COVID-19 Update: Tuesday, September 21st

J&J booster, 5-11-year-olds -quick update

UPDATED! I have updated with some additional J&J numbers and data that I just got.

1. If you got the J&J vaccine you have probably been wondering about the booster and if you need one. Data was released today that says a second shot at either 2 or 6 months after the first one increases efficacy from around 79% to 94% - so I anticipate that will go to the FDA soon for review. I would expect this one to return with a recommendation for a second shot for those of us who got J&J. I will keep you posted on updates and any changes or new info.

Here is the breakdown and where you can read more. The link takes you to a news brief on it with the info below but it also contains a link to the actual study. This is very good news for those who were wondering if their J&J shot was effective.

"The largest real-world evidence study for a COVID-19 vaccine reported to date in the U.S. demonstrated stable vaccine effectiveness of 79 percent for COVID-19-related infections and 81 percent for COVID-19-related hospitalizations. There was no evidence of reduced effectiveness over the study duration, including when the Delta variant became dominant in the U.S."

And with the booster:

"Booster shot at two months provided 94 percent protection against COVID-19 in the U.S. 100 percent protection against severe/critical COVID-19 – at least 14 days post-final vaccination.

• 75 percent protection against symptomatic (moderate to severe/critical) COVID-19 globally.

• 94 percent protection against symptomatic (moderate to severe/critical) COVID-19 in the U.S.."

2. The vaccine for 5-11-year-olds is effective, per Pfizer. Keep in mind with those under 12 it is about making sure they get the dosing correct. I would anticipate this to move forward and those vaccines to become available by the end of the year. Stay tuned for more on that as well.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Last day of summer, seems like a good day for ice cream.