Can the vaccines help prevent Long Covid?
Long COVID VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: š± Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
January 18, 2022
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT āup-to-dateā on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not āup-to-dateā this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 12, 2022
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines donāt work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
January 3, 2022
š„Breaking News – FDA Amends Pfizer EUAš„!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
The FDA has amended the Pfizer emergency use authorization to: āļø Expand the use of booster doses to kids aged 12-15 years āļø Shorten the recommended time between second and booster dose to 5 months (instead of 6) in those aged 12 years and older āļø Allow kids 5-11 who have certain immunocompromising conditions to Read more…
January 1, 2022
Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
December 30, 2021
š„ Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Yearš„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ā”ļø They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ā”ļø A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
December 23, 2021
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you havenāt gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but havenāt yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
December 21, 2021
Why should we get a booster with the existing COVID vaccine when a new one is in the works for Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Boosters with the original Pfizer and Moderna vaccines increase protection against the omicron variantā¦NOW. A few weeks ago we posted on results from Pfizer showing that: šµ A third dose of the original Pfizer vaccine increased neutralizing antibody titers against the omicron variant by 25-fold, compared to levels seen with only two doses šµ Read more…
December 18, 2021
Can I boost with an mRNA vaccine if I got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes, you can. If you got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally, it wonāt hurt to boost with an mRNA vaccine–and it might help. No one really knows what the BEST combination is at this point, but overall protection is higher for those who do opt for a different brand booster shot. And most important, there Read more…
December 17, 2021
A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
December 9, 2021
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
A: š± Signs point to yes. TL;DR: In a new study, vaccinated people infected with SARS-CoV-2 had the same risk of reporting Long Covid symptoms as *uninfected* people. That is SOME GOOD NEWS!! With Omicron infections piling up even among the vaccinated, we know many are worried about the prospect of Long Covid. Even with Read more…
If I haven’t had a booster shot yet, am I considered unvaccinated?
VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT āup-to-dateā on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not āup-to-dateā this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
January 12, 2022
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines donāt work?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
January 3, 2022
š„Breaking News – FDA Amends Pfizer EUAš„!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
The FDA has amended the Pfizer emergency use authorization to: āļø Expand the use of booster doses to kids aged 12-15 years āļø Shorten the recommended time between second and booster dose to 5 months (instead of 6) in those aged 12 years and older āļø Allow kids 5-11 who have certain immunocompromising conditions to Read more…
January 1, 2022
Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
December 30, 2021
š„ Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Yearš„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ā”ļø They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ā”ļø A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
December 23, 2021
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you havenāt gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but havenāt yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
December 21, 2021
Why should we get a booster with the existing COVID vaccine when a new one is in the works for Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Boosters with the original Pfizer and Moderna vaccines increase protection against the omicron variantā¦NOW. A few weeks ago we posted on results from Pfizer showing that: šµ A third dose of the original Pfizer vaccine increased neutralizing antibody titers against the omicron variant by 25-fold, compared to levels seen with only two doses šµ Read more…
December 18, 2021
Can I boost with an mRNA vaccine if I got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes, you can. If you got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally, it wonāt hurt to boost with an mRNA vaccine–and it might help. No one really knows what the BEST combination is at this point, but overall protection is higher for those who do opt for a different brand booster shot. And most important, there Read more…
December 17, 2021
A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
December 9, 2021
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
A: If you are eligible for a booster shot and haven’t gotten one yet, you are considered NOT āup-to-dateā on your COVID-19 vaccine series. TL; DR If you are not āup-to-dateā this impacts your level of immune protection and it’s also recommended you follow the same quarantine protocol as those who are not vaccinated. Boost Read more…
Everyone I know is getting Omicron. Does this mean the vaccines donāt work?
COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
January 3, 2022
š„Breaking News – FDA Amends Pfizer EUAš„!!
Families/Kids Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
The FDA has amended the Pfizer emergency use authorization to: āļø Expand the use of booster doses to kids aged 12-15 years āļø Shorten the recommended time between second and booster dose to 5 months (instead of 6) in those aged 12 years and older āļø Allow kids 5-11 who have certain immunocompromising conditions to Read more…
January 1, 2022
Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
December 30, 2021
š„ Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Yearš„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ā”ļø They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ā”ļø A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
December 23, 2021
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you havenāt gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but havenāt yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
December 21, 2021
Why should we get a booster with the existing COVID vaccine when a new one is in the works for Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Boosters with the original Pfizer and Moderna vaccines increase protection against the omicron variantā¦NOW. A few weeks ago we posted on results from Pfizer showing that: šµ A third dose of the original Pfizer vaccine increased neutralizing antibody titers against the omicron variant by 25-fold, compared to levels seen with only two doses šµ Read more…
December 18, 2021
Can I boost with an mRNA vaccine if I got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes, you can. If you got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally, it wonāt hurt to boost with an mRNA vaccine–and it might help. No one really knows what the BEST combination is at this point, but overall protection is higher for those who do opt for a different brand booster shot. And most important, there Read more…
December 17, 2021
A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
December 9, 2021
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
A: No. COVID-19 vaccines are still acing their #1 job- preventing serious disease. TL;DR: Omicron is better at infecting people with immunity from vaccination or prior infection. But the vaccines (especially 3 doses) still *reduce* the risk of infection with Omicron, and *dramatically* reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. Vaccination is still the best Read more…
š„Breaking News – FDA Amends Pfizer EUAš„!!
