![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 205 to 229 of 229. Go back in thread:
Posted by undopaminergic on May 11, 2021, at 5:46:20
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by Lamdage22 on May 11, 2021, at 4:28:00
> I just wanted to say I am fine and the issues were caused by something else.
I got the Pfizer vaccine today. I had expected the second dose of the Astra-Zeneca.
-undopaminergic
Posted by Phillipa on May 11, 2021, at 10:35:39
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by undopaminergic on May 11, 2021, at 5:46:20
So you had one dose of Astra Zeneca & one dose of Pfizer then? So the doses are being mixed then? You in Europe? Phillipa
Posted by undopaminergic on May 11, 2021, at 10:51:35
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » undopaminergic, posted by Phillipa on May 11, 2021, at 10:35:39
> So you had one dose of Astra Zeneca & one dose of Pfizer then? So the doses are being mixed then? You in Europe? Phillipa
>Yes, yes, and yes.
-undopaminergic
Posted by Noa on May 11, 2021, at 11:45:13
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by Lamdage22 on May 11, 2021, at 4:28:00
> I just wanted to say I am fine and the issues were caused by something else.
So glad to hear youre feeling better!
Posted by Lamdage22 on June 17, 2021, at 0:42:25
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » Lamdage22, posted by Noa on May 11, 2021, at 11:45:13
The second shot was pretty uneventful. Much less symptoms than after the first. Now this delta-variant garbage is around. Sometimes I wonder if we will ever get back to normal. And maybe this really came from a lab. It is so contagious... None of the other viruses around are THAT contagious.
Posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2021, at 9:21:23
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by Lamdage22 on June 17, 2021, at 0:42:25
I think it did from what hearing on the news. Yes the Delta is now it the States also and cases in the Carolinas where I reside. Hence the need to get even teens and younger children vaccinated. As a parent though would you vaccinate your child with an unproven vaccine. That is strong medicine for a child.
Posted by Noa on June 17, 2021, at 10:36:49
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » Lamdage22, posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2021, at 9:21:23
But I think they have gathered enough data at this point. I would definitely feel ok having my children vaccinated.
Posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2021, at 11:04:17
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » Phillipa, posted by Noa on June 17, 2021, at 10:36:49
Hi Noa, so you do feel there is enough data gathered for children to be vaccinated. Can you explain to me and others how this spike protein works? It really does go about my head. I know SLS did in one post. But once it gets to the spike being changed or altered with Covid I am totally lost. Evidently the T cells are the ones we should be most concerned with them responding? But am lost. Can you help out? Being an RN years ago didn't need to really know or understand chemistry. Thanks Phillipa
Posted by Mtom on August 5, 2021, at 15:53:36
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » Noa, posted by Phillipa on June 17, 2021, at 11:04:17
I got Pfizer, 2 doses, so did my husband and 2 of our grandkids. I had sore arm after 1st for a day, nothing after second. Grandkids similar, sore arms for short while. They were mixing vaccines for some middle age groups here in Canada for while due to supply shortages & other issues, a few family members had AstraZeneca followed by Moderna. Mild flu-like symptoms for a day or 2. Some people got a Pfizer/Moderna mix based on current supply at time they were eligible for vaccination.
For those who discussed autoimmune diseases earlier in the thread - I have an autoimmune disease - Lupus. My Rheumatologist who is Chief of Rheumatology at a Major University Teaching hospital told me to "definitely" get the vaccine. It did "not" flare my Lupus. Three close friends with other rheumatic type autoimmune diseases were fine also.
I don't believe in a conspiracy that would involve secret collusion between the Governments and Health Authorities in all 195 countries in the world plus the very vast majority of the hundreds of thousands of Scientific Researchers and estimated 10+ million Doctors throughout the world.
The vaccines are working. Canada now has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world and our COVID cases have been dropping dramatically - EXCEPT in the unvaccinated where they're increasing and who now make up the vast majority of cases (with Delta) and make up almost 100% of current ICU admissions.
