Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #112

[Inthedetails]

dbm

 

[Inthedetails]

The topic of COVID is expected to be brought up today when the Secretary of Health and Human Services testifies on the adminstration's health-care agenda to the Senate Finance Committee. The scheduled time is Sept 4, 10am Eastern. The hearing will be streamed on youtube.

jmopinion

 

[IceIce9]

I have been working in Kentucky, and parents here have been unable to find a place to get Covid vaccination for their kids. The pharmacies that have Covid vaccine available are refusing to give to children as they say it’s only approved for age 65 and over now.

 

[Gemmie]

I have been working in Kentucky, and parents here have been unable to find a place to get Covid vaccination for their kids. The pharmacies that have Covid vaccine available are refusing to give to children as they say it’s only approved for age 65 and over now.

Keep in mind that it's too early. A lot of pharmacies are waiting for the CDC to make a decision (posted about above). THEN they will know who they are allowing to get a vaccine, but they (most all) aren't offering them until that decision gets made. You're lucky if you can find one before that decision which should be in the next few weeks if all goes well.

 

[Gemmie]

Surprised that the West Coast (WA, OR & CA) aren't doing this! Either way, it's good to hear. CO and MA are the other 2 states.

Amid confusion in some states over whether pharmacies can provide COVID shots to residents before they are recommended by a federal vaccine advisory group, several states are taking steps to ensure access.

Among them is Pennsylvania, where the State Board of Pharmacy yesterday voted to allow pharmacists in the state to follow the vaccine recommendations of other "trusted authorities," including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Three states take steps to ensure COVID vaccine access

www.cidrap.umn.edu

 

[Inthedetails]

Surprised that the West Coast (WA, OR & CA) aren't doing this! Either way, it's good to hear. CO and MA are the other 2 states.

Amid confusion in some states over whether pharmacies can provide COVID shots to residents before they are recommended by a federal vaccine advisory group, several states are taking steps to ensure access.

Among them is Pennsylvania, where the State Board of Pharmacy yesterday voted to allow pharmacists in the state to follow the vaccine recommendations of other "trusted authorities," including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Three states take steps to ensure COVID vaccine access

www.cidrap.umn.edu

Come on, New York! Join in this sensible action. (I'm in NY so have vested interest!)

 

[gremlin444]

Surprised that the West Coast (WA, OR & CA) aren't doing this! Either way, it's good to hear. CO and MA are the other 2 states.

Amid confusion in some states over whether pharmacies can provide COVID shots to residents before they are recommended by a federal vaccine advisory group, several states are taking steps to ensure access.

Among them is Pennsylvania, where the State Board of Pharmacy yesterday voted to allow pharmacists in the state to follow the vaccine recommendations of other "trusted authorities," including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Three states take steps to ensure COVID vaccine access

www.cidrap.umn.edu

I'm honestly surprised that my governor, Pritzker (IL), hasn't done this yet...but I suspect he's been quite busy this week dealing with other fun surprises. But considering that this is the man who literally secretly had masks and gowns flown over from China in 2020 and then delivered under guard to different state health organizations, I'm sure he will do similar as soon as he is able to.

 

[Sundog]

I'm honestly surprised that my governor, Pritzker (IL), hasn't done this yet...but I suspect he's been quite busy this week dealing with other fun surprises. But considering that this is the man who literally secretly had masks and gowns flown over from China in 2020 and then delivered under guard to different state health organizations, I'm sure he will do similar as soon as he is able to.

I don't think we'll be doing this in Ohio. Our Governor handled the Covid situation very well in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, but wasn't overly prescriptive of how individuals should deal with it beyond the few weeks "to stop the spread." I think he'll be fine with the vaccine availability for those who are most vulnerable such as seniors and immuno-comprimised individuals of other ages. With regard to women who are pregnant, I think that will be a decision between the doctor and patient without interference from the government. JMO.

 

[Smelly Squirrel]

Surprised that the West Coast (WA, OR & CA) aren't doing this! Either way, it's good to hear. CO and MA are the other 2 states.

