COVID-19 vaccine discussion

[Pato del Muerto 52490]

2 hours ago, Dahobbs said:

Depends on the type of doctor. Instead of a diagnosis it could be a curse. 

If only there was a clue in his username

[Neonmoon 38129]

3 hours ago, Harrison Bergeron said:

I had the same question - seems counter-intuitive to keep taking the same thing over and over again unless there is something particular about the mRNA technology. I can't think of another vaccine where multiple regimen's / year are required. Part of it might be frankly that SCIENCE'S answer always has been:
 

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Vaccinations requiring multiple doses is not new. Even multiple per year. Right now we just don’t have enough data for the virus and the long term vaccination efficacy. Will 4 doses be good forever? Will we need 5? Will it be 1 per year like the Flu? 

[Anastasis 23469]

Gigavax thread

 

[Harrison Bergeron 1798]

Does anyone have a theory as to why mortality and cases are so relatively low in Africa? It seems counter-intuitive that Africa and its associated health care resources seem to have a much lower mortality rate than other parts of the world.

[Dahobbs 17534]

12 minutes ago, Harrison Bergeron said:

Does anyone have a theory as to why mortality and cases are so relatively low in Africa? It seems counter-intuitive that Africa and its associated health care resources seem to have a much lower mortality rate than other parts of the world.

The median age in Africa is 20 compared to 38 in the US, 42 in Europe, 48 in Japan, 32 in South America, 40 in Australia, 38 in China, and 28 in India. 

Edited December 14, 2021 by Dahobbs

[Anastasis 23469]

1 minute ago, Dahobbs said:

The median age in Africa is 20 compared to 38 in the US.  

Coupled with poor case ascertainment and mortality reporting. 

[Dahobbs 17534]

1 minute ago, Anastasis said:

Coupled with poor case ascertainment and mortality reporting. 

Yeah, I'm sure that is a factor as well. But really, you don't need to know much more than the age thing. It's a pretty dramatic difference compared to the rest of the world. 

[Anastasis 23469]

3 minutes ago, Dahobbs said:

Yeah, I'm sure that is a factor as well. But really, you don't need to know much more than the age thing. It's a pretty dramatic difference compared to the rest of the world. 

In terms of mortality, yes, age structure going to be the biggest factor.  Then maybe per capita high fructose corn syrup consumption. 

[Guest]

55 minutes ago, Anastasis said:

Gigavax thread

 

Can someone translate? 

[Homercles 10205]

2 minutes ago, FirstTimeCaller said:

Can someone translate? 

Get a booster.  

[Guest]

Just now, Homercles said:

Get a booster.  

Got it two weeks ago, Plus previous infection ~3 months ago. 

[Anastasis 23469]

1 minute ago, Homercles said:

Get a booster.  

 

And further, while the data point isn't explicit, if I had a 1xJNJ, I'd probably be looking to go 2x MRNA. But that's extrapolation. 

[Dahobbs 17534]

7 minutes ago, FirstTimeCaller said:

Can someone translate? 

Researchers made pseudo-viruses that essentially look like the various Covid variants. After a booster, the MRNA vaccines appear to work pretty well against a pseudo-virus that was given spike protein's like Omicron's . Not quite as good as they did against the original virus or the Delta variant, but still pretty good. J&J's adenovirus vaccine also improves its effectiveness against Omicron after a booster shot, but it is still significantly less effective than the MRNA vaccines. At least, that is what this early data suggests. Keep in mind, this wasn't studied in people, but in test tubes. 

I thought this was interesting as well:

 

 

Edited December 14, 2021 by Dahobbs

[Hate 20108]

33 minutes ago, Anastasis said:

In terms of mortality, yes, age structure going to be the biggest factor.  Then maybe per capita high fructose corn syrup consumption. 

[tbone_ 14118]

Moderna booster Sunday after Pfizer doses back in April.

Felt like complete ass all day yesterday - chills, aches.

Today back to normal.

[Skipper 6135]

So with the data coming in and common theme to be get a booster, do we have a sense how much of the benefit of the booster is the dose is just more recent?  In other words, has there been any data on, for example, people within 2 months of dose 2 compared to 2 months of Booster?  I'm guessing not yet but that data would be interesting.  Particularly consider I saw something last week that booster antibody levels also start to wane around month 3.