Posted by Phillipa on August 5, 2021, at 20:30:16
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by Mtom on August 5, 2021, at 15:53:36
I'm so glad you replied as since this thread was started back in June. It shows how we had not even two full months of reduction in cases. And now that vaccinations have been out for a while. I agree that when the World is all involved in this virus that it is real. Here in the Carolinas cases with Delta are rising very quickly. Since the vaccination rate is so low here now surprising that cases are rising and yes it started with the unvaccinated. Now it seems breakthrough cases are getting just as bad. My Granddaughter turns 12 in a week and her Mother is getting her vaccinated with Pfizer in Florida. So what do you feel is going to stop this pandemic? Phillipa
Posted by alexandra_k on August 11, 2021, at 23:26:08
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by Mtom on August 5, 2021, at 15:53:36
> For those who discussed autoimmune diseases earlier in the thread - I have an autoimmune disease - Lupus. My Rheumatologist who is Chief of Rheumatology at a Major University Teaching hospital told me to "definitely" get the vaccine. It did "not" flare my Lupus. Three close friends with other rheumatic type autoimmune diseases were fine also.Interesting. Thanks so very much for posting that information.
Posted by Mtom on August 12, 2021, at 11:27:00
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » Mtom, posted by Phillipa on August 5, 2021, at 20:30:16
> I'm so glad you replied as since this thread was started back in June. It shows how we had not even two full months of reduction in cases. And now that vaccinations have been out for a while. I agree that when the World is all involved in this virus that it is real. Here in the Carolinas cases with Delta are rising very quickly. Since the vaccination rate is so low here now surprising that cases are rising and yes it started with the unvaccinated. Now it seems breakthrough cases are getting just as bad. My Granddaughter turns 12 in a week and her Mother is getting her vaccinated with Pfizer in Florida. So what do you feel is going to stop this pandemic? Phillipa
Phillipa: Here in Canada, Delta was first detected in the spring and is now dominant. Yet our caseloads started decreasing dramatically in late spring and early summer with increasing rates of vaccination (Canada had been lagging early on due to initial issues with vaccine availability but is now near the top in the world for vaccinations).
But over the last couple of weeks, cases have started to rise again. As restrictions lifted (still some in place like masking in buildings except when eating, some limits to the size of gatherings and events), people are gathering in larger numbers and more frequently, this starting just as Delta became dominant. And although vaccination rates have been quite high, they have been plateauing - there is still a portion of our population who are not getting vaccines, for the usual reasons much discussed on the web & in the news. Our case numbers are still relatively low compared to the peaks of our 2nd & 3rd waves, but the upward trend is concerning & today in the province of Ontario (Canada's most populous) cases jumped to the same level as mid June, which was when we started slowly coming out of our 3rd wave lockdown, in stages with gradual increasing reduced restrictions. The large majority are in unvaccinated persons. However there is spill-over and breakthrough cases in the vaccinated - the vast majority of those thankfully mild. However when most restrictions lifted or eased considerably, people started generally acting like it was all over, public areas are busy, patios and indoor restaurants are full (with tables spaced 6 feet), lots of social gatherings.
As far as stopping the Pandemic? Vaccinations have been proven around the world to be the best tool we have at present. We need vaccines in everyone globally because as long as this virus exists in large numbers in any country, it will continue to spread elsewhere, the world is too interconnected in modern times to "quarantine" populations. Also the more people infected in the world, the higher the odds for new variants to arise. Variants can only arise while the virus is reproducing inside human cells - that's when mutations occur. The more human cells infected worldwide, the greater the odds of new variants. Scientists of course know this and have commented on it.
Some European countries (e.g. France and others considering it) have started issuing vaccine passports in order to visit venues or even eat on a patio. Very unpopular of course (lots of large protests), however it had the desired effect of tremendously boosting vaccination bookings in France (which were lagging) - between the time the announcement was made and last weekend, at least 7 million more people got their first vaccine.
Evidence is gathering that booster shots will be needed also. And we don't yet have enough even vaccinated at all.
Some experts think we will never be completely rid of Covid-19, but that eventually it will become "endemic" as opposed to "pandemic", that it will always exist in the background with periodic smaller outbreaks, just like Influenza. Vaccines and likely regular boosters will help keep our immune systems primed to fight it, and with these, most cases will be milder. The current Covid vaccines are already more effective on average than the annual Flu vaccines. But it has been shown with the Flu vaccine that even though they're only, on average, 50% effective, those who are vaccinated and get the Flu tend to have milder symptoms.
Still, we first need to get the world vaccinated to get the Pandemic under control.
