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Austin clinic participates in trial testing vaccine for delta, omicron COVID variants

A new COVID booster shot is being tested to protect against new variants. (Pexels)
As studies are being performed to further understand the highly transmissible omicron variant, Austin Regional Clinic is one of the nationwide labs—and only one in Central Texas—testing a new Pfizer vaccine to protect against COVID-19 variants.
The study will consist of two parts. The first will evaluate the safety and efficacy of a third shot containing two virus strains. The second will evaluate the safety and efficacy of a shot containing one virus strain. The results will be compared to those previously vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. The trial is currently enrolling adults between the ages of 18 and 85 who are currently unvaccinated for COVID-19 and have no history of a COVID-19 infection; participants will be compensated $100 for each visit.
If the trials are successful and eventually approved by the Food and Drug Administration, it could be the next recommended booster shot.
“As new variants emerge with unknown risks, such as the latest omicron, we must continue to research new approaches to ensure that our vaccines can adequately protect against COVID-19,” said Dr. Amy Siegel, internal medicine physician at ARC and principal investigator at ARC Clinical Research. “If evidence emerges that the existing vaccines are less effective against the variants, trials like this one will make us better prepared.”
Since the COVID vaccine was first available almost a year ago, multiple variants have emerged, including the delta variant that caused a nationwide surge and the new omicron variant that is believed to multiply 70 times faster than delta.
While it is unclear how effective the currently available vaccines are against COVID, local health officials still urge residents to get vaccinated and take the recommended COVID precautions to protect themselves and others from possible severe symptoms from the virus.
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Peyton and Eli Manning's nephew Arch Manning has committed to the University of Texas. (Arch Manning/Twitter)
Arch Manning, the latest prospect in the Manning football family and No. 1 recruit in the class of 2023, has committed to the University of Texas.
Manning is the nephew of Eli and Peyton Manning and the son of Cooper Manning, a former wide receiver for Ole Miss. The Manning football legacy began with Archie Manning, Arch Manning's grandfather and namesake who played for the New Orleans Saints throughout the 1970s.
Committed to the University of Texas. #HookEmpic.twitter.com/jHYbjBaF5K
— Arch Manning (@ArchManning) June 23, 2022
Manning joins head Texas football coach Steve Sarkisian's program after a disappointing 5-7 first season. Manning, who has been the starting quarterback at New Orlean's Newman High School since he was a freshman, was the No. 1 recruit in the 2023 class, according to 247sports.
Manning had plenty of SEC suitors, including Georgia, Alabama and LSU, but committed to Texas after a recent visit to Austin.
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(U.S. Marshals Service)
The Lone Star Fugitive Task Force has found the Jeep belonging to Kaitlin Armstrong, the accused murderer of professional cyclist Moriah “Mo” Wilson.
Armstrong is suspected to have killed Wilson—who was visiting Austin for a race in Hico, Texas last month—in a crime of passion after Wilson met up with her short-term ex-boyfriend Colin Strickland.
The Task Force said the black Jeep Cherokee was sold to a South Austin CarMax dealership on May 13, one day after being questioned by the Austin Police Department, for $12,200.
Armstrong was spotted at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport the next day, en route to LaGuardia Airport, but officials said they lost her trail after she was dropped off at Newark Liberty International Airport on May 18.
Investigators were unable to find any flight reservations under the name “Kaitlin Armstrong” and believe she may be using her sister’s name, Christine.
The case has been designated as a U.S. Marshals Service major case, which brings in more resources to the investigation; officials consider Armstrong dangerous. According to an anonymous tipster, Armstrong became “furious,” when she found out about Wilson and Strickland’s meeting and wanted to “kill” her.
Authorities believe the longer Armstrong is evading arrest, the more dangerous she may become, so anyone who sees her is encouraged to call 911 instead of approaching her. A $6,000 reward, along with an additional $15,000 from an anonymous donor, has been issued for information leading to her capture.