CDC director tests positive for Covid-19

CNN
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Dr Rochelle Walensky, director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tested positive for Covid-19 on Friday.

Walensky is experiencing mild symptoms and is up to date on his Covid-19 vaccines, according to a statement released by the agency. Walensky received an updated Covid-19 reminder in September.

« As per CDC guidelines, she is self-isolating at home and will participate in her scheduled meetings virtually, » the agency said. « Senior CDC officials and close contacts have been notified of his positive test and are taking appropriate steps to monitor their health. »

Covid-19 cases have declined as the United States falls. However, experts say cases could start to climb as they have over the past two pandemic winters – especially as several new coronavirus variants start to gain traction.

The CDC recommends people who have recently recovered from a Covid-19 infection wait to be boosted at least until the disease has passed and a person is no longer contagious. The CDC says a person « may consider delaying your vaccine for 3 months from when your symptoms started. »

Being infected can act as a booster, and studies have shown that people have a relatively low risk of getting sick again for around three months after recovering.

People may not want to wait as long as three months if Covid-19 levels are high in the community or they have reduced immune function, CNN reported.

The CDC approved updated booster shots from Pfizer and Moderna on September 1.

The updated vaccine from Pfizer/BioNTech is a 30 microgram dose authorized for people 12 years and older. Moderna’s updated vaccine is an authorized 50-microgram dose for people 18 years of age and older.