Posted by Phillipa on August 12, 2021, at 11:56:11
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » Phillipa, posted by Mtom on August 12, 2021, at 11:27:00
I agree with everything you have written. Canada was smarter though they kept their border to the US closed till just recently. In the Carolinas last night when the numbers released we are at the same hospitalizations and case numbers as last January. It's spreading very rapidly. The pediatric beds are full in the hospitals. All elective surgeries are cancelled in the biggest hospitals, and I saw one person write his bypass surgery was now cancelled unless a dire emergency. Yet the vaccination rates remain low. Now those unvaccinated are saying "See you got the vaccine & still got Covid". We mask when out and spend our time outside here although extremely hot now. I think that treatments when get Covid might help? Phillipa
Posted by Mtom on August 12, 2021, at 17:39:03
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » Mtom, posted by Phillipa on August 12, 2021, at 11:56:11
> I agree with everything you have written. Canada was smarter though they kept their border to the US closed till just recently. In the Carolinas last night when the numbers released we are at the same hospitalizations and case numbers as last January. It's spreading very rapidly. The pediatric beds are full in the hospitals. All elective surgeries are cancelled in the biggest hospitals, and I saw one person write his bypass surgery was now cancelled unless a dire emergency. Yet the vaccination rates remain low. Now those unvaccinated are saying "See you got the vaccine & still got Covid". We mask when out and spend our time outside here although extremely hot now. I think that treatments when get Covid might help? Phillipa
Phillipa: It will unfortunately be difficult to convince those who have dug their heels in against vaccines. However data is there if they want to look for it that vaccines are protective. For example the province of Ontario Canada is now reporting data daily on vaccine status of cases.
For new cases reported today, 82.5% were Unvaccinated. Fully vaccinated accounted for 17.5% and partially vaccinated the balance.
The vaccine hesitant are, strangely, focussing on the 17.5% of vaccinated people who tested positive for Covid (??). Not the 82.5% who were Unvaccinated.
Even more importantly, of those currently reported in ICU in the province, 86.3% are Unvaccinated. 9.8% partially vaccinated. Just under 4% of all in ICU for Covid are fully vaccinated.Covid (mostly Delta here) in the Unvaccinated is accounting for the vast majority of cases here right now. Delta, significantly more virulent, can be seen by the numbers to be spreading much faster in the unvaccinated. Breakthrough cases had to have contact with an infected person and the data shows that most infections right now are unvaccinated people. As contacts increase with most of our restrictions lifted, breakthrough cases will increase.
Our vaccination rates are high. In all of Canada, 82.3% of the eligible population (12+) have received at least 1 dose (2 shot vaccines are being given here). 71.5% of age 12+ are fully vaccinated. Those awaiting their 2nd shot are younger age groups who were eligible later plus those who delayed getting their 1st dose so in the very near future we can expect our fully vaccinated rate will be at least 82%.
When I mentioned our cases in Ontario rising to a level not seen in 2 months, Im talking about 513 cases today in a population of 14.8 million (including those under 12 not yet eligible for vaccination).
Our case numbers as a percent of population are still relatively low in comparison to a great many other developed countries, and one would tend to draw the conclusion, based on the vaccination case count data above, that our high vaccination rates have contributed to slowing the rate of increase.
That being said, Israel, with a relatively high proportion of their population vaccinated, is well into a new wave due to Delta. Still, it was recently reported that the rate of serious infections in Israel is 6 times higher among the 60+ age group who have not been vaccinated vs vaccinated in the same age group. Israel has also started 3rd dose booster shots in those over 60 who received their full vaccinations more than 5 months ago. Some other countries are considering similar. So who knows where well be in the fall. And there is much controversy over richer countries purchasing vaccines for boosters before many in less developed countries have been vaccinated at all.Delta is nasty. It is spreading at a faster rate than previous Covid versions. The vaccines help reduce cases and most importantly deaths.
https://covid-19.ontario.ca/dataOne might think that we are getting off topic, except that COVID has been having a Major impact on mental health.
Posted by Phillipa on August 12, 2021, at 19:09:44
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » Phillipa, posted by Mtom on August 12, 2021, at 17:39:03
I like the way you worded the last part of your response. Here they are calling it Covid anxiety and a lot of doctors now recognize this. Yes tonight announced that boosters will now be available for immunocompromised people. Those with organ transplants and cancer. They are now also giving antibodies as outpatients to some that also fit the category I mentioned in offices free like the vaccine. But strict screening. Congrats to Canada on the high vaccination rates. I did not get the Pfizer or Moderna got the Johnson & Johnson l shot. So if there is a booster looks like in all probability will be either Pfizer or Moderna who has the mRNA vaccines. Phillipa
Posted by alexandra_k on August 13, 2021, at 17:47:05
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » Mtom, posted by Phillipa on August 12, 2021, at 19:09:44
> Yes tonight announced that boosters will now be available for immunocompromised people. Those with organ transplants and cancer. They are now also giving antibodies as outpatients to some that also fit the category I mentioned in offices free like the vaccine.
