According to CNN , over 4,700 participants between the ages of 6 and 11 participated in the trial.... more »

• White House says fully vaccinated foreign visitors can begin entering the U.S. Nov. 8

  October 15, 2021 10:30 AM

  The White House announced Friday that as of November 8, foreign visitors to the United States can enter the country if they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. CNN reports that allowing such visitors into the country is expected to have a positive impact on the travel industry, airlines, hotels,... more »

• Ochsner vaccine deadline approaches; non-compliant workers to face consequences

  October 7, 2021 6:13 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The deadline for all employees within the Ochsner Health System to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is fast approaching and a new "unvaccinated fee" has been added to the mix. Ochsner employees have until October 29 to be vaccinated and most have already gotten the potentially live-saving... more »

• Johnson & Johnson asks FDA to authorize COVID vaccine booster shots

  October 5, 2021 7:29 AM

  Pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson has requested the US Food and Drug Administration for authorization of its COVID-19 booster shots. According to CNN , the company announced news of its request Tuesday, adding that it is leaving the decision of who should get the boosters and when in the... more »

• Shot for 100 Campaign expands to anyone in Louisiana who gets COVID vaccine

  October 1, 2021 11:14 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana’s Shot For 100 vaccine incentive program on Friday expanded beyond college students to include anyone in Louisiana who gets their COVID vaccine. Patients must receive the vaccine at participating community-based sites as listed on ShotFor100.com. Anyone receiving their first shot is eligible and may... more »

• YouTube beefs up its misinformation policies

  September 29, 2021 10:38 AM

  YouTube says it will remove videos containing misinformation about any approved vaccine, including those designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The social media platform said anyone who posts misinformation about any "currently administered vaccines that are approved and confirmed to be safe and effective by local health authorities... more »

• New Orleans mayor wants all Mardi Gras krewe members to get vaccinated

  September 27, 2021 3:37 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - Mayor LaToya Cantrell is asking all members of Mardi Gras krewes to get vaccinated before getting on a float. WWL-TV reported that Cantrell sent an email to the Mardi Gras Advisory Council encouraging the leaders to get their krewes fully vaccinated. Cantrell added that she... more »

• Pfizer booster shots now available to Louisiana's adults at increased risk

  September 27, 2021 5:59 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Ochsner Health is scheduled to begin administering Pfizer booster shots to individuals beginning Monday at its regularly scheduled vaccination events across Louisiana. In accord with guidance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Louisiana Department of... more »

• Our Lady of the Lake announces changes to local COVID community testing sites

  September 25, 2021 6:08 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Our Lady of the Lake has been operating several COVID-19 testing sites in the Baton Rouge area, and on Monday (September 27) two of those sites will close. OLOL announced Saturday that the sites scheduled to close are on Essen Lane and Constantin Boulevard in Baton... more »

• Pfizer's COVID booster shots can begin for some U.S. adults, CDC says

  September 24, 2021 7:09 AM

  After days of extensive debates among vaccine experts, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially confirms that booster shots of the Pfizer/BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine can be administered to some of the nation's adults. Early Friday morning, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky recommended boosters for people ages... more »

• Port Barre Police Chief diagnosed with COVID-19

  September 21, 2021 7:59 AM

  PORT BARRE- The Chief of Police in the St. Landry Parish town of Port Barre Police announced Monday that he has COVID-19. Chief Deon Boudreaux took to Facebook to say he tested positive for the virus after seeing symptoms Sunday night. He added that his youngest child is... more »

• Chris Rock announces COVID diagnosis, urges others to get vaccinated

  September 20, 2021 9:54 AM

  Entertainer, Chris Rock, who joked earlier this year that he'd "skipped the line" to ensure he got a dose of Johnson & Johnson's COVID-19 vaccine, revealed over the weekend that he's been diagnosed with the virus. The 56-year-old comedian took to Twitter to urge members of the public to... more »

• Pfizer says its COVID-19 vaccine is effective for children ages 5 to 11 Play Video

  September 20, 2021 7:19 AM

  Pfizer and BioNTech reports Monday that its COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for children ages 5 to 11 and that the company intends to seek emergency authorization in the coming weeks. According to CNN , Pfizer's Phase 2/3 trial revealed that its vaccine generated a "robust" antibody response... more »

• Funeral plans announced for New Iberia mom who passed away from COVID without holding her baby