[DigglerontheHoof 21195]

Got Moderna for my first two shots and just got the Pfizer booster; with marijuana, bullet proof again. 

[Sawbonz 27548]

4 hours ago, Anastasis said:

Coupled with poor case ascertainment and mortality reporting. 

Also much lower percentage of fatasses probably plays a part. 
 

And it may be worms
 

Quote

The modulation by helminths of the immune responses of their hosts has relevant clinical and epidemiological consequences: increased susceptibility to some infections, decreased frequency and intensity of allergic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, inadequate responses to vaccines and, as is possible in the case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, may inhibit the inflammatory processes that characterize infection by other microorganisms (17).

 

[Harrison Bergeron 1798]

4 hours ago, Dahobbs said:

The median age in Africa is 20 compared to 38 in the US, 42 in Europe, 48 in Japan, 32 in South America, 40 in Australia, 38 in China, and 28 in India. 

Not sure exactly how that would impact transmission rates. Is there some data that suggests age impacts transmissibility? I have not seen it but certainly does not mean it is not there. It just is an interesting phenomenon in a situation full of interesting phenomena. 

Edited December 14, 2021 by Harrison Bergeron

[Dahobbs 17534]

2 minutes ago, Harrison Bergeron said:

Not sure exactly how that would impact transmission rates. Is there some data that suggests age impacts transmissibility? I have not seen it but certainly does not mean it is not there.

I was specifically answering your question pertaining to mortality. Age definitely impacts mortality. In fact, it is pretty much #1 on the list of things that impact mortality for this particular virus. To some extent I expect age does also impact transmissibility, but I think the bigger factor at play there is testing and reporting. And case reporting is double impacted since you're dealing with a younger population that will be much less likely to be symptomatic. Not only is reporting/testing limited generally, but the non-symptomatic or lightly symptomatic individuals are going to be less likely to even consider getting tested.  

Honestly, you've been an active participant in this thread for a long time now. How on earth could you miss the connection between age and mortality in response to your original question? 

[Anastasis 23469]

42 minutes ago, Sawbonz said:

Also much lower percentage of fatasses probably plays a part. 
 

And it may be worms
 

 

Legit reason why stuff like ivermectin and HCQ could impact the mortality numbers in third world countries. 

Edited December 14, 2021 by Anastasis

[Harrison Bergeron 1798]

I did not see this posted, but more good news on the treatment front: 

• Pfizer's oral antiviral drug could help protect people at high risk of COVID-19 in trial, the company said.

• It cut the risk of hospitalization by 89%, when it was given within three days of symptom onset, Pfizer said.

• Antiviral drugs won't replace vaccines but could be a vital tool for people who don't respond to them.

[ZB'Tejas 593]

moving to other thread

Edited December 14, 2021 by ZB'Tejas

[Bevo 13576]

1 hour ago, Harrison Bergeron said:

I did not see this posted, but more good news on the treatment front: 

• Pfizer's oral antiviral drug could help protect people at high risk of COVID-19 in trial, the company said.

• It cut the risk of hospitalization by 89%, when it was given within three days of symptom onset, Pfizer said.

• Antiviral drugs won't replace vaccines but could be a vital tool for people who don't respond to them.

This drug was an obvious win when it was in clinical trials. I don't get the first point, though. Are they talking about taking it prophylactically which on its face seems dumb or are they talking about getting it within 3 days of symptoms? Because if they are talking about within 3 days of symptoms, it will help protect all people who get COVID - It may just be approved for high risk, but that won't be how it will be used.

[SizzleChest 8283]

7 hours ago, FirstTimeCaller said:

Got it two weeks ago, Plus previous infection ~3 months ago. 

Same, boosted and infected last week of October.

[Harrison Bergeron 1798]

42 minutes ago, Bevo said:

This drug was an obvious win when it was in clinical trials. I don't get the first point, though. Are they talking about taking it prophylactically which on its face seems dumb or are they talking about getting it within 3 days of symptoms? Because if they are talking about within 3 days of symptoms, it will help protect all people who get COVID - It may just be approved for high risk, but that won't be how it will be used.

IIRC from the article I think it works within five days of known infection, so <nerdalert> I think technically as a "treatment" (post-diagnosis) vs. "prophylactically" (taken as a precaution. The good news is with this, the Merck drug, and the <triggerwarning> options we are developing a decent set of tools to reduce mortality.  

