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Interesting that we haven't really heard much in the news (or during the Gov's weekly Covid Updates) about the recent outbreaks at local congregate living facilities. Just in the last month there have been at least 4 outbreaks.
I thought those places were the first to receive vaccinations. It makes me really wonder about the efficacy of these vaccines especially since it seems that these new variants are becoming more common all over the US now.
I heard on last nights news about Duke's research with Moderna and J&J and some of the new variants. I find it strange that they did not test Pfizer and they are only saying that two of the vaccines are effective against the UK and Ca variants. The only thing they added is that Pfizer "should be" effective but without testing how will we know especially now that we are seeing these outbreaks at congregate facilities that most likely used Pfizer since that was the 1st vaccine available.
And please don't misconstrue my post for being against the Covid vaccine. I have had my first shot so far even though I did hesitate a bit. This was one of my main reasons for holding off a bit (along with a couple of other reasons).
Interesting that we haven't really heard much in the news (or during the Gov's weekly Covid Updates) about the recent outbreaks at local congregate living facilities. Just in the last month there have been at least 4 outbreaks.
I thought those places were the first to receive vaccinations. It makes me really wonder about the efficacy of these vaccines especially since it seems that these new variants are becoming more common all over the US now.
I heard on last nights news about Duke's research with Moderna and J&J and some of the new variants. I find it strange that they did not test Pfizer and they are only saying that two of the vaccines are effective against the UK and Ca variants. The only thing they added is that Pfizer "should be" effective but without testing how will we know especially now that we are seeing these outbreaks at congregate facilities that most likely used Pfizer since that was the 1st vaccine available.
And please don't misconstrue my post for being against the Covid vaccine. I have had my first shot so far even though I did hesitate a bit. This was one of my main reasons for holding off a bit (along with a couple of other reasons).
It's true about outbreaks, but a outbreak is over 2 cases. How many of those cases needed admission to the hospital? And how many of those cases resulted in deaths? I think nursing homes in Mecklenburg Co reported no deaths in the entire last month.
The vaccines are here to prevent hospital admissions and death. Not necessarily that you will never test positive.
There were and perhaps are still outbreaks at congregate living for 1 main reason - the low-skill, low-wage staff that may work multiple jobs but definitely needs every hour of wages brings it in. Then that same group refuses to take the vaccine, because they are high-minority population that distrusts "officials".
There were and perhaps are still outbreaks at congregate living for 1 main reason - the low-skill, low-wage staff that may work multiple jobs but definitely needs every hour of wages brings it in. Then that same group refuses to take the vaccine, because they are high-minority population that distrusts "officials".
Where's the "breaking point" with that?
My kid needs proof of vaccination to attend school. Kids need proof of a physical to play local sports (perhaps not here, but definitely where we moved from).
I realize we, in general, don't like the idea of being forced to do something (such as vaccines)...but no one has the right to their job; Constitutionally or otherwise.
If a job requires you to come in contact with susceptible populations....how far away is the "oh, you don't want to get vaccinated? That's your prerogative....but you can't work heeeeerrrrrre" (In the voice of the kid on the bus in Forrest Gump).
There are all sorts of requirements employers can place on their jobs; background checks, drugs tests, the ability to pass a security clearance, an audit of your personal stock portfolio to ensure no financial conflicts of interests and forcing divestiture as part of an offer (going through this one now).
How is "ensuring you don't pose a higher than necessary risk to the health of our residents" not of equal merit?
(These are all general questions for discussion Bo. I am not implying any position you have at this point).
ETA - I will even grant that my experience with vaccines may make my POV different than the average citizen. When we moved to Indonesia I had to get vaccinated against Hep A (3 shot series), Hep B (3 shot series), Japanese Encephalitis, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, a Polio booster, a MMR booster, a T-DAP booster so this concept didn't have the same trust issues some might have (I also don't take vaccine medical advice from a woman whose claim to fame is a centerfold in Playboy) so I may be off the mark here/may be the wrong person to ask.
Interesting that we haven't really heard much in the news (or during the Gov's weekly Covid Updates) about the recent outbreaks at local congregate living facilities. Just in the last month there have been at least 4 outbreaks.
I thought those places were the first to receive vaccinations. It makes me really wonder about the efficacy of these vaccines especially since it seems that these new variants are becoming more common all over the US now.
