Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #111

[weepingangel]

Covid vaccines at care homes as BA.2.86 variant spreading - BBC News

Jabs are being given faster than planned in England, with adults aged 65+ among those eligible.

www.bbc.com

 

[otto]

Covid vaccines at care homes as BA.2.86 variant spreading - BBC News

Jabs are being given faster than planned in England, with adults aged 65+ among those eligible.

www.bbc.com

I'm in Canada. I contacted the local health services department to ask when Moderna shots and appropriate boosters are available. I was told "in the Fall." When I pointed out that is 10 days from now, the call disconnected.

In some Canadian provinces, only Pfizer COVID booster shots have been available for more than 6 months, and the shots address outdated strains/variants.

I have read that the Moderna shot works for the latest variant.

 

[otto]

Covid vaccines at care homes as BA.2.86 variant spreading - BBC News

Jabs are being given faster than planned in England, with adults aged 65+ among those eligible.

www.bbc.com

Prior exposure to covid (illness or vaccine) increases risk with the new variant, but people who have been inoculated or ill have immune defence build-up? It's a contradiction.

"Several Covid vaccines are being used across the UK, including ones made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Sanofi/GSK. All of them have been updated to make sure they more closely match recent new variants of Covid.

People are advised to take whichever brand they are offered, as all protect against severe illness or death.

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective. Some people may still get coronavirus despite having a vaccine, but any illness should be less severe."​

same link

"Moderna on Wednesday said clinical trial data showed ... its shot generated an 8.7-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies in humans against BA.2.86, which is being tracked by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
...

The CDC has previously indicated that BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who previously had COVID or were vaccinated with previous shots.
...

While it is important to monitor the variant, several experts told Reuters it is unlikely to cause a wave of severe disease and death because of immune defenses built up worldwide from mass vaccination and prior infection."​

CTV News

 

[Gemmie]

Prior exposure to covid (illness or vaccine) increases risk with the new variant, but people who have been inoculated or ill have immune defence build-up? It's a contradiction.

"Several Covid vaccines are being used across the UK, including ones made by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Sanofi/GSK. All of them have been updated to make sure they more closely match recent new variants of Covid.​

​

People are advised to take whichever brand they are offered, as all protect against severe illness or death.​

​

Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective. Some people may still get coronavirus despite having a vaccine, but any illness should be less severe."​

same link

"Moderna on Wednesday said clinical trial data showed ... its shot generated an 8.7-fold increase in neutralizing antibodies in humans against BA.2.86, which is being tracked by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).​

...​

​

The CDC has previously indicated that BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who previously had COVID or were vaccinated with previous shots.​

...​

​

While it is important to monitor the variant, several experts told Reuters it is unlikely to cause a wave of severe disease and death because of immune defenses built up worldwide from mass vaccination and prior infection."​

CTV News

Since I wanted to see if the CDC actually said that, as opposed to MSM getting it wrong (since I've seen a fair amount of that from time to time on various topics), I went directly to the source (CDC). Appears they said exactly that.

BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection in people who have previously had COVID-19 or who have received COVID-19 vaccines.

Risk Assessment Summary for SARS CoV-2 Sublineage BA.2.86 | CDC

Read the risk assessment CDC prepared about the new COVID-19 Variant BA2.86 being tracked.

www.cdc.gov

And from the same link above. It appears to be why I thought BA.2.86 may be more capable of causing infection (its mutations).

Viral Genomics: BA.2.86 is a newly designated variant of SARS-CoV-2 that has a number of additional mutations compared with previously detected Omicron variants. Specifically, the genetic sequence of BA.2.86 has changes that represent over 30 amino acid differences compared with BA.2, which was the dominant Omicron lineage in early 2022. BA.2.86 also has >35 amino acid changes compared with the more recently circulating XBB.1.5, which was dominant through most of 2023. This number of genetic differences is roughly of the same magnitude as seen between the initial Omicron variant (BA.1) and previous variants, such as Delta (B.1.617.2).

Immune Impacts: The large number of mutations in this variant raises concerns of greater escape from existing immunity from vaccines and previous infections compared with other recent variants. For example, one analysis of mutations suggests the difference may be as large as or greater than that between BA.2 and XBB.1.5, which circulated nearly a year apart. However, virus samples are not yet broadly available for more reliable laboratory testing of antibodies, and it is too soon to know the real-world impacts on immunity. Nearly all the U.S. population has antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from vaccination, previous infection, or both, and it is likely that these antibodies will continue to provide some protection against severe disease from this variant. This is an area of ongoing scientific investigation.

 

[Seni]

I have Covid again now. Not as bad as the first go around, but still. Alls I’ve done is sleep and taken Tylenol. Bones ache that I didn’t know I had! So I guess it’s just the flu shot for me when I’m over this.

