What We're Reading: Rarity of Breakthrough COVID-19 Cases; COVID-19 Testing for Uninsured Americans; EU Seeks Fine for AstraZeneca

CDC Report Finds COVID-19 Infection After Vaccination Exceedingly Rare

As the United States reached a milestone this week with more than half of US adults now fully vaccinated against COVID-19, a report issued by the CDC finds that the risk of infection among these populations is 0.01%. According to ABC News, reported cases of breakthrough infections, defined as when a fully vaccinated individual becomes infected with SARS-CoV-2, can still occur because vaccines do not provide 100% protection. Currently, 10,262 breakthrough infections have been reported, of which 10% have required hospitalization and 2% have led to death among mostly elderly adults older than 80 years.

HHS to Fund $4.8B Worth of COVID-19 Testing for Uninsured Americans

As reported by The Hill, HHS announced yesterday it is designating $4.8 billion of funding from the American Rescue Plan to provide relief funding for COVID-19 testing to uninsured US residents. Covering approximately 29 million Americans without insurance, the move will allow providers to bill the program directly for any COVID-19 tests administered to these populations, as well as aid efforts to track and address where the virus is prevalent.

EU Seeks Fine for AstraZeneca Over Vaccine Contract Breach

After taking AstraZeneca to court last month over a disparity in the distribution of its COVID-19 vaccine, a lawyer of the European Union said it is seeking a significant fine for the manufacturer. According to Reuters, AstraZeneca had said it would aim to deliver 100 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine by the end of June, falling short of the 300 million that was noted in the supply contract. The lawyer, Rafael Jafferali, said the European Union is seeking 10 euros or $12.20 for each day of delay for each dose, along with an additional penalty of at least 10 million euros for each breach of contract that the judge will decide. A verdict is expected next month.