Three Things Thursday highlights three things I am paying attention to as an epidemiologist each week.
This week started with flu shots for me and our kids (plus my youngest had to get a tetanus booster). And then the week was derailed by news of the deadly mass shooting in Maine yesterday. It was the 565th mass shooting in the US this year. That is approximately 1.9 (nearly 2) mass shootings per day this year in the US.
We are on target to break the record for the most mass shootings in a year.
Gun Safety Legislation is NEEDED.
As we think about the elections in less than two weeks, we need to vote for candidates who are supportive of gun safety legislation.
Gun safety legislation is NOT about taking away 2nd amendment rights. It is about teachers and students. And worried parents. It is about safe classrooms. And being about to go to the bowling alley for an evening of fun with friends and family. It is putting an end to active shooter drills. And not allowing individuals to own assault rifles. Gun safety legislation would require individuals to carry a permit for a gun (Maine does NOT require gun owners to carry a permit).
Rethinking who is allowed to buy a gun, how guns are stored, and what education we require of gun owners — will take the burden of protecting our schools off of the administrators, teachers, and students. And the burden will be placed on those who manufacture, sell, and own a gun.
In addition to more news about gun violence, there is also important news about RSV, vaccinations, and the newest COVID variant that warrants some attention.
Hoping this post helps to educate and empower you
to be healthy and create healthy communities.
RSV Cases Are Increasing
RSV cases are increasing across the country this week. Both the case count has increased as well as the percent of tests for RSV that are positive.
In addition to an increase in cases, the CDC announced earlier this week that there is a shortage of the monoclonal antibody shot Beyfortus™ (nirsevimab-alip), which was recommended for all infants under 8 months entering their first RSV season. According to a message shared through the Health Alert Network —
“In the context of limited supply during the 2023–2024 RSV season, CDC recommends prioritizing available nirsevimab 100mg doses for infants at the highest risk for severe RSV disease: young infants (age <6 months) and infants with underlying conditions that place them at highest risk for severe RSV disease.”
In the midst of this shortage (and to prevent respiratory illnesses this fall/winter), please remember to wash your hands (especially before eating or preparing food and snuggling with a baby), cover coughs and sneezes, clean frequently touched surfaces, and stay home when sick. Staying away from others who are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory disease is also a good idea.
Positive Effects of COVID Vaccine On Newborns
The CDC recommends that all pregnant people eligible for an updated COVID booster should receive the vaccine in pregnancy, both to protect themselves and their developing baby against severe forms of the disease, which can be worse in pregnancy. Infants under 6 months of age are not eligible for their own COVID vaccination. Therefore, vaccinating a pregnant person can offer some protection to the baby after birth.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics on Monday found that infants of pregnant people who received at least one mRNA COVID vaccine dose during pregnancy were at lower risk for poor outcomes, newborn death, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. According to the study authors —
“Many women feel nervous about receiving vaccines during pregnancy, but our study will hopefully provide some reassurance on the safety of COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy for newborns and young infants."
During the past three years, we have learned that one of the most compelling factors influencing a pregnant person's decision against being vaccinated is fear/worry about whether it is safe for the newborn. Drs. Katherine Healy, MD, of Baylor College of Medicine, and Laura Riley, MD, of Weill Cornell Medicine point out —
"In this issue of JAMA Pediatrics, Jorgensen and colleagues provide considerable evidence that this concern is unfounded for COVID-19 vaccination."
The COVID vaccine is safe and effective for pregnant people and the developing fetus. And the immunity the fetus gains when the mother is vaccinated during pregnancy provides meaningful protection against severe COVID during the first six months of life.
Vaccinations during pregnancy — flu, COVID, and pertussis — save lives.
HV.1 — The Newest COVID Variant
HV.1, a member of the Omicron viral family, is the newest COVID variant gaining a foothold in the United States. It is causing approximately 20% of all COVID cases. It is expected to be the most common variant in the coming weeks.
Like other subvariants of Omicron, HV.1 is highly contagious and is causing flu/cold-like symptoms — fever, sore throat, cough, fatigue, and possibly some diarrhea. It does NOT appear (at this point in time) that HV.1 is causing more severe disease. According to Dr. Amesh Adalja —
“It is important to recognize that there will always be new variants of SARS-CoV-2, just as there are with any other endemic respiratory virus and most will not be of concern to anyone.”
Because HV.1 is part of the Omicron family of COVID, the booster shot should provide good protection against it. The updated vaccine is based on the XBB.1.5, and HV.1 is a “grandchild” of the XBB.1.5 variant.
If you haven’t gotten your COVID booster yet, now is the time to go out and get it.
Questions?
Be sure to share this with your friends & family —
Off topic of this week’s email I know, but I still thought you’d be interested in this article :
https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2023/nov/01/wellness-industry-healthcare-women-stress?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other