  September 15, 2021 1:54 PM

  A 24-year-old woman from New Iberia will be laid to rest on Thursday after dying over the weekend, without ever being able to hold her newborn son. Her family started a fundraising account to support her family after her death from COVID-19. According to the GoFundMe page , Keighlie... more »

• President Biden to announce that all federal workers must be vaccinated

  September 9, 2021 10:19 AM

  As the war against COVID-19 continues in the U.S., President Joe Biden is reportedly adding to the country's arsenal of virus-fighting regulations. The president is expected to use Thursday to announce expanded vaccine rules for federal workers, and encourage private businesses to take steps to intensify their vaccine-related requirements,... more »

• More than 4 million COVID cases in the U.S. in the last 4 weeks, statistics reveal

  September 7, 2021 10:49 AM

  With Labor Day come and gone, U.S. health experts have tallied the nation's number of COVID cases and, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, more than 4 million virus cases have been reported in the last four weeks alone. According to CNN , COVID cases have generally... more »

• Krispy Kreme offers free, heart-shaped doughnut to vaccinated customers

  August 25, 2021 1:31 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Anyone vaccinated against COVID-19 can take advantage of a special offer from Krispy Kreme. According to the pastry chain, customers who show their COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card will receive two free doughnuts, an original glazed doughnut and an original glazed heart doughnut. In a news... more »

• Moderna completes submission to FDA for full approval of COVID vaccine

  August 25, 2021 1:13 PM

  On the heels of Pfizer's COVID vaccine receiving full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Monday, rival pharmaceutical company Moderna announced Wednesday that it has completed its submission to the FDA for full approval of its own vaccine. According to CNN , the drugmaker said it... more »

• New study reveals J&J booster shot prompts significant increase in immune response

  August 25, 2021 7:19 AM

  Pharmaceutical giant, Johnson & Johnson announced Wednesday that new research reveals booster doses of its COVID vaccine trigger a significant spike in antibodies, according to CNN . The company said people who received a booster dose six to eight months after an initial shot saw an increase in antibodies,... more »

• Ochsner says fourth surge affecting its ability to care for non-COVID patients Play Video

  August 24, 2021 6:41 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Like many other businesses, Ochsner Health announced Tuesday it's mandating the COVID vaccine for their employees. The consequences of refusal will be severe. Ochsner says if employees don't get vaccinated, they'll be suspended for a month, and if they don't get vaccinated in that time they'll... more »

• University of Louisiana System to mandate COVID vaccines for enrolled students

  August 24, 2021 9:29 AM

  The University of Louisiana System announced Monday that all students enrolled in its nine institutions will be required to be vaccinated against COVID-19. This mandate impacts students enrolled in: -Grambling State University -Louisiana Tech University -McNeese State University -Nicholls State University -Northwestern State University -Southeastern Louisiana University -University... more »

• FDA approves Pfizer's COVID shot; LSU to implement vaccine mandate soon Play Video

  August 23, 2021 9:12 AM

  The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) fully approved Pfizer/BioNTech's COVID vaccine Monday. The F.D.A. says the vaccine will be marketed as Comirnaty, for the prevention of COVID-19 disease in individuals 16 years of age and older. Federal authorities add that it will continue to be available... more »

• New data reveals third Pfizer dose significantly lowers risk of infection in seniors

  August 23, 2021 4:53 AM

  New data from studies performed by the Israeli health ministry reveal that a third dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine provides four times as much protection against infection as two doses in people 60 and older, according to The Washington Post . The study... more »

• Events shifting on the calendar again after already being rescheduled due to COVID surge Play Video

  August 20, 2021 9:17 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Concerns related to the spread of COVID-19 have paused a slew of plans during 2021. At the start of the year, when federal officials began distributing virus-fighting vaccines to states across the U.S., a number of folks couldn't help but hope to see certain aspects of... more »

• Roughly 40% of LSU students report being vaccinated

  August 18, 2021 6:35 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Roughly 40 percent of LSU students are either partially or fully vaccinated for the coronavirus so far. In a statement Wednesday , LSU said 15,354 students — nearly 50 percent of the student body — have reported their vaccination status to the university as of Aug.... more »

• Mississippi eighth grader dies a day after positive coronavirus test

  August 18, 2021 5:35 AM

  SMITH COUNTY, Mississippi - A school official in Mississippi confirmed that a teenager passed away over the weekend, only one day after testing positive for COVID, CNN reports. The news outlet says she was an outstanding eighth-grader at Raleigh High School, where she was an honor student and member... more »

