Coronavirus COVID-19 - Global Health Pandemic #96

[GRT]

Why are people still dying alone in our hospitals?

It’s a mess. And now the FDA has linked Pfizer / Moderna with heart inflammation there will be even more vaccine hesitancy. I was keen to get my children jabbed with it ASAP but not so confident now there have been over 1200 cases of myocarditis.

I just can’t fathom that this sodding thing is as rampant as ever 18 months on.

That's just being a concerned parent. It's tough for many to make the personal decision to get the shot or have their children get the shot. No one wants to be the parent of the child who "takes one for the team," and develops a heart condition.

When my kids were little, they had to have a few shots as babies and to enter school. Now, a whole lot of vaccines are required, and some parents aren't too sure that it's worth it. Around here, a growing number of families are homeschooling for that very reason. I don't judge anyone for doing what the think is best for their child. I typically think vaccines are helpful but there are some notable side effects, which is why the government has a vaccine side-effect reporting and payout program.

This is a horrible virus and I hope a sufficient number of people get the shot to stop it in its tracks, but I don't want children to suffer lifelong conditions just to accomplish that.

I don't envy your position.

 

[CoverMeCagney]

That's just being a concerned parent. It's tough for many to make the personal decision to get the shot or have their children get the shot. No one wants to be the parent of the child who "takes one for the team," and develops a heart condition.

When my kids were little, they had to have a few shots as babies and to enter school. Now, a whole lot of vaccines are required, and some parents aren't too sure that it's worth it. Around here, a growing number of families are homeschooling for that very reason. I don't judge anyone for doing what the think is best for their child. I typically think vaccines are helpful but there are some notable side effects, which is why the government has a vaccine side-effect reporting and payout program.

This is a horrible virus and I hope a sufficient number of people get the shot to stop it in its tracks, but I don't want children to suffer lifelong conditions just to accomplish that.

I don't envy your position.

Thanks, GRT. I happily skipped off for my doses of AZ and could not be more grateful. For all it’s bad press it has saved thousands of lives here and is keeping Delta deaths at bay a little (touch wood).

Felt the same for the kids and Pfizer until this recent news - got a feeling my father in law suffers with myocarditis (or some heart-itis or other) so it’s set alarm bells ringing a bit. Awaiting further clarification, but was hoping by the time mine were offered it the virus would be almost gone. Fat chance at this rate... only 4 kids left in my son’s class at school today

 

[Sundog]

Booster may be needed for J&J shot as Delta variant spreads

Some public health scientists and researchers who earlier got the J&J vaccine are now getting an mRNA vaccination due to concerns related to the Delta variant.

Some experts suggest waiting until there is more data on determinig the efficacy of the J&J vaccine in relation to Delta, although if community spread increases significantly, they say that there may not be time to wait until the data is in before making the decision to go ahead and getting an mRNA vaccine.

 

[jjenny]

It’s a mess. And now the FDA has linked Pfizer / Moderna with heart inflammation there will be even more vaccine hesitancy. I was keen to get my children jabbed with it ASAP but not so confident now there have been over 1200 cases of myocarditis.

I just can’t fathom that this sodding thing is as rampant as ever 18 months on.

Israel was holding off on really going after vaccinations of the kiddies, until now. Half of infected with delta were un-vaccinated children. So now Israel is going for it, trying to vaccinate as many under 18 as possible.
"Prof. Tzachi Grossman, the head of the organization, and its colleagues wrote that the risk for a child to develop a severe form of COVID if infected – which stands at 1:3000 – outweighs that of developing a myocarditis – which according to US data for ages 12-17 stands at 1:16,000 (according to Israeli data for the age group 16-19, the occurrence was 1:6,000)."
COVID: Was Israel wrong not to vaccinate children ages 12-15 right away? - The Jerusalem Post (jpost.com)

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Israel was holding off on really going after vaccinations of the kiddies, until now. Half of infected with delta were un-vaccinated children. So now Israel is going for it, trying to vaccinate as many under 18 as possible.
"Prof. Tzachi Grossman, the head of the organization, and its colleagues wrote that the risk for a child to develop a severe form of COVID if infected – which stands at 1:3000 – outweighs that of developing a myocarditis – which according to US data for ages 12-17 stands at 1:16,000 (according to Israeli data for the age group 16-19, the occurrence was 1:6,000)."
COVID: Was Israel wrong not to vaccinate children ages 12-15 right away? - The Jerusalem Post (jpost.com)

See, that is WAY higher than any of the stats for AZ blood clot risks. So if one is being discredited on the basis of tiny risk, why isn’t the other?