I heard on last nights news about Duke's research with Moderna and J&J and some of the new variants. I find it strange that they did not test Pfizer and they are only saying that two of the vaccines are effective against the UK and Ca variants. The only thing they added is that Pfizer "should be" effective but without testing how will we know especially now that we are seeing these outbreaks at congregate facilities that most likely used Pfizer since that was the 1st vaccine available.
And please don't misconstrue my post for being against the Covid vaccine. I have had my first shot so far even though I did hesitate a bit. This was one of my main reasons for holding off a bit (along with a couple of other reasons).
My wife thinks like you as well. "There are still lots of cases!". I said yes, there are. But who cares if you "get" covid but only feel mild symptoms? Or none at all? The vaccines so far are 100% effective at preventing hospitalization and death. This virus is not going away. Again, this virus is NOT going away. It will be here to eternity just like the coronavirus in the late 1800's is still here causing the common cold. We could contain it for years possibly if we literally shut down all borders into and out of the country. Complete and total lockdown like Australia has done (an island). But the second we open up, bam it will flare up. This is however unrealistic.
This panic about the "U.K. variant" cracks me up. The media (CNN!) has people hyperventilating. Stop watching that trash (sorry). Look at the numbers actually in the UK, the source of the variant. Keep in mind this is with half the population vaccinated:
CASES DOWN 95% FROM PEAK:
DEATHS DOWN 97.5%
If the US gets to a 95% reduction in deaths that means 150 people will die a day from this. That actually puts it in line with the regular flu, and we don't shut down the country and mandate masks for that, do we?
the hype/panic/fear-mongering over the "variants" is sadly par for the course with the media.
I think it would serve us all well to decouple a couple of things.
1. The media (or more accurately, the modern incarnation of the media we the people will into existence) is in the business of hype. Clicks and Eyeballs.
2. Fact #1 doesn't undo the concept that many experts in this field have concerns with the variants.
My "Double PhD Merck Chemist" buddy up north who I have been in regular contact regarding all things COVID (and shared some of what he has shared with me with you all before) has said more than once to me, and I quote, "this is now a race between vaccinations and the variants. The variants give me and all my colleagues great pause given what we are seeing in our lab".
In short. Yes the media isn't helping. But that doesn't make the underlying nugget false/hyped/hyperbole etc. Both things can be true. The media being s**tbirds doesn't mean the variants aren't truly concerning to people who do this stuff for a living.
Do we want the media to report on emerging virus updates or no?
Media doesn't make up the stats on the outbreaks or make up the variants that have emerged.
They are reporting on it. Should it be reported in small fonts under the fold on a website or on page 3 or 4 in a paper newspaper? Would that make folks feel better, if they missed that news because it wasn't on the front page?
Scientists are candidly sharing their opinions on what they see in their labs. Should they pretend all is well and there's "nothing to see here?" Is it better for people to stay in their fantasy bubbles, not getting any updates because it may upset them?
If you don't like the way news is presented on TV, then stop watching the news on TV and read it online instead. If you just want the facts without any emotion, go to the official web pages for the thing you are following: CDC, WHO, etc. You control how you receive the news.
Do we want the media to report on emerging virus updates or no?
Media doesn't make up the stats on the outbreaks or make up the variants that have emerged.
They are reporting on it. Should it be reported in small fonts under the fold on a website or on page 3 or 4 in a paper newspaper? Would that make folks feel better, if they missed that news because it wasn't on the front page?
Scientists are candidly sharing their opinions on what they see in their labs. Should they pretend all is well and there's "nothing to see here?" Is it better for people to stay in their fantasy bubbles, not getting any updates because it may upset them?
If you don't like the way news is presented on TV, then stop watching the news on TV and read it online instead. If you just want the facts without any emotion, go to the official web pages for the thing you are following: CDC, WHO, etc. You control how you receive the news.
Did you ever watch CNN headline news? It was just facts for 30 mins and repeated itself in the AM. My father used to watch it every morning getting ready. That was decent reporting.
Fear mongering, click bait, tabloid "reporting" doesn't do anyone any good. That trash used to be related to the checkout lanes in grocery stores.
The new thing now they are using to scare people is the dreaded "double mutant" variant. Maybe a triple mask will help slow its spread?
Ever? Last time was in 2010. I cut the cable cord in 2010 altogether and no longer watch any news (national or local) on TV. Life is better and calmer.
The tools have gotten smarter (hey, smart phone & apps!), I can get a weather update or an alert on any subject I want, from quality sources. I refuse to be fear-mongered.
I believe in science, believe in data, and use common sense.
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