Amid confusion in some states over whether pharmacies can provide COVID shots to residents before they are recommended by a federal vaccine advisory group, several states are taking steps to ensure access.

Among them is Pennsylvania, where the State Board of Pharmacy yesterday voted to allow pharmacists in the state to follow the vaccine recommendations of other "trusted authorities," including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Three states take steps to ensure COVID vaccine access

www.cidrap.umn.edu

West Coast governors form health alliance to ensure vaccine access

It is unclear at this time if the alliance will distribute COVID-19 vaccines.

www.cidrap.umn.edu

The alliance said they will be safeguarding scientific expertise by ensuring that public health policies in California, Oregon, and Washington are informed by trusted scientists, clinicians, and other public health leaders, per the press statement.

 

[Betty P]

I don't think we'll be doing this in Ohio. Our Governor handled the Covid situation very well in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, but wasn't overly prescriptive of how individuals should deal with it beyond the few weeks "to stop the spread." I think he'll be fine with the vaccine availability for those who are most vulnerable such as seniors and immuno-comprimised individuals of other ages. With regard to women who are pregnant, I think that will be a decision between the doctor and patient without interference from the government. JMO.

I’m not sure what he will do. These days he pretty much goes along with the president’s wishes, or what JD Vance recommends. I’m not sure he really cares much this time. They seem to have a lot of other projects underway in Ohio.

Two of or local chain pharmacies have both COVID boosters in stock.

 

[Lilibet]

Hawaii has joined the west coast alliance…

California, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii form health alliance in response to CDC changes on vaccine guidance

California, Oregon, Washington and Hawaii announced the formation of a health alliance to guide residents on vaccines and immunizations because of what a joint statement called "the politicization of science" by the federal government.

www.cbsnews.com

 

[Sundog]

I’m not sure what he will do. These days he pretty much goes along with the president’s wishes, or what JD Vance recommends. I’m not sure he really cares much this time. They seem to have a lot of other projects underway in Ohio.

Two of or local chain pharmacies have both COVID boosters in stock.

I think he'll pretty much do what he has done for the last five years with regard to Covid, which is to make sure that seniors and immuno-compromised get the care they need, and then leave it up to parents to decide what is best for their children. The Governor is not a follower, he is his own person and is comfortable with that. Regardless of who is in the White House, he's always been that way.

 

[Inthedetails]

New York is making some moves (slowly, imo). bbm

New York lawmakers are pushing to broaden access to COVID-19 vaccines as President Donald Trump’s administration adds new restrictions. ...

The state lawmakers say they want New Yorkers to be able to easily access vaccines at pharmacies and doctors’ offices and can no longer trust the federal government to act based on medical science. Lawmakers want the state health department to proffer rules on vaccine eligibility, setting up a state-level system on a matter that has been handled by the federal government for decades.

As RFK steers US away from vaccines, NY weighs setting its own policies

Legislators have introduced bills to reduce the state’s reliance on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

gothamist.com

 

[Inthedetails]

New York is making some moves (slowly, imo). bbm

New York lawmakers are pushing to broaden access to COVID-19 vaccines as President Donald Trump’s administration adds new restrictions. ...

The state lawmakers say they want New Yorkers to be able to easily access vaccines at pharmacies and doctors’ offices and can no longer trust the federal government to act based on medical science. Lawmakers want the state health department to proffer rules on vaccine eligibility, setting up a state-level system on a matter that has been handled by the federal government for decades.

As RFK steers US away from vaccines, NY weighs setting its own policies

Legislators have introduced bills to reduce the state’s reliance on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

gothamist.com

Update! Thank you, Governor!! bbm:

In the face of attacks on science and healthcare from the federal government, Governor Kathy Hochul today is taking steps to protect vaccine access across New York State. With the availability of COVID shots under imminent threat, the Governor today signed an Executive Order that will allow pharmacists to administer COVID vaccines, providing access for all New Yorkers who wish to be vaccinated. The Executive Order will be in place for at least 30 days while a long-term legislative solution is developed to address access to all vaccines in order to combat the Trump Administration’s misguided attack on immunization and healthcare.