Sympathise Stunned, Also had my first Covid and felt lousy, bone ache and everything ache eyes, ears, head, loss of appetite, nausea. Its been three weeks. Better but no energy and I look like like a ghost!

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

FDA clears new Covid boosters: 5 things to know

The new shots are formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant.

www.nbcnews.com

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday greenlighted updated Covid boosters from Pfizer and Moderna. The shots, which are formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant, are expected to be available later this week, after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signs off.

Anyone age 5 and older can get an updated booster shot from either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, regardless of whether they were previously vaccinated, the FDA said in a statement. People who have been vaccinated should wait at least two months before getting the updated booster.

The boosters come as Covid cases are rising in the U.S., driven by a slew of subvariants. Officials hope that the boosters can blunt a possible spike in winter illness.

Here’s what to know about the new shots...

 

[Stunned]

Sympathise Stunned, Also had my first Covid and felt lousy, bone ache and everything ache eyes, ears, head, loss of appetite, nausea. Its been three weeks. Better but no energy and I look like like a ghost!

Yup, that would be it. At least it has not tried to go to my lungs this time. Fingers crossed!

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

FDA clears new Covid boosters: 5 things to know

The new shots are formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant.

www.nbcnews.com

How much will it cost?​

For the first time since the vaccines became available, the federal government will not cover the cost of the shots.

Pfizer and Moderna have said they are pricing each vaccine dose at over $100.

Jennifer Kates, director of the Global Health & HIV Policy Program at the nonprofit KFF, said most people with private and public health insurance should continue to pay nothing out of pocket for the boosters — as long as they stick with an in-network provider.

“If you go out of network, you might have some cost, just like with any other service,” she said.

People who don’t have insurance — an estimated 30 million in the U.S. — should be able to get a booster for free at community health centers. Additionally, the Biden administration is also rolling out a “bridge” program that will offer uninsured people access to free boosters at least through the end of 2024. Those who don’t know or don’t have access to these resources may have to pay out of pocket, she said...

 

[Sundog]

FDA clears new Covid boosters: 5 things to know

The new shots are formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant.

www.nbcnews.com

The Food and Drug Administration on Monday greenlighted updated Covid boosters from Pfizer and Moderna. The shots, which are formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant, are expected to be available later this week, after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention signs off.

Anyone age 5 and older can get an updated booster shot from either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, regardless of whether they were previously vaccinated, the FDA said in a statement. People who have been vaccinated should wait at least two months before getting the updated booster.

The boosters come as Covid cases are rising in the U.S., driven by a slew of subvariants. Officials hope that the boosters can blunt a possible spike in winter illness.

Here’s what to know about the new shots...

So this article is saying that most people will not need another vaccine against Covid-19 until fall 2024, if they get the booster/vaccine shot this fall. So it will be like the flu shot, it sounds like, for most people. Except for people over 65 and those who are immunocompromised and these people might need another booster in a few months.

Most healthy people will likely only need one booster until fall 2024, said Dr. Ofer Levy, the director of the Precision Vaccines Program at Boston Children’s Hospital and a member of the FDA’s advisory committee.

Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and another member of the FDA’s advisory committee, said it’s possible people at high risk for severe disease such as older adults or who are immunocompromised may be advised to get an additional dose in a few months.

“All of those people share one thing in common: They don’t make very good immune responses,” he said.

 

[Betty P]

FDA clears new Covid boosters: 5 things to know

The new shots are formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant.

www.nbcnews.com

How much will it cost?​

For the first time since the vaccines became available, the federal government will not cover the cost of the shots.

Pfizer and Moderna have said they are pricing each vaccine dose at over $100.

Jennifer Kates, director of the Global Health & HIV Policy Program at the nonprofit KFF, said most people with private and public health insurance should continue to pay nothing out of pocket for the boosters — as long as they stick with an in-network provider.

“If you go out of network, you might have some cost, just like with any other service,” she said.

People who don’t have insurance — an estimated 30 million in the U.S. — should be able to get a booster for free at community health centers. Additionally, the Biden administration is also rolling out a “bridge” program that will offer uninsured people access to free boosters at least through the end of 2024. Those who don’t know or don’t have access to these resources may have to pay out of pocket, she said...

What about those who are uninsured? People between jobs, people whose employers don't provide health insurance and who don't earn enough money to buy insurance on the open market? In Europe, this isn't an issue. Everyone has health insurance from cradle to grave in most European countries.

 

[Gemmie]

What about those who are uninsured? People between jobs, people whose employers don't provide health insurance and who don't earn enough money to buy insurance on the open market? In Europe, this isn't an issue. Everyone has health insurance from cradle to grave in most European countries.

People who don’t have insurance — an estimated 30 million in the U.S. — should be able to get a booster for free at community health centers. Additionally, the Biden administration is also rolling out a “bridge” program that will offer uninsured people access to free boosters at least through the end of 2024. Those who don’t know or don’t have access to these resources may have to pay out of pocket, she said.

