Coronavirus (Covid-19) informational thread

[Euroamerican]

My point, relating to the comment I quoted, is that it's likely that the same people who are not getting a COVID vaccine are many of the same people who don't get a flu shot.

I work at a hospital and we are required to take the flu shot. I, and several of my coworkers, would not take the flu shot unless it was required.

The reason for my not wanting to take the flu shot? Because it makes me somewhat ill for almost a month afterwards. So my thought is that I would rather not be sick for 1/12th of the year if I don't have to be. All other thing being equal, of course.

 

[Richard8655]

CDC data here in the US is reporting 99% of people in hospitals who are sick or dying from COVID are unvaccinated. That should say it all.

 

[SactoGuy18]

Now, I wonder was I affected by the Delta or Epsilon variants. I started to get a bad taste in my mouth and funny smell that lasted for nearly eight days back in second and third week of June 2021; based on information from the CDC website and the web site of my health provider, there is a small chance I may have been infected by these variants but never really got sick. 🤔 🤷‍♂️

 

[pshufd]

I had to look that one up:

To learn more about the characteristics of the Epsilon variant, the researchers tested the resilience against the Epsilon variant of plasma from people who were exposed the virus, as well as vaccinated people. The neutralizing potency of the plasma against the Epsilon variant of concern was reduced about 2 to 3.5 fold.

Like the original SARS-CoV-2, the variant infects target cells through its spike glycoprotein -- the structure that crowns the surface of the virus. The researchers found that the Epsilon mutations were responsible for rearrangements in critical areas of the spike glycoprotein; electron cryomicroscopy studies showed structural changes in these areas.

Visualizing these mutations helps explain why antibodies had difficulty binding to the spike glycoprotein.

One of the three mutations in the Epsilon variant affected the receptor binding domain on the spike glycoprotein. This mutation reduced the neutralizing activity of 14 out of 34 neutralizing antibodies specific to that domain, including clinical stage antibodies.

The other two of the three mutations in the variant affected the N-terminal domain on the spike glycoprotein. The researchers used mass spectrometry and structural analysis to find that a part of the coronavirus N-terminal domain was remodeled by these mutations.

The signal peptide cleavage site was shifted in the NTD antigenic supersite, and a new disulphide bond was formed. This resulted in a total loss of neutralization by 10 out of 10 antibodies tested specific to the N-terminal domain in the spike glycoprotein.

Epsilon variant mutations contribute to COVID immune evasion

New studies reveal an unprecedented mechanism behind the loss of antibody neutralization against this pandemic coronavirus variant of concern.

www.sciencedaily.com

I don't see how we can avoid a booster.

 

[pshufd]

I work at a hospital and we are required to take the flu shot. I, and several of my coworkers, would not take the flu shot unless it was required.

The reason for my not wanting to take the flu shot? Because it makes me somewhat ill for almost a month afterwards. So my thought is that I would rather not be sick for 1/12th of the year if I don't have to be. All other thing being equal, of course.

My son's hospital doesn't require the flu shot per se' but the restrictions for unvaccinated employees are such that you could lose six weeks of pay if you come down with it. I'd guess that compliance is very, very high.

 

[SactoGuy18]

I had to look that one up:

To learn more about the characteristics of the Epsilon variant, the researchers tested the resilience against the Epsilon variant of plasma from people who were exposed the virus, as well as vaccinated people. The neutralizing potency of the plasma against the Epsilon variant of concern was reduced about 2 to 3.5 fold.

Like the original SARS-CoV-2, the variant infects target cells through its spike glycoprotein -- the structure that crowns the surface of the virus. The researchers found that the Epsilon mutations were responsible for rearrangements in critical areas of the spike glycoprotein; electron cryomicroscopy studies showed structural changes in these areas.

Visualizing these mutations helps explain why antibodies had difficulty binding to the spike glycoprotein.

One of the three mutations in the Epsilon variant affected the receptor binding domain on the spike glycoprotein. This mutation reduced the neutralizing activity of 14 out of 34 neutralizing antibodies specific to that domain, including clinical stage antibodies.

The other two of the three mutations in the variant affected the N-terminal domain on the spike glycoprotein. The researchers used mass spectrometry and structural analysis to find that a part of the coronavirus N-terminal domain was remodeled by these mutations.

