COVID-19: Vaccines, Variants and What to Know
Some days, staying on top of all the latest news and science about COVID-19 can seem like a full-time job. We’re here to help. As we enter a new and more hopeful phase of the pandemic, we’ve sorted through all the clutter to give you just what you need to know about vaccines and virus variants, as well as exciting developments on the horizon.
COVID-19 VACCINES
There are currently 3 authorized vaccines available in the US:
- Pfizer/BioNTech – double dose vaccine, 21 days between dosing
- Moderna – double dose vaccine, 28 days between dosing
- Johnson & Johnson (J&J) – single dose vaccine
The Moderna and J&J vaccine are available to people aged 18 years and older. Teenagers who are 16 years and older are eligible for the Pfizer vaccine. The vaccines are especially critical for people who are aged 70 and up, as well as those with underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, some autoimmune disorders and obesity. Public health officials urge everyone who can to get vaccinated, so we can achieve herd immunity more quickly and stop COVID’s spread.
WHAT ABOUT VACCINES FOR CHILDREN?
Moderna announced this week that the first children have been vaccinated in a COVID vaccine clinical trial. Moderna is enrolling approximately 6,750 children in the US and Canada between 6 months and 11 years old. The tests are being conducted to determine if the vaccine protects children from getting sick after coming in contact with coronavirus.
Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech have already begun testing their shots in teens and pre-teens between the ages of 12 and 18. Results could come as early as this summer. J&J has also announced plans to test their vaccine in adolescents.
ARE VACCINES SAFE FOR PREGNANT WOMEN?
Pregnant women were not included in earlier clinical trials, but last month Pfizer/BioNTech launched the first global clinical trial to test the safety and effectiveness of its COVID vaccine in pregnant women. COVID can be especially dangerous for expectant mothers, so this is an important study, and the vaccines can be life-saving. While current data on vaccine safety and pregnant women is limited, the Centers for Disease Control recommends women should talk to their doctors to determine their risk for contracting COVID.
SHOULD I BE WORRIED ABOUT THE COVID-19 VARIANTS?
The virus has been mutating since its first appearance which is naturally what viruses do. While many mutations don’t change the virus much and some mutations might also make the virus weaker, it’s the changes that strengthen the virus that are most worrying. Currently, researchers are keeping an eye on these mutations:
B.1.1.7 (UK strain)
- First detected in the United Kingdom in September 2020
- Has spread to 94 countries, including the US where more than 3,000 cases have been reported
- Known to spread more easily than older variants; some studies have shown a higher risk of death although more research is needed
- Current vaccines are reported to be just as effective against the B.1.1.7 mutation
B.1.351 (South African strain):
- First detected in the US in late January
- Considered more easily transmissible but it’s still not known if the mutation is deadlier
- Preliminary studies show that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines may offer some protection against this mutation, but they are thought to be ‘less effective’ than against the original strain
- This mutation may override the natural antibodies that people who have been previously infected have now developed, making them vulnerable to reinfection
P.1 (Brazil strain):
- First discovered in Brazil in December. Has spread to 26 countries and 10 states
- Studies show this mutation is more easily transmissible but potentially not deadlier
- Vaccines may be less effective against this mutation
Homegrown variants
- Currently, 2 variants have been discovered in the US, including one from the West Coast (B.1.427/B.1.429 or CAL2.0C) and one in New York City (B.1.526)
- Preliminary research shows the New York variant may weaken the effectiveness of the vaccines
- The California strain may be more transmissible and lethal, however, more research is needed to confirm findings
The good news is that companies with COVID-19 vaccines have already begun testing on updated versions designed to effectively block infection from the variants.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
According to the World Health Organization, new and improved vaccines are in the pipeline. More than 80 vaccines are being studied, although some are in the early stages of testing and may not be effective. Vaccines that don’t use needles and can be stored at room temperature could be ready for use later this year or in 2022. Researchers are also focusing on alternative delivery systems and technologies for vaccines to be given orally, by a nasal spray, or through a skin patch. These could be helpful to specific groups who don’t do well with injections.
This marks an exciting time of scientific collaboration that will accelerate vaccines and treatments for other viruses and conditions. It is a promising trend that we hope will usher in a new era of innovation and help millions of people suffering from a range of health conditions around the world.
At Lake Country Medical Concierge, we’ll keep you posted on all the latest COVID-related developments as they are announced. Be sure to check our dedicated COVID-19 page for local information pertaining to Eatonton, Greensboro, Reynolds Lake Oconee, and other places throughout Putnam and Greene counties: here
In the meantime, stay safe and healthy!
Sources:
https://www.cnet.com/health/coronavirus-variants-what-you-need-to-know/
https://www.statnews.com/2021/02/05/what-scientists-know-variants-covid-19-vaccines/
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/24/health/coronavirus-variant-nyc.html
https://www.statnews.com/2021/01/19/coronavirus-variants-transmissibility-disease-reinfection/
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html