 

[jjenny]

See, that is WAY higher than any of the stats for AZ blood clot risks. So if one is being discredited on the basis of tiny risk, why isn’t the other?

My guess is because AZ isn't the only vaccine available. Why risk it when you don't have to? While Pfizer is the only one approved in the US for 12-17 years old. So it's either Pfizer or nothing, which could mean covid, since delta is so infectious.
Also, blood clots are pretty deadly, while most myocarditis cases are mild and resolve with treatment.
So it's all risk benefit analysis.

 

[musicaljoke]

That actually is really good because figures out of UK an Israel have 20 -25 % of infections being fully vaccinated.

Do you have a link for that? The breakthrough rate seems very high.

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Do you have a link for that? The breakthrough rate seems very high.

Efficacy against hospitalisations from the Delta variant is 94% after two jabs (92 AZ, 96 Pfizer)

Vaccines highly effective against hospitalisation from Delta variant

 

[Sundog]

CDC reports 4,115 breakthrough COVID-19 cases involving hospitalizations or deaths

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has received reports of 4,115 patients with COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough cases who were hospitalized or died.

The data, which includes information through June 21, is amid a backdrop of 150 million people who are fully vaccinated in the U.S. Nearly half of the breakthrough cases, or 49%, involve females, and 3,124, or 76%, occurred in patients ages 65 years and older.


Note that data are reported to CDC on a voluntary basis, so article says that the breakthrough cases are likely under reported.

 

[musicaljoke]

'Breakthrough infections' among fully vaccinated Canadians just 0.5 per cent of reported cases, data shows.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/covid-vaccines-break-through-infection-canada-doses-1.6080206

 

[CoverMeCagney]

Good. So that's the US, UK and Canada all reporting very encouraging protection stats across all the main vaccines. Just need to get those double doses into younger peoples arms, I guess.

When do schools break up for summer in other countries? I think Scotland already has, England is around 23rd July, so 4 more weeks to get through. Hoping I don't need to homeschool again

 

[Cool Cats]

WHO Says Vaccinated People Should Continue Wearing Masks — Here’s Why

Asia Ewart
Mon, June 28, 2021, 1:24 PM

Yahoo | News

The announcement comes after several other health organizations and government officials have suggested that masks — both outdoors and indoors — are no longer needed for people who are fully vaccinated in the U.S. And this has led to confusion.

Last month, in a guideline memo called “When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that vaccinated people “can resume activities that you did prior to the pandemic.” This included participating in “activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.”

So, why did WHO shift their position? During a news briefing on Friday, Mariangela Simao, MD, the WHO assistant director-general for access to medicines and health products, stated that “community transmission” of the coronavirus continues to be the reason why safety guidelines are still needed, even for people who are fully vaccinated. And this is, according to WHO, an even greater concern with the delta strain.Vaccine alone won’t stop community transmission.

Pfizer and Moderna vaccines may provide coronavirus protection for years: Study
Yahoo | News

 

[CrimeAway]

IMO, long term effects of even a mild Covid infection, are reasons to remain cautious.
Post viral health problems can persist and be dramatically life altering. I contracted a viral infection as a healthy 18 year old competitive athlete and the effects have devasted my life for decades.
I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

 

[SouthAussie]

My guess is because AZ isn't the only vaccine available. Why risk it when you don't have to? While Pfizer is the only one approved in the US for 12-17 years old. So it's either Pfizer or nothing, which could mean covid, since delta is so infectious.
Also, blood clots are pretty deadly, while most myocarditis cases are mild and resolve with treatment.
So it's all risk benefit analysis.

