A THIRD or “booster” vaccine against COVID-19 is recommended for those with Pfizer inoculations (Shutterstock).

If you received the Pfizer vaccine against coronavirus, you may need to get a booster shot.

That’s the recommendation announced today (Thursday) by advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the Associated Press. Those who should get an additional “jab” are those 65 and older, nursing home residents and people ages 50 to 64 with underlying health problems.
A waiting period of six months after their initial inoculation is recommended.

Medical experts say that all three vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – are still very effective, even against the Delta variant. The bigger heath problem is that just 55 percent of Americans are fully vaccinated. Overall, new cases are declining across most of the U.S., but rising in those areas – primarily the Southeast – where vaccination rates are low.

Computer chip shortage hurts auto sales

A worldwide shortage of semiconductor chips is slamming the world automotive industry, costing over $210 billion in losses.

According to United Press International, the root cause is the effect of the coronavirus pandemic, which shut down factories in Malaysia and elsewhere that manufacture the devices that are integral to modern automobiles.

That shortage, along with problems getting enough resin, steel and labor, are keeping automakers from meeting the demand for more cars. The estimated loss was determined by AlixPartners, an automotive consulting firm.

Also in the news.

• A gunman killed one person and wounded 11 others in a grocery store in Collierville, Tennessee today before killing himself.
• The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has issued subpoenas to four former officials in the “inner circle” of the Trump White House, according to USA Today.

Sports: Dodgers have some extra fun

The Los Angeles Dodgers closed to within one game of the San Francisco Giants in the National League West race today as they won and their rivals lost, both in extra innings. The Blue Crew (98-55) defeated the Colorado Rockies 7-5 in 10 innings and the Giants (99-54) lost 7-6 to the San Diego Padres. SF will visit the Rockies on Friday and the Dodgers will be visiting the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In Anaheim, the Los Angeles Angels (72-80) will be hosting the Houston Astros tonight (Thursday) who defeated them 9-5 in 12 innings on Wednesday. It was the Halos’ sixth straight loss. They’ll host the Seattle Mariners on Friday.

Weather: Playing it cooler

As forecast, the West Orange County area is moving into a cooler phase, with daytime highs in the low 80s and high 70s. Friday’s temperature should peak at 82 degrees under mostly sunny skies, with an overnight low of 63. Saturday will be similar (82/63) with a bit more sun. In the coastal areas of Huntington Beach, daytime highs will be in the mid 70s all weekend.