BURLINGTON — Book sales are soaring among teenagers and young adults nationally.
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The U.S. is expanding COVID-19 boosters, ruling that 16- and 17-year-olds can get a third dose of Pfizer's vaccine.The U.S. and many other nations already were urging adults to get booster shots to pump up immunity that can wane months after vaccination, calls that intensified with the discovery of the worrisome new Omicron variant.On Thursday, the Food and Drug Administration gave emergency authorization for 16- and 17-year-olds to get a third dose of the vaccine made by Pfizer and its partner BioNTech if it's been six months since their last shot."Vaccination and getting a booster when eligible, along with other preventive measures like masking and avoiding large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, remain our most effective methods for fighting COVID-19," Dr. Janet Woodcock, acting FDA commissioner, said in a statement.There's one more step: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention must formally recommend the boosters for this age group and a decision is expected soon.The Pfizer vaccine is the only option in the U.S. for anyone younger than 18, either for initial vaccination or for use as a booster. It's not yet clear if or when teens younger than 16 might need a third Pfizer dose."The booster vaccination increases the level of immunity and dramatically improves protection against COVID-19 in all age groups studied so far," BioNTech CEO Ugur Sahin said in a statement.Vaccinations for children as young as 5 just began last month, using special low-dose Pfizer shots. By this week, about 5 million 5- to 11-year-olds had gotten a first dose.The extra-contagious Delta variant is causing nearly all COVID-19 infections in the U.S., and in much of the world. It's not yet clear how vaccines will hold up against the new and markedly different Omicron mutant. But there's strong evidence that boosters offer a jump in protection against Delta-caused infections, currently the biggest threat.Complicating the decision to extend boosters to 16- and 17-year-olds is that the Pfizer shot -- and a similar vaccine made by Moderna -- have been linked to a rare side effect. Called myocarditis, it's a type of heart inflammation seen mostly in younger men and teen boys.The FDA said rising COVID-19 cases in the U.S. mean the benefits of boosters greatly outweighed the potential risk from the rare side effect, especially as the coronavirus itself can cause more serious heart inflammation.Health officials in Israel, which already gives boosters to teens, have said the side effect continues to be rare with third doses.A U.S. study this week offered additional reassurance. Researchers from children's hospitals around the country checked medical records and found the rare side effect usually is mild and people recover quickly. The research was published Monday in the journal Circulation.Additional reporting by The Associated Press.
In photos: 'Pick up a book, and pick up some lunch' | Racine Public Library now hosting food trucks every Wednesday
Reid's Roasted Wisconsin Cornstars
Reid's Roasted Wisconsin Cornstars were one of the food vendors at Racine Public Library's Lunch Break at the Library event on Wednesday. Reid's Roasted is at the Farmers Market @ 2210 from Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Smiling from ear to ear
A young girl enjoys an ear of corn at the Racine Public Library's Lunch Break at the Library event on Wednesday.
Outside the library
Julia Heiser, marketing coordinator for the Racine Public Library, sits outside of the library during the food truck event on Wednesday. Heiser was there to give information about the library and assist new visitors on how to get a library card.
Lunch break
Customers sit outside of the Racine Public Library enjoying the food they purchased during Lunch Break at the Library on Wednesday.
Food trucks outside the library
From left, Dragon Pit BBQ, Reid's Roasted Wisconsin Cornstars and Frankie's Food Truck were the food vendors in attendance of Lunch Break at the Library at Racine Public Library on May 26.
Taking an order
William Aboagye from Frankie's Food Truck takes an order during Lunch Break at the Library at Racine Public Library on Wednesday.
Ordering corn
A customer orders corn during the Lunch Break at the Library event on Wednesday.
Lunch under a tree
A mother and son enjoy lunch from Frankie's Food Truck under a tree near Racine Public Library on Wednesday.
The crew from Dragon Pit BBQ
The crew from Dragon Pit BBQ pose for a picture during the Lunch Break at the Library event on Wednesday.
Frankie's Food Truck
William and Donna Aboagye from Frankie's Food Truck, which serves African and Caribbean cuisine, smile for a photo on Wednesday. Frankie's has locations at Wayman Church at 424 North Memorial Drive and the Southridge Mall food court.