The signal peptide cleavage site was shifted in the NTD antigenic supersite, and a new disulphide bond was formed. This resulted in a total loss of neutralization by 10 out of 10 antibodies tested specific to the N-terminal domain in the spike glycoprotein.

Epsilon variant mutations contribute to COVID immune evasion

New studies reveal an unprecedented mechanism behind the loss of antibody neutralization against this pandemic coronavirus variant of concern.

www.sciencedaily.com

I don't see how we can avoid a booster.

Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are known to be working on a one-shot booster innoculation. I believe that Novavax is making sure their new vaccine works against the Delta and Epsilon variants before likely EUA release this fall.

 

[poorcody]

I had to look that one up:

To learn more about the characteristics of the Epsilon variant, the researchers tested the resilience against the Epsilon variant of plasma from people who were exposed the virus, as well as vaccinated people. The neutralizing potency of the plasma against the Epsilon variant of concern was reduced about 2 to 3.5 fold.

What's odd is The WHO and CDC both downgraded the threat of Epsilon at the end of June because:

• "Deescalated from a [Variant of Concern] on June 29, 2021, due to the significant decrease in the proportion of B.1.427 lineage viruses circulating nationally and available data indicating that vaccines and treatments are effective against this variant." Source

But now this new study released just afterwards seems to suggest it is more of a threat... ? So far no apparent upgrade in concern from health authorities though...

 

[pshufd]

What's odd is The WHO and CDC both downgraded the threat of Epsilon at the end of June because:

• "Deescalated from a [Variant of Concern] on June 29, 2021, due to the significant decrease in the proportion of B.1.427 lineage viruses circulating nationally and available data indicating that vaccines and treatments are effective against this variant." Source

But now this new study released just afterwards seems to suggest it is more of a threat... ? So far no apparent upgrade in concern from health authorities though...

I can imagine that it's difficult keeping up with the variants and the papers coming out. It's possible that Delta is crowding out Epsilon too. I would definitely want a booster against variants that can evade the current mRNA vaccines. The question is where do you do a cutoff so that you can get into clinical trials.

 

[pshufd]

Both Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna are known to be working on a one-shot booster innoculation. I believe that Novavax is making sure their new vaccine works against the Delta and Epsilon variants before likely EUA release this fall.

One of them (or maybe both) are working on a combo Booster/Flu/something else shot. Not a bad approach.

 

[pshufd]

Received an email from one of my hospitals stating that insurance and the state will no longer cover copays on telehealth. It doesn't matter for me because I blow through my annual deductible early in the year but those used to telehealth visits being free may take this into consideration.

 

[decafjava]

Just some information about the variants and possible need for booster shots:

Two doses of Pfizer, AstroZeneca effective against Delta

Health officials rail against Pfizer’s push for COVID boosters—for many reasons

From the second:

Pfizer has planned to privately brief US health officials on its case for COVID-19 booster shots, but US and global public health officials have not hesitated to publicly blast the idea, calling booster shots unnecessary at this time and unethical in the face of vast inequity in the global vaccine supply.

Pfizer and its vaccine partner BioNTech made headlines last Thursday with the announcement that it would seek authorization from the Food and Drug Administration in the coming weeks for a booster shot to its two-shot regimen. The companies suggest that a third shot will be necessary between six and 12 months after the second dose. During this window, immunity to the pandemic coronavirus declines, the companies say, particularly in the elderly. A third shot, they say, can boost antibody levels five to 10 times what is seen after the first two.

But health officials were quick to push back on the booster talk last week, and the responses have only grown more intense in the days since.

The US Department of Health and Human Services released an unusual joint statement late Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. The statement read bluntly, "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time."

 

[pshufd]

Pfizer has planned to privately brief US health officials on its case for COVID-19 booster shots, but US and global public health officials have not hesitated to publicly blast the idea, calling booster shots unnecessary at this time and unethical in the face of vast inequity in the global vaccine supply.

Pfizer and its vaccine partner BioNTech made headlines last Thursday with the announcement that it would seek authorization from the Food and Drug Administration in the coming weeks for a booster shot to its two-shot regimen. The companies suggest that a third shot will be necessary between six and 12 months after the second dose. During this window, immunity to the pandemic coronavirus declines, the companies say, particularly in the elderly. A third shot, they say, can boost antibody levels five to 10 times what is seen after the first two.