[Dahobbs 17534]

38 minutes ago, Bevo said:

This drug was an obvious win when it was in clinical trials. I don't get the first point, though. Are they talking about taking it prophylactically which on its face seems dumb or are they talking about getting it within 3 days of symptoms? Because if they are talking about within 3 days of symptoms, it will help protect all people who get COVID - It may just be approved for high risk, but that won't be how it will be used.

I assume they are talking about the latter. Presumably the language is worded that way because of how the study was conducted. 

[Dahobbs 17534]

3 minutes ago, Harrison Bergeron said:

IIRC from the article I think it works within five days of known infection, so <nerdalert> I think technically as a "treatment" (post-diagnosis) vs. "prophylactically" (taken as a precaution. The good news is with this, the Merck drug, and the <triggerwarning> options we are developing a decent set of tools to reduce mortality.  

None of your "<triggerwarning>" options are actually options, at least not for treating Covid-19. 

[Guest Lobo]

Any pro tips for where my wife can get her 3rd here in Austin?  She's been waiting until holiday break so I can watch the kids if she feels ill for a day.  But we can't find anything Monday-Wednesday of next week (20th-22nd).  Plenty of options on Thursday and Friday but she doesn't wanna feel like crap on Christmas Eve.  Thanks.

[midtown 3345]

33 minutes ago, Lobo said:

Any pro tips for where my wife can get her 3rd here in Austin?

Cant you just walk into about any drugstore?

[Guest Lobo]

CVS, where we got our first two, are taking appointments only.  And the times of day aren't great.  She took my advice and made an appt. at UT Pubilc Health.  She was worried about being on campus with all the students/staff.  But I reminded her school ended yesterday.  So she got in for Monday.  Then taking the 6YO there (different building) on Tuesday afternoon.  So she'll be boosted and daughter will at least have one shot in her system when we go to my anti-vaxx cousin's for outside Christmas Eve on Friday. 

[texasdago 7573]

4 minutes ago, midtown said:

Cant you just walk into about any drugstore?

There was a big jump in demand here a couple of weeks ago... increase in cases may make it a bit tough.  I got mine at CVS.  Can't remember where my wife got hers but one of the usual suspects.

[midtown 3345]

I just walked into my neighborhood walmart and was out in 10.  Got my first two at CVS

[PenelopeWitherspoon 19101]

I got my booster on Nov 22 (Pfizer) and I tested positive yesterday for COVID.  So far, it's just like a cold.  I'm sneezing, have some congestion, and a very mild cough.  I had a slight temp yesterday (99), but that is gone today.  

Fun stuff.

[Dontshootrude 374]

23 hours ago, Anastasis said:

Legit reason why stuff like ivermectin and HCQ could impact the mortality numbers in third world countries. 

Scott Alexander did a great job breaking down the evidence on his blog.

 

https://astralcodexten.substack.com/p/ivermectin-much-more-than-you-wanted

Edited December 15, 2021 by Dontshootrude

[Homercles 10205]

31 minutes ago, Dontshootrude said:

Scott Alexander did a great job breaking down the evidence on his blog.

 

https://astralcodexten.substack.com/p/ivermectin-much-more-than-you-wanted

[Dontshootrude 374]

2 minutes ago, Homercles said:

It is long.  Skip to "The Analysis" section to get to the point.  The Sociological Takeaway is a great conclusion as well.

[crash_davis 23107]

On 12/14/2021 at 8:51 AM, Harrison Bergeron said:

Does anyone have a theory as to why mortality and cases are so relatively low in Africa? It seems counter-intuitive that Africa and its associated health care resources seem to have a much lower mortality rate than other parts of the world.

 

On 12/14/2021 at 9:03 AM, Dahobbs said:

The median age in Africa is 20 compared to 38 in the US, 42 in Europe, 48 in Japan, 32 in South America, 40 in Australia, 38 in China, and 28 in India. 

 

On 12/14/2021 at 9:48 AM, Hate said:

i was going to say. african's are mostly skinny. US and many countries in Europe are fat as fuck. fat people die, mostly.

