Articles related to COVID-19

An OBGYN voices frustration — “silently cursing behind my mask” – with the patients who “recite a litany of scientifically illiterate reasons for not taking” the COVID-19 vaccine despite its 99%+ effectiveness in keeping them alive. Do you share this doctor’s sentiments?

Publication: JAMA OncologyMethod: Retrospective study of 160 adults with hematologic malignant disease who were vaccinated with 1 of 3 COVID-19 vaccines (February through April 2021).Results: Patients receiving B-cell-depleting immunotherapy may not gain adequate protection from vaccination and may still develop a potentially fatal infection.

The recent Delta variant explosion prompted President Biden to direct the Secretary of Education to do whatever it takes against governors who are trying to block and intimidate local school officials and educators from instituting mask mandates for children. Also, he instituted mandatory vaccines for nursing home workers and announced booster shots will be available to all Moderna/Pfizer vax recipients.

The investigational agent – known as REGEN-COV (casirivimab and imdevimab) – was previously granted the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19. Now, those who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death, have an option.

Is the debate over? The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) discusses this case-control study, which showed that people are twice as likely to get infected again if they are unvaccinated. The debate over vaccinations has been bitter so far, but the results present comforting news for those vaccinated but worried about the fast-spreading Delta variant…while alerting the unvaccinated of their much higher potential to become infected again.

According to the interim guidance, “remote-learning highlighted inequities in education, was detrimental to the educational attainment of students of all ages, and exacerbated the mental health crisis among children and adolescents.” The AAP continues to recommend that all staff and students who are 2 years or older wear face masks unless medical or developmental conditions prohibit their use, urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19.