I heard that they have started to test the levels of antibodies present after doses of vacciine and they are recommending or suggesting boosters only in people who are found to have lower levels of antibodies. That is to say, only some immunocompromised people are not having the response to vaccine we would hope, and only some immunocompromised people need boosters.
I wonder if they are similarly testing people with Lupis and other auto-immune disorders to check their antibody levels post-vaccine? I am curious because auto-immune disorders are particular or specific on the one hand (it is a particular antibody being produced that is causing problems) so maybe the response to vaccine is ordinary. But I suppose I am also wondering whether at least some kinds of auto-immune disorder or a few people with at least some kinds of auto-immune disorder are having a more extreme response to the vaccine where they might benefit from less of a dose than ordinary.
Posted by alexandra_k on August 13, 2021, at 17:48:54
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by alexandra_k on August 13, 2021, at 17:47:05
New Zealand is experimenting with spacing the doses further apart. 6 weeks between doses. In an attempt to give more people a first dose.
I don't know how that will work out, in practice, however, because of the 'on the grapevine' anecdotal things about 3rd booster shots. That gets people hoarding vaccines, again, for more shots for themselves and their loved ones, you see. More possibilities for financial gains of shipping those doses various places around the world to be sold to the highest private bidders...
Posted by alexandra_k on August 13, 2021, at 17:56:16
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by alexandra_k on August 13, 2021, at 17:48:54
It is interesting the vaccine, thing.
There is a group of people that... Well... Powerful people very determinedly decide will not have access to vaccine (or to other kinds of medical treatment either). It is remarkable the lengths people will go to to prevent and prohibit a certain group or segment of society from having access to timely medical care (also things like education). Partly there are structural things in place. Long working hours. Not possible to take the time off to have the vaccine. I guess this idea, too, that what we most want are the kids. Ages 16 through 20, maybe, for cheapest laborers ever. Or younger for the sexual abuse thing... And we want their lives to be nasty bruitish and short. Just temporary kids for temporary work and then curl up and die. Replaceble units.
And we blame 'antivaccers' and 'vaccine hesitancy' and the like on the fact that we won't allow that group to have healthcare (also education etc).
In Rhode Island they started prioritising vaccines for high risk people where the high risk people were from that group. And so the uptake was low. Because that group didn't trust the healthcare system. Couldn't get time off. Because they were more interested in hoarding vaccines to get them to the people they valued more. I expect there was a lot of that, as well. Simply hoarding them. Intentionally making things hard.
It is remarkable the lengths... It was like NZL did a South Auckland clinic that was supposed to be for high risk Maaori and Pacifica.. So they had the clinic during the time most Pacifica were expected to be in church. Sort of... Couldn't have designed it to be more inconvenitent for them than if that was the primary purpose of it.
Then saying they were worried that the uptake wouldn't be good enough opening it up to everyone...
As we get closer and closer to providing access to people who nobody seems to want to give the vaccines to...
Well now it's time to vaccinate children. We will start vaccinating the kids of the elite white... That will boost the numbers of vaccines that are going out while simultaneously crowding out the group that we don't want have have access...
That special group in NZL is rather problmeatically... Well.. At least 25 per cent of the population. Likely more like 75 per cent. In all honesty. Things are pretty bad, here. The inequality. Teh nuber of percentage of the population deemed 'ineligible' and 'invalid' 'non-persons'.
Posted by alexandra_k on August 13, 2021, at 18:01:57
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by alexandra_k on August 13, 2021, at 17:56:16
So some people will have 1 shot 2 shots 3 shots more... So we can say 'we have rolled out 10 million Pfizer shots in a population of 5 million people'.
But the truth of it will be that some of the people will have taken up all of the shots for themselves. Like what happens with everything else...
I really really really really really really hope that they in-built something so that more is not better and the situation is self-correcting in that way. Just deserts.