Families/Kids VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
The FDA has amended the Pfizer emergency use authorization to: āļø Expand the use of booster doses to kids aged 12-15 years āļø Shorten the recommended time between second and booster dose to 5 months (instead of 6) in those aged 12 years and older āļø Allow kids 5-11 who have certain immunocompromising conditions to Read more…
January 1, 2022
Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community!
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
December 30, 2021
š„ Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Yearš„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ā”ļø They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ā”ļø A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
December 23, 2021
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you havenāt gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but havenāt yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
December 21, 2021
Why should we get a booster with the existing COVID vaccine when a new one is in the works for Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Boosters with the original Pfizer and Moderna vaccines increase protection against the omicron variantā¦NOW. A few weeks ago we posted on results from Pfizer showing that: šµ A third dose of the original Pfizer vaccine increased neutralizing antibody titers against the omicron variant by 25-fold, compared to levels seen with only two doses šµ Read more…
December 18, 2021
Can I boost with an mRNA vaccine if I got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes, you can. If you got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally, it wonāt hurt to boost with an mRNA vaccine–and it might help. No one really knows what the BEST combination is at this point, but overall protection is higher for those who do opt for a different brand booster shot. And most important, there Read more…
December 17, 2021
A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
December 9, 2021
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
The FDA has amended the Pfizer emergency use authorization to: āļø Expand the use of booster doses to kids aged 12-15 years āļø Shorten the recommended time between second and booster dose to 5 months (instead of 6) in those aged 12 years and older āļø Allow kids 5-11 who have certain immunocompromising conditions to Read more…
Happy, happy New Year to our Dear Pandemic community!
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
December 30, 2021
š„ Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Yearš„
Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ā”ļø They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ā”ļø A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
December 23, 2021
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you havenāt gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but havenāt yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
December 21, 2021
Why should we get a booster with the existing COVID vaccine when a new one is in the works for Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Boosters with the original Pfizer and Moderna vaccines increase protection against the omicron variantā¦NOW. A few weeks ago we posted on results from Pfizer showing that: šµ A third dose of the original Pfizer vaccine increased neutralizing antibody titers against the omicron variant by 25-fold, compared to levels seen with only two doses šµ Read more…
December 18, 2021
Can I boost with an mRNA vaccine if I got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes, you can. If you got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally, it wonāt hurt to boost with an mRNA vaccine–and it might help. No one really knows what the BEST combination is at this point, but overall protection is higher for those who do opt for a different brand booster shot. And most important, there Read more…
December 17, 2021
A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
December 9, 2021
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Our path through this pandemic may not be linear, but we’re staying right here with you to help absorb all the twists and turns. They say we often overestimate what we can get done in a day, but underestimate what we can accomplish in a year. As we strain to see through this current Omicron Read more…
š„ Some GOOD breaking news to ring in the New Yearš„
VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ā”ļø They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ā”ļø A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
December 23, 2021
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you havenāt gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but havenāt yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
December 21, 2021
Why should we get a booster with the existing COVID vaccine when a new one is in the works for Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Boosters with the original Pfizer and Moderna vaccines increase protection against the omicron variantā¦NOW. A few weeks ago we posted on results from Pfizer showing that: šµ A third dose of the original Pfizer vaccine increased neutralizing antibody titers against the omicron variant by 25-fold, compared to levels seen with only two doses šµ Read more…
December 18, 2021
Can I boost with an mRNA vaccine if I got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes, you can. If you got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally, it wonāt hurt to boost with an mRNA vaccine–and it might help. No one really knows what the BEST combination is at this point, but overall protection is higher for those who do opt for a different brand booster shot. And most important, there Read more…
December 17, 2021
A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
December 9, 2021
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
ā”ļø The U.S. Food and Drug Administration plans to extend eligibility for boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to to 12- to 15-year-olds. ā”ļø They also plan to reduce the minimum wait time for 3rd doses from 6 months to 5 months after the 2nd dose. ā”ļø A booster shot is also expected to be authorized Read more…
News Alert! The CDC now recommends mRNA vaccines over the Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine.
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you havenāt gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but havenāt yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
December 21, 2021
Why should we get a booster with the existing COVID vaccine when a new one is in the works for Omicron?
