September 13, 2022
Got some 'splaining to do
This past week we had smoky air from nearby forest fires (and from farther away). I wore my N95 mask outdoors to protect myself from the smoke, rather than COVID, when the air quality was really bad. Glad to use my supply of masks for another purpose.
People are wondering if COVID is petering out. Most experts say no. COVID has become more manageable, immunizations and treatments help, but still 400-500 Americans are dying daily. The fact there are ongoing infections means we are still at risk from a future variant arising. The US says it hopes to shift to an annual updated booster, like we do the flu vaccine. A good plan that may be upended in the future by a new variant. Meaning that a new variant could change a recommendation to get a booster sooner than a year. People at risk for serious illness or death will need to keep up with the recommendations for prevention.
Most of us have heard about the new Bivalent COVID-19 booster that has been approved. It is now available, search for one near you at Vaccines.gov. The site can help you find an appointment. Everyone 12 and older should receive this updated version (studies are still ongoing for children under 12), regardless of how many vaccines they have had already. The vaccine is Bivalent, meaning it has two parts, one that targets the original virus to protect from possible new mutations. The other targets the Omicron variant BA.5, which is the one circulating now.
But when should you get it? It depends. If you are at high risk for serious illness from COVID due to age or high risk conditions, then get it as soon as you are able. If you are young and healthy and plan to travel in December, you might want to wait a couple of months. Also, if you recently had COVID-19, wait at least 3 months after the infection. If you had a COVID vaccine within the past 3 months, you might want to wait too.
Another consideration is when to get the flu shot. Many, including me, have recommended getting the flu and Bivalent COVID booster at the same time. However, I was reminded that influenza often doesn’t arise in many parts of the country until after the holidays. That means if you get the flu shot now its effectiveness may wane by then. I decided to wait on my flu shot even though I am scheduled to get my Bivalent booster this week. I am motivated because I am flying next week and want protection.
People also wonder, “Why bother? The vaccines don’t prevent infection.” I understand that feeling, but there is data from a prison system that shows that vaccinations or history of COVID in the past lowers the transmission rate.
Scientists are still hard at work testing other types of vaccines that may have an effect on transmission. They are nasal sprays that stimulate the IgA antibodies in the mucosa. These antibodies stop the virus before it can get a hold in the body. When these are ready, we will have even more tools to protect us. We are lucky to have vaccines now that decrease serious illness and death, and can be easily adapted. I look forward to these new ones to help with infection rate.
We still must be careful with our vulnerable friends and relatives. Don’t forget the seriousness of Long COVID that many suffer from. Vaccines seem to help prevent it.
Cover your nose when needed, keep your distance, get your Bivalent booster when its time for you, and have some fun.
https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/health/explainer-is-covid-19-winding-down-scientists-say-no/
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/nation/u-s-plans-to-shift-to-annual-coronavirus-shots-similar-to-flu-vaccine/
https://www.vaccines.gov
https://www.seattletimes.com/nation-world/should-i-get-the-omicron-booster-now-or-wait-a-few-weeks/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/09/06/updated-covid-booster-shot-vaccine-omicron/
https://www.statnews.com/2022/09/09/doubling-up-on-covid-booster-flu-shot-may-have-downside/
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2022.08.08.22278547v2
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-02824-3