Updated
September 28, 2022
September 28, 2022
New omicron booster not safe?
If you hear this
"The new omicron-specific booster was developed using animal data, therefore it is not safe for humans."
Say this...
The FDA granted emergency use authorization to omicron-specific boosters for COVID-19 on 8/31/2022. These boosters were developed from the original COVID-19 vaccines and older boosters. The original vaccines and older boosters were rigorously tested in mice and in humans. The new boosters were tested in mice and will be tested in humans next month. FDA deemed that the tests in mice provide enough evidence to meet booster safety standards. This is because the new boosters do not have significant changes from the original vaccine and older boosters that would impact safety. These standards are similar to the standards used to approve flu vaccines each year.
Wait for the Omicron booster?
If you hear this
"Wait for the new omicron-specific booster rather than get the current booster."
Say this...
The CDC strongly recommends that eligible individuals (especially those with a weakened immune system) get the currently available COVID-19 booster(s) and not wait for the upcoming Omicron-specific booster which may be delivered this fall. The new booster may not be readily available to everyone when first released. Scientists are still learning if it will protect against potential future variants.
COVID is over?
If you hear this
"The COVID pandemic is over, so we don't have to worry anymore."
Say this...
In a 60 Minutes interview on Sept. 18, 2022, President Joe Biden said, "We're still doing a lot of work on it. But the pandemic is over." Some agreed and some disagreed with the President, depending on how they defined "over." Common measures that determine if a pandemic is over are cases and hospitalizations, availability of treatments and vaccines, and whether policy is being created to address the disease. As of Sept. 14, 2022, daily cases in a 7-day period averaged almost 60,000; daily hospitalizations in a 7-day period averaged over 4,500. There are 8 authorized treatments and 4 authorized primary series vaccines for COVID-19. Many policies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 have been revoked, such as mask mandates and travel restrictions.
New booster not for everyone?
If you hear this
"The new COVID booster is only for people who already have all their initial COVID shots and boosters"
Say this...
On August 31, 2022, the FDA authorized Pfizer and Moderna's new COVID boosters that are designed to protect against the omicron variant. If you are 12 or older and you have completed your primary vaccination 2 months ago or earlier, you can get a new booster. You can get a new booster whether or not you got a previous booster. Boosters help protect you longer.
U.S. life expectancy falling?
If you hear this
"Life expectancy in the U.S. falling."
Say this...
The overall US life expectancy at birth has fallen for two years in a row. From 2019 to 2020, US life expectancy dropped from 78.8 to 77.0 years. From 2020 to 2021, US life expectancy is estimated to have dropped from 77.0 years to 76.1 years. The COVID-19 pandemic has driven these declines. Accidents/unintentional deaths, including drug overdoses, as well as suicide and heart disease, have also contributed.
Long COVID research is ongoing
If you hear this
"Researchers are learning more about Long COVID"
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Some people continue to experience symptoms of COVID-19 long after their initial recovery. This is known as Long COVID. Researchers supported by the National Institute of Health (NIH) are analyzing multiple data to learn more about Long COVID, such as the symptoms and people who are most likely to have it.
Kids under 5 can get COVID-19 vaccines
If you hear this
"Children under 5 can now get COVID-19 vaccines"
Say this...
The FDA has authorized both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines for children 6 months to 5 years old. The FDA determined that the vaccines are effective with no safety concerns based on clinical trial data. Vaccine doses are smaller for young children than for adults and teens. Children under 5 receive three 3-mg doses of the Pfizer vaccine or two 25mg doses of the Moderna vaccine.
TOP CONCERNS THIS WEEK
1 New omicron booster not safe?
2 Wait for the Omicron booster?
3 COVID is over?
4 New booster not for everyone?
5 U.S. life expectancy falling?