COVID Variants Vaccines
Amanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Boosters with the original Pfizer and Moderna vaccines increase protection against the omicron variantā¦NOW. A few weeks ago we posted on results from Pfizer showing that: šµ A third dose of the original Pfizer vaccine increased neutralizing antibody titers against the omicron variant by 25-fold, compared to levels seen with only two doses šµ Read more…
December 18, 2021
Can I boost with an mRNA vaccine if I got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes, you can. If you got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally, it wonāt hurt to boost with an mRNA vaccine–and it might help. No one really knows what the BEST combination is at this point, but overall protection is higher for those who do opt for a different brand booster shot. And most important, there Read more…
December 17, 2021
A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
December 9, 2021
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
TL;DR: The Janssen vaccine is still definitely better than no vaccine at all, but the mRNA vaccine appears to be safer and more effective. If you havenāt gotten your first vaccine yet, Pfizer or Moderna is preferred. If you already got the first Janssen shot but havenāt yet got your booster, the mRNA is recommended Read more…
Why should we get a booster with the existing COVID vaccine when a new one is in the works for Omicron?
COVID Variants VaccinesAmanda Simanek, PhD MPH
A: Boosters with the original Pfizer and Moderna vaccines increase protection against the omicron variantā¦NOW. A few weeks ago we posted on results from Pfizer showing that: šµ A third dose of the original Pfizer vaccine increased neutralizing antibody titers against the omicron variant by 25-fold, compared to levels seen with only two doses šµ Read more…
December 18, 2021
Can I boost with an mRNA vaccine if I got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally?
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes, you can. If you got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally, it wonāt hurt to boost with an mRNA vaccine–and it might help. No one really knows what the BEST combination is at this point, but overall protection is higher for those who do opt for a different brand booster shot. And most important, there Read more…
December 17, 2021
A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
December 9, 2021
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
A: Boosters with the original Pfizer and Moderna vaccines increase protection against the omicron variantā¦NOW. A few weeks ago we posted on results from Pfizer showing that: šµ A third dose of the original Pfizer vaccine increased neutralizing antibody titers against the omicron variant by 25-fold, compared to levels seen with only two doses šµ Read more…
Can I boost with an mRNA vaccine if I got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally?
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
A: Yes, you can. If you got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally, it wonāt hurt to boost with an mRNA vaccine–and it might help. No one really knows what the BEST combination is at this point, but overall protection is higher for those who do opt for a different brand booster shot. And most important, there Read more…
December 17, 2021
A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
December 9, 2021
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
A: Yes, you can. If you got Sinovac or Sinopharm originally, it wonāt hurt to boost with an mRNA vaccine–and it might help. No one really knows what the BEST combination is at this point, but overall protection is higher for those who do opt for a different brand booster shot. And most important, there Read more…
A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
December 9, 2021
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
Vaccines
Malia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
š„Breaking News Fridayš„ TL:DR: A slight delay to Pfizer’s vaccine trial for <5 year olds: The trial is adding a 3rd dose to boost immune response, and now expects submission of data āin the first half of 2022.ā The vaccine news the past 12 months has mostly been WAY better than expected. Today the news Read more…
Vaccines arenāt perfect, but theyāre very good.
VaccinesMalia Jones, PhD MPH
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
December 9, 2021
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
Recent detailed data from Malaysia shows deaths among the non-vaccinated were 10 times higher than for people who were fully vaccinated. The researchers looked closely at the 1,956 Malaysians who were fully vaccinated and yet died of COVID-19. Risk of death was higher for those who were older, male, or had health conditions like obesity, Read more…
FDA Expands Booster EUA to 16-17 Year Olds
Families/Kids VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
December 9, 2021
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
Vaccines
Sarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
ā”ļø The FDA just approved expansion of the booster EUA for Pfizer/BioNTech to 16-17 year olds, expected to be signed off by CDC Director Rochelle Walensky later today. Link to Original FB Post
How long do I need to wait after getting COVID-19 to get my first vaccine series or my booster?
VaccinesSarah Whitley Coles, MD
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
December 8, 2021
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
A: For both children and adults, COVID-19 vaccines can be given any time after they are feeling better and are no longer contagious. Two big exceptions: People treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies OR children who had multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C) need to wait at least 90 days. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone in Read more…
OMICRON AND PFIZER/BIONTECH
COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
December 7, 2021
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants Vaccines
Jennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
The trickle of Omicron data is quickly becoming a fountain ā². On the heels of yesterdayās Omicron studies, (see summary here)Ā Pfizer today released data showing strong neutralization of Omicron after 3 doses of its vaccine, but a significant reduction for 2 doses. Highlights: ā”ļø 2 doses showed significantly reduced neutralization titers against Omicron. ā”ļø A Read more…
THIS JUST IN: Preliminary Omicron neutralizing antibody study
COVID Variants VaccinesJennifer Beam Dowd, PhD
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…
ā¬ļø TL;DR: IN A LAB DISH (so NOT in real life), antibodies from vaccinated individuals (two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech), were significantly less effective at neutralizing Omicron compared to the original variantāabout a 20-40-fold reduction in neutralization. While this is substantially more loss of neutralization than previous variantsā¦this does NOT tell us how well the vaccines Read more…