COVID-19 Update, Friday January 22nd

COVAX, Brazillian variant, CDC vaccine recommendations and Bamlanivimab.

There is so much going on with COVID and the vaccines right now I decided to focus on just a few things that I think are valuable to know and may not get a ton of media attention.

1. The US has announced they will join covax. Remember covax? It is a group of 170 countries that are working together to assure that low-income countries have equitable access to the vaccines. Previously we had opted not to be part of that effort.

2. The Brazillian variant (which is similar but not identical to the SA variant) is suspected of increasing the number of covid reinfections in Brazil. The variant seems to target the "region of the virus that binds to human cells and antibodies, which decreases some antibodies’ ability to recognize and neutralize the virus" the issue here is of course that more people who had COVID would get it again. This is being studied to determine if this is indeed what is behind the reinfections.

3. The CDC has updated their vaccine recommendations. Here are a few notable updates: a)They now said it is ok to wait 6 weeks between doses if necessary. They prefer you get your second dose on time but do acknowledge that if needed you can do it up to 6 weeks later. b)They also weighed in that mixing the two vaccines is not a good idea. I.e. getting a first dose of one (Pfizer or Moderna) and then a second dose of the other one. c) Also, for those who realize they need to get other vaccines too (hello shingles) you should not do them at the same time as the COVID vaccine. Start and complete one series before starting whatever other vaccines you are considering. d) If you had COVID and are recovered you can safely get vaccinated. However, if you currently have COVID you should wait. If you had COVID and are now a long-hauler discuss options specific to you with your doctor. You can read more about these and other recommendations at this link, including recommendations for those with autoimmune conditions, immunocompromised, underlying health conditions and more https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html In related news, people's willingness to get the vaccines is on the rise.

4. Bamlanivimab, a monoclonal antibody drug manufactured by Eli Lilly and Co., seems to prevent severe COVID among nursing home residents and in some cases it seems to prevent symptoms from developing at all. It is not a long-term solution (such as a vaccine) but it has proven effective at protecting the population while they await vaccination. This could be a nice gap-stop for those communities or for the most vulnerable populations who cannot be vaccinated. You can read the study here: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2775647?guestAccessKey=f564f939-156f-4a6f-a90a-d30662980829&utm_source=silverchair&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=article_alert-jama&utm_content=olf&utm_term=012121

FINAL THOUGHTS: It's Friday!! I want to offer my standard Friday reminder to take time away from all the madness. Don't click on those headlines designed to incite. Just give yourself a break from it all. I plan to build a fire tonight because it is stupid cold here and sit under a cozy blanket drinking a hot cup of tea. Do whatever you need to to care for yourself and those around you so you are prepared for next week. Because light never seems quite so bright as when it pierces the darkness. Be the light.

Here are a couple of graphs to give you a little hope.