3rd shots have not been authorised in people -- unless their antibody levels have been found to be lower than you would expect. I am fairly sure.
NZL doesn't have saliva testing rolled out yet. They are running some 'study' which involves collecting plasma from people who have been previously infected (but I don't think we have many of those).
I wonder if you can give vaccinated people's plasma with same effect as convalescent plasma...
Last I heard NZ was experimenting with how they couldn't find a meaningful difference in giving blood units vs saline for various medical procedures. In an attempt to justify giving people saline rather than blood units. Because... Why wouldn't you if you could get away with it? Etc.
Posted by Phillipa on August 13, 2021, at 18:18:36
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by alexandra_k on August 13, 2021, at 17:47:05
The booster vaccines were just approved today for those that are immunocompromised, Organ transplant patients and those taking drugs such as high dose prednisone, The only autoimmune patients are those taking an immocompromised medication like one used for cancer. Example methrotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. I have a friend right now who is an organ recipient taking anti-rejection meds who will be receiving her booster vaccine. Just the Pfizer & Moderna patients. J&J is still in research mode. No hoarding of medications here. They have clinic set up in the lowest economic areas to get the vaccines to the people. There has been lotteries in NC where each week a person who got vaccinated is eligible to win 1 million dollars to get more people to receive vaccinations. Scholarships for students. I know my granddaughter turned 12 this week and my Daughter is taking her to the pharmacy to receive the Pfizer vaccine this week. Phillipa
Posted by alexandra_k on August 14, 2021, at 1:34:12
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » alexandra_k, posted by Phillipa on August 13, 2021, at 18:18:36
Hey Phillipa,
Do you know if they are testing the level of antibodies that are present BEFORE they decide whether or not people with compromised immune systems need a booster? I think there are tests, now, that can measure the levels of antibodies in the blood....
Even measure the number of T cells. I don't know what to make of that... Apparently there are tests that can measure the number of T cells present who are responding to Coronavirus...
So we can make more informed decisons of which people who are immunocompromised may benefit from a booster shot
(Go Carolinas)
So we don't waste booster shots who could be better given to under-privaleged groups.
Posted by alexandra_k on August 14, 2021, at 2:33:37
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by alexandra_k on August 14, 2021, at 1:34:12
Because, let's face it, at the end of the day, the 'vaccination passport' will be a record of the choices that YOU made.
That it to say... If you are a person who believed you should be vaccinated 'ahead of your time' that is information that is recorded. That the likes of you thought that you were entitled.
And so on.
And people make the choices that they make.
And there will be consequences.
And people don't have any trust at all in local systems. And I understand that.
But people are answerable (ultimately) to their God (or a proxy here on earth). Of course. And only the f*ck*ng imbicels don't get that. Still.
Covid: Here it comes.
ALLLLLLLL of the healthcare your you. MMMMMMMMM those nurses that you trained. Etc.
Clearing the way.
And co.
Posted by Phillipa on August 14, 2021, at 8:41:37
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by alexandra_k on August 14, 2021, at 1:34:12
No they are not their transplant teams just arrange for the booster. If it's for a person who is or had cancer no they are not. They know they are the ones the boosters were approved for. They have been throwing out expired doses of vaccines in the States cause of low vaccination rates in many States the South mostly. Phillipa
Posted by Phillipa on August 14, 2021, at 18:13:02
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences?, posted by alexandra_k on August 14, 2021, at 1:34:12
Alex this just came in my emails. You were curious as to who is getting the booster vaccines. I copied page three who list conditions. And in the comments section not able to post the doctors from all over the World thought that antibody testing should be added to who gets the booster. See below for page three. Phillipa
CDC Officially Endorses Third Dose of mRNA Vaccines for Immunocompromised
Brenda Goodman, MSAugust 13, 2021
14Read Comments
Added to Email Alerts
Receiving treatment for solid tumors or blood cancersTaking immunosuppressing medications after a solid organ transplant
Within 2 years of receiving CAR-T therapy or a stem cell transplant
Who have primary immunodeficiencies rare genetic disorders that prevent the immune system from working properly
With advanced or untreated HIV
Taking high-dose corticosteroids (more than 20 milligrams of prednisone or its equivalent daily), alkylating agents, antimetabolites, chemotherapy, TNF blockers, or other immunomodulating or immunosuppressing biologics
With certain chronic medical conditions, such as chronic renal disease or asplenia living without a spleen
Receiving dialysis
In discussion, CDC experts clarified that these third doses were not intended for people whose immune function had waned with age, such as elderly residents of long-term care facilities, or people with chronic diseases like diabetes.
