COVID-19 Update: Monday, December 21st

Moderna, next round of vaccinations, UK strain,

1. The Moderna vaccine was approved and people should start receiving it today. The Moderna vaccine requires 2 shots spaced 28 days apart. You are NOT immune until 14 days after the second shot. This vaccine has less stringent storage requirements making it more accessible for many people. Thus far there have been no reports of allergic reactions. It is not recommended for pregnant women but was tested on a very diverse group of people (racially, ethnically, and culturally) and was tested on people with a variety of existing health issues (heart disease, lung issues, HIV, etc.) You can read all about the Moderna vaccine in this FDA report: https://www.fda.gov/media/144434/download

2. The next phase of vaccine distribution will most likely be: people aged 75+, teachers, grocery workers, and firefighters. While this is not solidified yet this seems to be the leaning.

3. The new UK strain of the virus has spread outside the UK causing many countries to limit or restrict travel to and from the UK. The new strain is believed to increase the transmissibility of the virus up to 70% - meaning it makes it much easier to spread. So far there is no indication that it is more lethal or that the new strain won't respond to the vaccine - but that is a concern and is being studied. It is not likely that the mutation would be enough to prevent the vaccine from working but we won't know that for sure until we study it.

4. Vaccines for animals are also in development with Russia reporting they have one that is ready. The US is also working on an animal vaccine. You can read more about the current work on animal vaccines in this Science Magazine article: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/12/do-we-need-covid-19-vaccine-pets

FINAL THOUGHTS: People have grown weary, some have given up, others have gotten angry and still others have retreated completely. No matter which category you fall in, it's important to acknowledge where you are and to remember that eventually, this will end and when it does, we will be changed forever. Some of us have lost loved ones to this disease, some have lost friends over mask-wearing and conspiracies. Look around you and see the true toll of this virus because it extends well beyond the illness it imparts. What better time than now to start mending fences where fence-mending is needed or to close and lock doors where they need to be closed. Whichever course of action is best, let's vow to do what needs to be done with grace and love and kindness so that when this is finally over we can be proud of how we handled ourselves and of how we treated our fellow man.