FDA clears new Covid boosters: 5 things to know

The new shots are formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant.

www.nbcnews.com

 

[Betty P]

People who don’t have insurance — an estimated 30 million in the U.S. — should be able to get a booster for free at community health centers. Additionally, the Biden administration is also rolling out a “bridge” program that will offer uninsured people access to free boosters at least through the end of 2024. Those who don’t know or don’t have access to these resources may have to pay out of pocket, she said.

FDA clears new Covid boosters: 5 things to know

The new shots are formulated to target the XBB.1.5 subvariant.

www.nbcnews.com

Sadly, a lot of people don't have community health centers nearby. I'm a supporter of single payer Medicare for All for this reason, among others. JMO

 

[Gemmie]

It's official!

The US Food and Drug Administration gave the green light Monday to updated Covid-19 vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech amid rising cases and hospitalizations.

[...]

The updated Covid-19 vaccines, given in a single dose, “will be available to everyone who needs it, and it most likely will be available at no cost for the foreseeable future,” said Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive officer of the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/11/health/fda-signs-off-on-updated-covid-19-vaccines/index.html

Gemmie here - We shall see if they end up free for the foreseeable future, or charged as has been posted upthread.

 

[Gemmie]

I found this an interesting article.

Covid apathy and fatigue are real. Here’s how to cope​

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/07/health/covid-apathy-wellness/index.html

 

[killarney rose]

I found this an interesting article.

Covid apathy and fatigue are real. Here’s how to cope​

https://www.cnn.com/2023/09/07/health/covid-apathy-wellness/index.html

It’s real for sure! I’m so over it and just plan to be careful within reason. Will probably get the shot when it’s available.

 

[Niner]

What about those who are uninsured? People between jobs, people whose employers don't provide health insurance and who don't earn enough money to buy insurance on the open market? In Europe, this isn't an issue. Everyone has health insurance from cradle to grave in most European countries.

I have dual citizenship - U.S./Latvia - so I automatically am covered with insurance here since I am "old" & on a pension (Soc.Sec). MediCare was not available to me here-they do not cover you if you live in another country.

Next time I am near my doctor's I will have to ask if they have this new booster.

 

[IceIce9]

It was announced on the local news today that the new COVID vaccines will be available at doctors offices and clinics beginning tomorrow. But they stressed that there are no free COVID clinics do you must make an appointment and bring your insurance card.

 

[otto]

I'm confused. The current variant circulating is BA.2.86, which has 30 mutations from XBB.1.5. Canada has approved the XBB.1.5 vaccine for the Fall, stating that it triggers an immune response to Omicron.

We also know that the vaccine or prior illness increases risk, and now Canadians are offered a free vaccine that does not target the latest variant. My impression is that no one knows what is going on, there is no vaccine for the current variant, but older vaccines might somewhat help.

"Compared to the earlier BA.2 and XBB.1.5 subvariants of Omicron, BA.2.86 shows more than 30 mutations in the spike protein responsible for target cell attachment and most of the primary antibody response to the virus."​

BA.2.86 Omicron variant: Is our immunity under siege?

A new preprint posted to the bioRxiv server discusses whether this variant shows neutralization escape.

www.news-medical.net

Published Sept. 12, 2023
"Health Canada has approved the use of Moderna's Spikevax XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine for all Canadians over the age of six months.
...

Tam said preliminary clinical data has shown the XBB.1.5 vaccine triggers an immune response against several Omicron sublineages, including EG.5 and BA.2.86."​

Health Canada approves updated Moderna XBB.1.5 COVID vaccine

Health Canada has approved the use of Moderna's Spikevax XBB.1.5 COVID-19 vaccine for all Canadians over the age of six months.

www.ctvnews.ca

 

[dmac55]

“Virtually all Americans should get an updated coronavirus shot, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended Tuesday, with vaccine expected to become available within 48 hours — as the respiratory illness season looms.”

“Mandy Cohen, director of the CDC, advised that anyone 6 months and older should get at least one dose of an updated shot.”

“Cohen said the reformulated vaccines can restore protection and provide “enhanced protection” against variants currently responsible for most infections and hospitalizations in the United States.”

CDC recommends updated covid shots, paving the way for vaccine this week - The Washington Post
CDC recommends updated covid shots, paving the way for vaccine this week — The Washington Post

<modsnip>

 

[Sundog]

I found this article helpful in providing details of the current booster/vaccine for fall 2023 and the information on its effectiveness in relation to the currently circulating variants of covid-19.

FDA OKs Updated COVID Shots

New single-strain vaccines will exclusively target the XBB.1.5 Omicron subvariant

www.medpagetoday.com

edited to remove info on RSV vaccine, as this article doesn't address RSV at all