But health officials were quick to push back on the booster talk last week, and the responses have only grown more intense in the days since.

The US Department of Health and Human Services released an unusual joint statement late Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. The statement read bluntly, "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time."

I do not see why there is criticism of a booster shot and see the following benefits:

- These companies can sell these privately to anyone who wants them and those taking them are beta testers for more broad use in the future
- These booster shots may eventually become the standard vaccination as they provide protection against more variants
- These companies get more experience designing and developing these products
- These vaccines may provide more protection against next generation mutations because they are closer to them
- What is wrong with developing these things just in case it turns out that we really need them quickly?

 

[nicho]

Pfizer has planned to privately brief US health officials on its case for COVID-19 booster shots, but US and global public health officials have not hesitated to publicly blast the idea, calling booster shots unnecessary at this time and unethical in the face of vast inequity in the global vaccine supply.

Pfizer and its vaccine partner BioNTech made headlines last Thursday with the announcement that it would seek authorization from the Food and Drug Administration in the coming weeks for a booster shot to its two-shot regimen. The companies suggest that a third shot will be necessary between six and 12 months after the second dose. During this window, immunity to the pandemic coronavirus declines, the companies say, particularly in the elderly. A third shot, they say, can boost antibody levels five to 10 times what is seen after the first two.

But health officials were quick to push back on the booster talk last week, and the responses have only grown more intense in the days since.

The US Department of Health and Human Services released an unusual joint statement late Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration. The statement read bluntly, "Americans who have been fully vaccinated do not need a booster shot at this time."

I do not see why there is criticism of a booster shot and see the following benefits:

- These companies can sell these privately to anyone who wants them and those taking them are beta testers for more broad use in the future
- These booster shots may eventually become the standard vaccination as they provide protection against more variants
- These companies get more experience designing and developing these products
- These vaccines may provide more protection against next generation mutations because they are closer to them
- What is wrong with developing these things just in case it turns out that we really need them quickly?

I seriously cannot believe what I’m reading here, but rather than share my reaction I shall share the below article and encourage you to rediscover the empathy you once showed on these forums

COVID vaccines to reach poorest countries in 2023 — despite recent pledges

Amid a COVID surge in Africa, vaccine promises from richer nations are not enough to bring an early end to the pandemic, experts say.

www.nature.com

 

[pshufd]

I seriously cannot believe what I’m reading here, but rather than share my reaction I shall share the below article and encourage you to rediscover the empathy you once showed on these forums

COVID vaccines to reach poorest countries in 2023 — despite recent pledges

Amid a COVID surge in Africa, vaccine promises from richer nations are not enough to bring an early end to the pandemic, experts say.

www.nature.com

I do not see why we can not walk and chew gum at the same time.

 

[nicho]

I do not see why we can not walk and chew gum at the same time.

Two words: manufacturing capacity.

 

[pshufd]

Two words: manufacturing capacity.

Why should that matter? You can make the old stuff. You can make the old stuff and the new stuff. If you have limited capacity, make some of the old and some of the new. The new will be far more useful and you transition to the new stuff over time.

 

[Gregg2]

Why should that matter?

Huh? Of course it matters. It's simple supply and demand.
The most humanitarian approach would be to supply the world with first doses (one or two shots) for as many people who want it, then supply booster shots to those who have completed the first round.

 

[nicho]

Why should that matter? You can make the old stuff. You can make the old stuff and the new stuff. If you have limited capacity, make some of the old and some of the new. The new will be far more useful and you transition to the new stuff over time.

I’m afraid you’ve got completely the wrong end of the stick here in many ways, not least that there’s no actual discussion of making a “new” version. They literally just want to give the same vaccine to people who are already vaccinated, rather than directing those doses to the poor.

Scientists say COVID-19 booster shots aren't needed yet—here's why

For the fully vaccinated, the Pfizer shot generates an immune response that could last years and is protective against severe disease and death.

www.nationalgeographic.com

 

[pshufd]

Huh? Of course it matters. It's simple supply and demand.
The most humanitarian approach would be to supply the world with first doses (one or two shots) for as many people who want it, then supply booster shots to those who have completed the first round.

Wouldn't the rest of the world prefer boosters that better cover the new variants?