Actually, the blood clots are not so deadly any more. Now that they have worked out how to treat them properly, the fatality rate is low. (At least in Australia, I haven't looked how other countries are dealing with it.)

They had to work out NOT to use heparin to treat them - but to use one of the other anti coagulants. We have had two people die from probable AZ-related blood clots.

This morning, due to our little crisis, our PM has FINALLY decided to allow anyone, any age, to have the AstraZeneca jab if they want to. A well overdue decision. IMO

There is a greater chance of getting blood clots from birth control pills than there is getting them from the AZ jab.

Anyone can now go to their GP and request the AstraZeneca vaccine
EMA highlights guidance not to use heparin for Covid-19 vaccine-linked clots - ET HealthWorld
COVID-19 vaccine weekly safety report - 24-06-2021

 

[Cool Cats]

No international fans will be allowed at 2020 Tokyo Olympics, organizers announce

International fans who have already bought tickets will be refunded.

Olympic organizers: 'Highly unlikely' that breastfeeding moms can bring children to Tokyo Games

Aliphine Tuliamuk, the U.S. Olympic marathoner who doubles as a new mom, has said that she "cannot imagine" going to the 2021 Games without her breastfeeding daughter, Zoe.

Olympic organizers, however, say she'll probably have to. An International Olympic Committee spokesperson told Yahoo Sports on Monday that it is "highly unlikely" that "unaccredited people from overseas" — which would include infants and caregivers — will be granted entry into Japan for the Games.

 

[SouthAussie]

This morning, as well as freeing up AZ to be allowed to anyone at any age, our PM has brought in ....

• Mandatory vaccination for aged care workers
• Mandatory testing for all quarantine workers (including drivers) AND their household contacts
• Quarantined persons can also not be housed in the same facility as unquarantined persons (looking at you, Queensland)
• Mandatory testing of quarantined persons 2-3 days after they have left 14-day quarantine (this is in addition to the testing they have during and before leaving quarantine)
• GPs have been given indemnity to give the AZ jab to anyone under 60 who wants one (they already have indemnity for anyone over 60)

There was a meeting of National Cabinet (all state leaders) yesterday, and these things are the result of that.

Of course, other things are happening at state levels. Three cities in lockdown, some states closing their state borders, masks required on public transport, in medical facilities and in other situations, density requirements in pubs and restaurants, etc etc etc.

National cabinet crisis talks: Aged care worker jabs mandatory, quarantine controls to tighten

 

[drsleuth]

This morning, as well as freeing up AZ to be allowed to anyone at any age, our PM has brought in ....

• Mandatory vaccination for aged care workers
• Mandatory testing for all quarantine workers (including drivers) AND their household contacts
  
• Quarantined persons can also not be housed in the same facility as unquarantined persons (looking at you, Queensland)
• Mandatory testing of quarantined persons 2-3 days after they have left 14-day quarantine (this is in addition to the testing they have during and before leaving quarantine)
• GPs have been given indemnity to give the AZ jab to anyone under 60 who wants one (they already have indemnity for anyone over 60)

There was a meeting of National Cabinet (all state leaders) yesterday, and these things are the result of that.

Of course, other things are happening at state levels. Three cities in lockdown, some states closing their state borders, masks required on public transport, in medical facilities and in other situations, density requirements in pubs and restaurants, etc etc etc.

National cabinet crisis talks: Aged care worker jabs mandatory, quarantine controls to tighten

BBM : Hard to believe some of these weren't already mandatory really

 

[musicaljoke]

Pfizer, Moderna vaccines likely to produce long-lasting immunity, study suggests

This article may be behind a paywall, but the gist of it is that it appears the vaccines may provide long time protection, and that boosters might not be needed.

 

[SouthAussie]

Delta Covid-19 Variant Could Be Dominant in U.S. in Two to Three Weeks, Study Says

Former FDA commissioner says Indian Delta variant will cause 'very dense outbreaks' in states such as Arkansas and Mississippi and that the US is only 'a month behind' experiencing explosion of cases like in the UK

The Delta variant has rebooted Covid – so Australia must reboot its strategy

 

[margarita25]

Wow! 75 deaths!