Governor Hochul Signs Executive Order Expanding Access to Vaccines Amid Uncertainty in Washington

In the face of attacks on science and healthcare from the federal government, Governor Hochul is taking steps to protect vaccine access across New York State.

www.governor.ny.gov

 

[Tricia]

New York is making some moves (slowly, imo). bbm

New York lawmakers are pushing to broaden access to COVID-19 vaccines as President Donald Trump’s administration adds new restrictions. ...

The state lawmakers say they want New Yorkers to be able to easily access vaccines at pharmacies and doctors’ offices and can no longer trust the federal government to act based on medical science. Lawmakers want the state health department to proffer rules on vaccine eligibility, setting up a state-level system on a matter that has been handled by the federal government for decades.

As RFK steers US away from vaccines, NY weighs setting its own policies

Legislators have introduced bills to reduce the state’s reliance on the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

gothamist.com

This is now an approved source

 

[IceIce9]

I don't think we'll be doing this in Ohio. Our Governor handled the Covid situation very well in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, but wasn't overly prescriptive of how individuals should deal with it beyond the few weeks "to stop the spread." I think he'll be fine with the vaccine availability for those who are most vulnerable such as seniors and immuno-comprimised individuals of other ages. With regard to women who are pregnant, I think that will be a decision between the doctor and patient without interference from the government. JMO.

I remember in the early weeks of COVID Ohio’s health director Amy Acton gave daily reports every afternoon. These reports were covered live on the radio. Governor DeWine and Kentucky Governor Beshear gave daily reports as well.

Ohio was one of the first states to shut down the schools.

 

[Stunned]

Some people have forgotten just how serious COVID was and how scary and careless some elected officials were.

 

[Inthedetails]

Perhaps there is some hope the vaccine restrictions will be not be put into effect nationwide after all?

on-topic references bbm

A day after senators of both parties rebuked his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., for restricting access to Covid vaccines at a congressional hearing, President Donald Trump praised them [covid vaccines], along with some other shots, during an Oval Office event.

“A lot of people think that Covid is amazing,” Trump said, referencing the vaccine, not the disease....

On Monday, Trump asked drug companies to justify the success of their Covid vaccines with more efficacy data. Moderna, Novavax and Pfizer responded quickly with evidence they said demonstrated the shots saved lives.

https://www.politico.com/news/2025/09/05/trump-is-back-to-touting-his-covid-shot-00548433

 

[Mo Thuairim]

Meanwhile in Ireland... We still have a national vaccination programme here. I get my free Covid vaccine every year but I know very few other people my age (40s) who do. But most older people I know are pretty good about getting it. It's a shame so many vaccines are going to waste, though.

As millions of euro of Covid vaccines are dumped, what do the experts say about the virus and future of the jab?

The strains are less potent – for now – but some are more at risk than others

Millions of euro worth of Covid vaccines will be thrown out by the HSE [Health Service Executive] again this year, posing major concern at a time when so many health services are in serious financial need.

Expired Covid vaccines worth around €11m were dumped last year, with another €64.5m discarded in 2023.

With the vaccine being rolled out again this winter, is the post-pandemic approach too expensive?

Uptake of the vaccine is expected to be well below target, mostly due to apathy, with conspiracy theories and false claims also having some influence.

[...]

While the numbers of Covid-related hospitalisations and deaths are dramatically down from the worst days of the pandemic, some people are still falling very ill after catching the virus.

The experts have given their overview on what the risk is now from Covid and who would most benefit from the Covid jab, nearly six years after the start of the pandemic.

Last winter, vaccine uptake was highest among older people – reaching 61.5pc in those aged 80 years and over, compared to 27.7pc among people aged 60-69 years.

But it was relatively low among healthcare workers, at 9.1pc and pregnant women, at 6.3pc.

“Advanced age remains the leading risk factor for Covid-19 hospitalisation and severe disease,” the experts said.

“Covid-19 vaccination continues to be an important intervention to prevent severe outcomes.”

We know now there is no predictable seasonal pattern to Covid infection upswings. Ireland had no surge last winter.