[Deej 76765]

4 hours ago, Lobo said:

CVS, where we got our first two, are taking appointments only.  And the times of day aren't great.  She took my advice and made an appt. at UT Pubilc Health.  She was worried about being on campus with all the students/staff.  But I reminded her school ended yesterday.  So she got in for Monday.  Then taking the 6YO there (different building) on Tuesday afternoon.  So she'll be boosted and daughter will at least have one shot in her system when we go to my anti-vaxx cousin's for outside Christmas Eve on Friday. 

HEB in Leander had same day appointment slots available a few days ago.

[Guest Lobo]

Yeah, just want to publicly plug UT Public Health for alliterative purposes.  But if you, or someone you care about, needs a booster before Christmas/New Year's.  They are doing walk-ins at the 16th & Trinity building (not the actual hospital, so don't worry about mass exposure) on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of next week.  Just call 833.882.2737 (that's the real area code, free number) and it takes 45 seconds to give 'em your basic information.  You're in their system and when you arrive, you won't have to wait but more than 5 minutes.  If your parents or loved ones are over 80, they skip the line and go right in.  Easy parking, in and out.  They're open for shots those three days next week from 9-6.  Get it done before you gather.  Easy 

[Mole 4330]

It’s really that hard to schedule a booster in Austin? My local Walmart has open slots all day every day. The only catch is that we were the first shots of the day (at 4pm), so we had to wait 30 minutes for the vaccine to thaw out.

[Guest Lobo]

Not that hard guys, it was more of a time of day/date during holiday break.  It's fine now, we got it scheduled.  Busy moms who also work and volunteer can't just run the risk that they walk-in and suddenly there's an hour wait.  Or they get bumped to a Thursday when they've got work and kids and volunteer shit and can't feel like crap.  She had a few windows to to work with and it's all good thanks to UT Public Health.  

Also, anecdotal---but geography and people watching are about all there is to think of when scheduling boosters.  I got mine in Fort Worth after Thanksgiving.  Nurse said twice to me, "You're the only person on the books this whole weekend, wow."  Each time I got jabbed in Austin, I was one of probably 20 people in my time slot wandering around the store waiting for shot/under 15-minute observation.  That the pharmacies and clinics in my area are chalked full the week before Christmas is encouraging to me.  Rest of the state can go get fucked at this point.  

[TXSooner518 2438]

Got my antibody results from Round 2 of the CARES study. Two doses of Derna in March, no booster yet. 922, still no virus antibodies. Previous round in September was around 1500.

[Hate 20108]

It's because you're a sooner.  Even Covid has standards.

[South Austin 52484]

It’s Lincoln Riley’s fault.

[TXSooner518 2438]

It’s Lincoln Riley’s fault.

[Tonesky 934]

Any thoughts on finagling a Pfizer booster does for a 14 year old who is more than 6 months post 2nd dose?  A month ago - pre-Omicron - a physician plugged into Texas Children's research told me that the thinking was that kids had better and longer lasting vaccine immunity.  He suggested watching the numbers when kids return to school in January - that if there is a spike in cases in area middle schools after winter break, that is the time to get my kids a booster (approved or not).  But, now Omicron and two weeks of super spreader events on the horizon.  The only contraindication seems to be the increased risk of endo/pericarditis, but there is also similar increased risk of that from Covid itself.  In the meantime, Israel has been aggressively giving booster shots to 12-15 year old kids for several months, with no reported material issues.... 

Edited December 16, 2021 by Tonesky

[StruggleBus 3922]

Is there even a need to get a 14 year old a booster?

[statsman 5457]

My understanding is that the Omicron is a lot more contagious (we’re going to get it), but not as potent. Kids have better immunity, anyway. Maybe you don’t need a booster?

Unless he’s a fat kid. Fat people should all get shots, as many as they can.  

[Redneck Mutha 7954]

On 10/13/2021 at 5:43 PM, Redneck Mutha said:

Thanks for posting.  I mentioned upthread that I got J&J back in early Mar, Texas CARES results in early Sep showed antibodies of only 40.  Talked to my doc, he advised starting over from scratch with Moderna.  Got my first Moderna, with some ass-kicking side effects, in mid-Sep.  Second Moderna scheduled next week.

The results from that study make me feel much better about my situation. 

J&J early Mar

1st CARES early Sep (# was about 40)

Moderna #1 mid Sep

Moderna #2 mid Oct

2nd CARES last week negative for N (# was 0.0), positive for S (# was >2500)

#AGTG #soblessed #readyforknoblickin #thatswhatshesaid