The idea is to try to get a third dose of the vaccine they've already had Moderna or Pfizer but if that's not feasible, it's fine for the third dose to be different from what someone has had before. The third dose should be given at least 28 days after a second dose, and, ideally, before the initiation of immunosuppressive therapy.
Participants in the meeting said that the CDC would post updated materials on its website to help guide physicians on exactly who should receive third doses.
Ultimately, however, the extra doses will be given on an honor system; no prescriptions or other kinds of clinical documentation will be required for people to get a third dose of these shots.
Tests to measure neutralizing antibodies are also not recommended before the shots are given because of differences in the types of tests used to measure these antibodies and the difficulty in interpreting them. It's unclear right now what level of neutralizing antibodies is needed for protection.
"Peace of Mind"
In public testimony, Heather Braaten, a 44-year-old being treated for ovarian cancer, said she was grateful to have gotten two shots of the Pfizer vaccine last winter, in between rounds of chemotherapy, but she knew she was probably not well protected. She said she'd become obsessive over the past few months reading medical studies trying to understand her risk."I have felt distraught over the situation. My prognosis is poor. I most likely have about two to three years left to live, so everything counts," Braaten said.
She said her life ambitions were humble. She wants to visit with friends and family and not have to worry that she'll be a breakthrough case. She wants to go grocery shopping again and "not panic and leave the store after five minutes." She'd love to feel free to travel, she said.
"While I understand I still need to be cautious, I am hopeful for the peace of mind and greater freedom a third shot can provide," Braaten said.
More Boosters on the Way?
In the second half of the meeting, the CDC also signaled that it was considering the use of boosters for people whose immunity might have waned in the months since they had completed their vaccine series, particularly seniors. About 75% of people hospitalized with vaccine breakthrough cases are over age 65, according to CDC data.Those considerations are becoming more urgent as the Delta variant continues to pummel less vaccinated states and counties.
In its presentation to the ACIP, Heather Scobie, PhD, MPH, a member of the CDC's COVID Response Team, highlighted data from Canada, Israel, Qatar, and the United Kingdom showing that, while the Pfizer vaccine was still highly effective at preventing hospitalizations and death, it's far less likely when faced with Delta to prevent an infection that causes symptoms.
In Israel, Pfizer's vaccine prevented symptoms an average of 41% of the time. In Qatar, which is also using the Moderna vaccine, Pfizer's prevented symptomatic infections with Delta about 54% of the time compared with 85% with Moderna's.
Scobie noted that Pfizer's waning efficacy may have something to do with the fact that it uses a lower dosage than Moderna's. Pfizer's recommended dosing interval is also shorter 3 weeks compared with 4 weeks for Moderna's. Stretching the time between shots has been shown to boost vaccine effectiveness, she said.
New data from the Mayo clinic, published ahead of peer review, also suggest that Pfizer's protection may be fading more quickly than Moderna's.
In February, both shots were nearly 100% effective at preventing the SARS-CoV-2 infection, but by July, against Delta, Pfizer's efficacy had dropped to somewhere between 13% and 62%, while Moderna's was still effective at preventing infection between 58% and 87% of the time.
In July, Pfizer's was between 24% and 94% effective at preventing hospitalization with a COVID-19 infection and Moderna's was between 33% and 96% effective at preventing hospitalization.
While that may sound like cause for concern, Scobie noted that, as of August 2, severe COVD-19 outcomes after vaccination are still very rare. Among 164 million fully vaccinated people in the United States there have been about 7000 hospitalizations and 1500 deaths; nearly three out of four of these have been in people over the age of 65.
The ACIP will next meet on August 24 to focus solely on the COVID-19 vaccines.
Posted by alexandra_k on August 14, 2021, at 20:44:17
In reply to Re: Who has gotten a Covid Vaccine Experiences? » alexandra_k, posted by Phillipa on August 14, 2021, at 18:13:02
> Tests to measure neutralizing antibodies are also not recommended before the shots are given because of differences in the types of tests used to measure these antibodies and the difficulty in interpreting them. It's unclear right now what level of neutralizing antibodies is needed for protection.
well that is very weird...
This is the end of the thread.
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