In the waves of the summer of 2023 and the following winter, the rate of hospitalisations per 100,000 was low for those aged between aged one to 60.

A notable increase was seen in people over the age of 70.

[...]

Asked to comment, Kingston Mills, professor of experimental immunology in Trinity College, said it is difficult to predict how much will be needed.

"One of the problems is the shorter shelf life of Covid mRNA vaccines and there are also different storage needs.

“It is a balancing act ordering the vaccines. You cannot predict what the uptake is going to be like,” he said.

“It has happened before with the pandemic flu vaccine. It is a difficult one. I have a certain amount of sympathy for the HSE.”

There continues to be a fear that a more virulent variant may appear and there will be a scramble for vaccines.

“The key thing is that older people and the medically vulnerable get vaccinated. It is less of a concern for younger and for healthier individuals.”

[...]

As millions of euro of Covid vaccines are dumped, what do the experts say about the virus and future of the jab?

Millions of euro worth of Covid vaccines will be thrown out by the HSE again this year, posing major concern at a time when so many health services are in serious financial need.

m.independent.ie

 

[Inthedetails]

Meanwhile in Ireland... We still have a national vaccination programme here. I get my free Covid vaccine every year but I know very few other people my age (40s) who do. But most older people I know are pretty good about getting it. It's a shame so many vaccines are going to waste, though.

As millions of euro of Covid vaccines are dumped, what do the experts say about the virus and future of the jab?

The strains are less potent – for now – but some are more at risk than others

Millions of euro worth of Covid vaccines will be thrown out by the HSE [Health Service Executive] again this year, posing major concern at a time when so many health services are in serious financial need.

Expired Covid vaccines worth around €11m were dumped last year, with another €64.5m discarded in 2023.

With the vaccine being rolled out again this winter, is the post-pandemic approach too expensive?

Uptake of the vaccine is expected to be well below target, mostly due to apathy, with conspiracy theories and false claims also having some influence.

[...]

While the numbers of Covid-related hospitalisations and deaths are dramatically down from the worst days of the pandemic, some people are still falling very ill after catching the virus.

The experts have given their overview on what the risk is now from Covid and who would most benefit from the Covid jab, nearly six years after the start of the pandemic.

Last winter, vaccine uptake was highest among older people – reaching 61.5pc in those aged 80 years and over, compared to 27.7pc among people aged 60-69 years.

But it was relatively low among healthcare workers, at 9.1pc and pregnant women, at 6.3pc.

“Advanced age remains the leading risk factor for Covid-19 hospitalisation and severe disease,” the experts said.

“Covid-19 vaccination continues to be an important intervention to prevent severe outcomes.”

We know now there is no predictable seasonal pattern to Covid infection upswings. Ireland had no surge last winter.

In the waves of the summer of 2023 and the following winter, the rate of hospitalisations per 100,000 was low for those aged between aged one to 60.

A notable increase was seen in people over the age of 70.

[...]

Asked to comment, Kingston Mills, professor of experimental immunology in Trinity College, said it is difficult to predict how much will be needed.

"One of the problems is the shorter shelf life of Covid mRNA vaccines and there are also different storage needs.

“It is a balancing act ordering the vaccines. You cannot predict what the uptake is going to be like,” he said.

“It has happened before with the pandemic flu vaccine. It is a difficult one. I have a certain amount of sympathy for the HSE.”

There continues to be a fear that a more virulent variant may appear and there will be a scramble for vaccines.

“The key thing is that older people and the medically vulnerable get vaccinated. It is less of a concern for younger and for healthier individuals.”

[...]

As millions of euro of Covid vaccines are dumped, what do the experts say about the virus and future of the jab?

Millions of euro worth of Covid vaccines will be thrown out by the HSE again this year, posing major concern at a time when so many health services are in serious financial need.

m.independent.ie

It's a bit like insurance. It can feel expensive to pay premiums on a plan you may never use, but should the need arise, it can save your life and bank account. IMO, it's a worthy expense to have preventative vaccines on hand.

And, it's one thing if people willfully decline to take the vax and quite another if the government tells them they cannot, imo.

It is hard to see waste, though.

jmopinion