• White House expected to advise COVID booster shots for most Americans Play Video

  August 17, 2021 5:37 AM

  The Biden administration's leading health experts appear to be united in the opinion that most Americans should receive a COVID booster shot eight months after being fully vaccinated, according to CNN . The news outlet says their plan is still in the works, but will likely involve administering third... more »

• State app downloaded thousands of times since Thursday, provides digital proof of vaccination Play Video

  August 13, 2021 6:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The virus surge is also fueling an overwhelming amount of new downloads for the state's free digital ID app. It shows proof of an ID holder's vaccination. But the system, which previously only showed your Louisiana license, is about to get even more new features. ... more »

• Customs officers seize shipment of fake vaccination cards heading to New Orleans

  August 13, 2021 3:27 PM

  NEW ORLEANS - A shipment of counterfeit cards showing proof of vaccination were seized on their way to New Orleans as the city is just days away from requiring the COVID-19 vaccine at many businesses and venues. The Department of Homeland Security reported Friday that a shipment from China... more »

• Louisiana will pay college students $100 to get a COVID vaccine

  August 13, 2021 12:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Governor John Bel Edwards will host another news briefing to discuss Louisiana's COVID surge. The governor's office said the news conference will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday. The briefing will come just days after the state's mask mandate went into effect Wednesday. The briefing will... more »

• Psychologists suggest a more informative approach to addressing vaccine hesitancy

  August 13, 2021 10:16 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Approximately 1,771,279 people in Louisiana are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, which is about 37 percent of the state's population. While this indicates progress in the fight to ward off the deadly effects of COVID-19, health officials say Louisiana still has a long way to go. ... more »

• LSU to mandate COVID vaccine when it receives FDA approval

  August 12, 2021 10:36 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Louisiana State University's President announced Thursday that in the near future, the institution will likely require students and faculty to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The mandate would come after the FDA fully authorizes one or more of the current COVID vaccines in use across the U.S.... more »

• California will require teachers to be vaccinated or submit to regular testing

  August 11, 2021 11:46 AM

  SACRAMENTO, California - Teachers in California will soon be required to either be vaccinated against COVID-19 or submit to regular testing, according to CNN . Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to officially make this announcement Wednesday, according to the news outlet. Newsom's new mandate will make California the... more »

• France, Iceland among countries added to CDC's updated COVID 'travel risk' list

  August 10, 2021 7:51 AM

  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Monday updated its guidance on which countries pose the highest COVID risk to travelers. While the CDC recommends being fully vaccinated before embarking on international travel, it suggests totally avoiding places that are labeled as, "Level 4: COVID-19 very... more »

• Vaccination numbers break records as fight against COVID-19 continues Play Video

  August 9, 2021 8:24 PM

  BATON ROUGE - As COVID-19 cases run rampant across the state, more and more people are looking to the vaccine for protection. Maverick Resner, 18, is one of them. He got his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the Pennington Biomedical Research Center on Monday. "It was... more »

• Mike the Tiger receives COVID-19 vaccination Play Video

  August 9, 2021 11:12 AM

  BATON ROUGE - As an increasing number of Louisiana's population receive COVID-19 vaccinations, one of the state's most beloved four-legged citizens has also been vaccinated. According to a Monday news release from Louisiana State University, Mike VII, LSU’s live tiger mascot, received the final shot of two COVID-19 vaccination... more »

• More U.S. restaurants, businesses requiring proof of vaccination

  August 6, 2021 1:46 PM

  Businesses and restaurants in some of the U.S.'s busiest cities are requiring patrons to provide proof of COVID vaccination before entering. Cities like Philadelphia, Seattle, and Atlanta are seeing a trend in certain businesses and restaurants exercising their legal right to require that everyone who enters the premises be... more »

• After months of inquiries from WBRZ, state releases breakthrough case percentages for vaccines

  August 6, 2021 1:34 PM

  BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Department of Health has released data held secret for months about which coronavirus vaccines produced the most breakthrough cases. The data was released by LDH Friday after a series of requests from the WBRZ Investigative Unit, which had been asking for specific breakthrough case... more »

• Report: Indications of a strong labor market emerge as unemployment rate falls to 5.4%

