In our continuing series looking at the latest medical research and news on COVID-19, Larry Mantle speaks with Dr. Tara Vijayan, associate professor of infectious diseases and medical director of antimicrobial stewardship at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. 

Topics today include: 

• Pfizer expected to ask the F.D.A. to authorize its COVID-19 vaccine for kids under 5. 
• Novavax applies for F.D.A. authorization of its COVID-19 vaccine. 
• Why Omicron hit Southern California harder than the Bay Area. 
• L.A. County health officials face pressure to ease indoor mask rules. 
• Even if they can find a test, not everyone wants to know if they have COVID. 
• What role should health providers play in COVID-19 testing? 

This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.