 

[pshufd]

I’m afraid you’ve got completely the wrong end of the stick here in many ways, not least that there’s no actual discussion of making a “new” version. They literally just want to give the same vaccine to people who are already vaccinated, rather than directing those doses to the poor.

Scientists say COVID-19 booster shots aren't needed yet—here's why

For the fully vaccinated, the Pfizer shot generates an immune response that could last years and is protective against severe disease and death.

www.nationalgeographic.com

That's incorrect based on this article that came out two weeks ago. Pfizer wants to start clinical trials in August.

Pfizer and BioNTech announced Thursday they are developing a Covid-19 booster shot intended to target the delta variant as concerns rise about the highly transmissible strain that is already the dominant form of the disease in the United States.

Pfizer says it is developing a Covid booster shot to target the highly transmissible delta variant

Clinical studies could begin as early as August, subject to regulatory approvals, Pfizer says.

www.cnbc.com

 

[pshufd]

This article is from February 2021. This is what I would expect from any technology company today. You work on multiple projects and solutions simultaneously and bring them out if needed or, if it's timely.

Moderna said Wednesday it has shipped to the National Institutes of Health doses of a new Covid-19 vaccine designed to provide better protection against the highly contagious coronavirus variant spreading in South Africa.

The vaccine – which Moderna is calling mRNA-1273.351 – is ready to be tested in an early stage clinical trial to determine if it can be used as a booster shot against the South African strain, also known as B.1.351, the company said. Moderna has found its current two-dose regimen generates a weaker immune response against the strain from South Africa, though the company said antibodies in patients remain above levels that are expected to be protective against the virus.

“Moderna is committed to making as many updates to our vaccine as necessary until the pandemic is under control,” the company’s CEO, Stephane Bancel, said in a press release. “We hope to demonstrate that booster doses, if necessary, can be done at lower dose levels, which will allow us to provide many more doses to the global community in late 2021 and 2022 if necessary.”

Moderna to begin clinical trials of Covid booster shots for variant from South Africa, sends to NIH for study

Moderna said it has shipped to the NIH doses of a new Covid-19 vaccine designed to provide better protection against the variant from South Africa.

www.cnbc.com

 

[nicho]

That's incorrect based on this article that came out two weeks ago. Pfizer wants to start clinical trials in August.

Pfizer and BioNTech announced Thursday they are developing a Covid-19 booster shot intended to target the delta variant as concerns rise about the highly transmissible strain that is already the dominant form of the disease in the United States.

Pfizer says it is developing a Covid booster shot to target the highly transmissible delta variant

Clinical studies could begin as early as August, subject to regulatory approvals, Pfizer says.

www.cnbc.com

Ah. I admittedly missed that… however at this point it is AirPower…

The actual, concrete plan that people are disgusted by is the one I outlined above. There’s a link to the press release in the nat geo article.

 

[pshufd]

Ah. I admittedly missed that… however at this point it is AirPower…

The actual, concrete plan that people are disgusted by is the one I outlined above. There’s a link to the press release in the nat geo article.

We're already seeing a decent number of breakthrough cases with the current vaccines. Sure, it's milder if you've been vaccinated, but there are lots of cases of people that can't get vaccinated or are health-compromised or need surgery and may be compromised while recovering from surgery. Your mild case with the vaccine can wind up killing them. We need more technology, not less.

Speaking of which: when is Apple going to drop in 11th generation Intel CPUs into the MacBook Pro 16s seeing as how M1X seems to be getting delayed for so long?

 

[nicho]

We're already seeing a decent number of breakthrough cases with the current vaccines. Sure, it's milder if you've been vaccinated, but there are lots of cases of people that can't get vaccinated or are health-compromised or need surgery and may be compromised while recovering from surgery. Your mild case with the vaccine can wind up killing them. We need more technology, not less.

My understanding of a booster would mean that those who have had not had any shots yet would need 3 doses to be fully vaccinated (or 2 for J&J) - that's definitely NOT what is needed. There just isn't the manufacturing capacity to vaccinate everyone in the world in the next 18 months as it is.

 

[SactoGuy18]

In short, if you want to avoid being seriously affected by the Delta and Delta+ variants, get yourself fully vaccinated with the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines now. I've been fully vaccinated with the Moderna vaccine since mid-May 2021.