  August 6, 2021 9:55 AM

  Experts say the U.S. workforce is undergoing a gradual rebuilding process amid challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This was emphasized in job growth data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Friday. The new statistics revealed that the economy added 943,000 jobs in July and the unemployment... more »

• New Orleans begins planning Mardi Gras 2022

  August 6, 2021 8:28 AM

  NEW ORLEANS - Louisiana is already preparing for Mardi Gras 2022, but with the looming threat of COVID-19 putting a damper on future events, organizers are approaching next year's carnival season with tentative plans that can easily be adjusted to accommodate a scaled-back celebration. According to WWL-TV , the... more »

• LSU AgCenter receives grant to improve vaccination rates

  August 5, 2021 10:27 AM

  BATON ROUGE - The LSU AgCenter intends to play a role in the fight against the spread of COVID-19 and the organization now has more money to support its efforts. In a Thursday news release, the AgCenter announced that it became the recipient of a $24,178 grant to fund... more »

• Moderna says its COVID vaccine provides 93% effectiveness for six months

  August 5, 2021 8:37 AM

  On the heels of Pfizer's announcement that its vaccine will soon receive full approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pharmaceutical company Moderna is informing the public that new studies show its COVID-19 vaccines are 93% effective for six months after a person receives a second dose. The... more »

• Even as delta variant swarms in Louisiana, infectious disease expert says calls for booster shot are 'premature' Play Video

  August 4, 2021 11:21 PM

  BATON ROUGE - The approval of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine in mid-December set off a race to vaccinate. Months later, three safe and effective vaccines are abundantly available. "We're already into a, you know, third, fourth, fifth-generation variant, and the original vaccines are still working so well," Dr. Susan Hassig... more »

• Mask mandate returns as Louisiana battles spike in COVID cases

  August 4, 2021 10:09 AM

  BATON ROUGE - As of Wednesday, the state of Louisiana is under a reinstated mask mandate until the first of September. The order, issued by Governor John Bel Edwards, requires that both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals age five and older wear a face mask that properly covers their mouth... more »

• Pfizer appears on track to become first fully-approved COVID vaccine

  August 4, 2021 9:28 AM

  The United States may have its first fully-approved vaccination against COVID-19 before Labor Day. Last month, Pfizer-BioNTech announced the U.S. government is likely to complete the approval process by the start of next month and grant full approval of their vaccine as a way of boosting the public's confidence... more »

• Toymaker debuts COVID-era Barbie modeled after British scientist

  August 4, 2021 4:59 AM

  OXFORD, England - A British Professor of Vaccinology at the University of Oxford who played a major role in developing a coronavirus vaccine has had her likeness preserved in a unique way. Like Dolly Parton, Elizabeth Taylor, Beyoncé, and Marilyn Monroe, Dame Sarah Catherine Gilbert, an internationally renowned vaccine... more »

• Southern University's football program reaches 100 percent vaccination rate

  August 3, 2021 2:44 PM

  BATON ROUGE - Southern University's football program, including players and coaching staff, have reached 100% vaccination. Head Coach Jason Rollins said Tuesday the vaccination rate comes as his team gears up to enter their 2021 season. SU Jaguar Head FB Coach Jason Rollins says entire team and... more »

• COVID diagnosis is a 'wake up call,' Ascension president encourages vaccines after testing positive for virus

  August 3, 2021 12:55 PM

  GONZALES - The Ascension Parish President tested positive for coronavirus, despite being fully vaccinated. Clint Cointment's symptoms are described as mild, his government spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. He'll work from home while he gets healthy. “The Delta variant does not discriminate against anyone,” Cointment said in... more »

• OLOL welcomes Disaster Medical Assistance Team to help with COVID surge Play Video

  August 2, 2021 10:02 AM

  BATON ROUGE - A number of Louisiana hospitals are struggling to meet the needs of the dozens of virus patients who've been checking in during the most recent resurgence of COVID-19. But healthcare workers at Our Lady of the Lake (OLOL) in Baton Rouge are now hoping they'll be... more »

• At least one COVID patient checked in every hour at Baton Rouge hospital Play Video

  August 2, 2021 7:51 AM

  BATON ROUGE - Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge is one of 45 Louisiana hospitals requesting extra staff during the recent resurgence in COVID-19 cases. Healthcare workers across the state are being stretched thin as large numbers of COVID-19 patients request care for symptoms. On... more »