Category: Corona Virus Vaccine

MADISON, Wis. As the respiratory illness season begins, UW Health is encouraging everyone to get the latest influenza and updated COVID-19 vaccines to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Both vaccines are now available at UW Health, and patients can schedule their appointments via MyChart or by calling their primary care clinic. Non-UW Health patients can find the shots at local pharmacies or by contacting their primary care providers.

UW Health patients in the Madison area can also get both shots at theUW Health John Wall Drive Thru Cliniclocated at 3819John Wall Drive. Any patient five years and older can receive the vaccines while in their vehicle at this location. Younger patients will need to receive vaccines at a traditional clinic visit. In addition to COVID-19 and influenza vaccines, other routine vaccines for children and adults are available at this location. Appointments shouldbe scheduled but are not necessary. The John Wall Drive Thru Clinic is open seven days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Getting vaccinated does not mean a person cannot catch a respiratory virus, but if they do, it protects an individual from potentially developing severe symptoms and reduces the risk of hospitalization or death, according to Dr. Jim Conway, medical director, UW Health immunization program, and an infectious disease physician with UW Health Kids.

By getting vaccinated you decrease your chances of getting infected, or, if you do get infected, it makes your life easier with a milder case, said Conway, also a professor of pediatrics at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Today is not too soon to schedule your appointment and it is never too late in the season to get the protection given by these vaccines. Everyone doing their part helps keep the community healthy.

The updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age or older, regardless of previous vaccinations or infections, he said.

It doesnt matter if you had a previous booster series, no vaccines or had a previous infection, you should definitely get the updated COVID-19 vaccine, Conway said.

Anyone six months of age or older can get the latest influenza vaccine each year as well. Some individuals who are immunocompromised might need two doses of the updated COVID-19 vaccine. Older individuals should receive one of the higher potency influenza vaccines, he said.

COVID-19 vaccines are no longer provided free of charge from the federal government. A patients insurance will be billed for the vaccines. Most insurers will cover vaccine fees, but some do not. Before scheduling a visit, patients should call the customer service number listed on their insurance card to find out if their plan covers these fees. Conway also recommends visitingwww.vaccines.govfor more information on vaccine coverage.

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UWHealth: Latest influenza and updated COVID-19 vaccine now ... - WisPolitics.com

Stephanie Rossow / CDC

In severely ill COVID-19 patients, some kinds of fungi can thrive in the intestines, exacerbating the virus's characteristic inflammation and leading to an outsized immune response against the fungi for up to 1 year after infection, suggests a study published yesterday in Nature Immunology.

Weill Cornell Medicine and New York Presbyterian researchers analyzed blood samples from patients with severe COVID-19, finding immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against fungi commonly found in the gut and an increase in neutrophil immune cells in the lungs.

They then used mouse models to confirm that fungi in the gut, especially strains of Candida albicans yeast, provoked the production of more neutrophils in the blood and lungs. The mice also had signs of inflammation when infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Patient blood samples showed signs of persistent immune-system changes believed to be related to long COVID. At 1 year postinfection, the blood still contained antifungal antibodies, and stem cells that give rise to neutrophils were primed to attack fungi.

Severe and long COVID-19 were not thought to involve fungal blooms in the intestines that, in addition to the virus, can impact patients immunity.

The immune protein interleukin-6, induced by fungi, seemed to increase levels of both neutrophils in the lungs and fungal antibodies. The use of IL-6 blockers or antifungal drugs in patients or mice, however, reduced levels of neutrophils and fungal antibodies. Patients treated with the anti-inflammatory drug tocilizumab saw sustained reductions in IgG antibodies against both C albicans and neutrophil progenitors.

"Severe and long COVID-19 were not thought to involve fungal blooms in the intestines that, in addition to the virus, can impact patients immunity," senior author Iliyan Iliev, PhD, of Weill Cornell Medicine, said in a college news release.

The authors said the findings don't change the guidelines for treating severe or long COVID, but they may someday lead to tailored treatment, such as the use of antifungal antibodies to identify patients eligible for a therapy targeting the fungi or the immunologic changes they trigger. The antifungal antibodies may also be a marker of increased risk of long COVID or other infectious inflammatory conditions.

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Research shows small reduction in long COVID with antiviral use - University of Minnesota Twin Cities

Bovilis Nasalgen-C can be used for the active immunisation of calves from the day of birth onwards to reduce clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease and nasal viral shedding from infection with BCoV.

MSD says respiratory disease in UK calves is widespread and comes at a high cost from an emotional and business productivity perspective.

It is also continually highlighted as a critical area for overuse of antibiotics.

Despite all this, there is an under use of vaccination in the UK cattle sector1.

Speaking at BCVA last week, Paul Burr MRCVS, director of Biobest Laboratories said: Recent UK studies show bovine coronavirus being the most prevalent virus found in routine disease screening and nasal swab samples taken during a bovine respiratory disease outbreak.

"BCoV was found in 39% of over 400 nasal swab samples taken between 2020 and 2022 from BRD affected cattle on UK farms2.

KatBaxter-Smith, veterinary adviser with MSD Animal Health, said: Whilst the pathogenicity of BCoV within the BRD complex remains an unknown quantity, its ubiquitous presence in the UK cattle population and the recent human experience of coronavirus as a significant respiratory pathogen suggests a need for a re-evaluation of BRD control by vets and farmers.

Just as coronavirus is a pathogen associated with the common cold and Covid-19, BCoV is a proven pathogen that directly impacts the calf respiratory tract.

"Consequently, the availability of this new BRD vaccine presents veterinary professionals with another tool in their armoury to improve control of this costly disease.

If diagnostics suggest BCoV is implicated in any BRD problem, the availability of Bovilis Nasalgen-C allows UK cattle farmers to effectively administer protection for young calves via a single 2ml intranasal dose that can quickly reach the site of action.

"This will support the development of immunity against BCoV early in life, the onset of which starts five days after administration and has a 12-week duration.

Bovilis Nasalgen-C comes can be used on the same day with Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live, which offers protection against both Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) and Parainfluenza-3 Virus (Pi3).

Bovilis Nasalgen-C can be stored for up to 24 hours at room temperature after reconstitution, can be given to cattle using a syringe or applicator device and is available in one, five and 20 dose packs, suitable for both small and large herds.

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PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vets.

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MSD launches bovine coronavirus vaccine in the UK - VetSurgeon.org

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West Virginia official accused of approving $34M in COVID-19 ... - Williamson Daily News

New COVID-19 variant expected to become dominant strain this winter

by Liz Bonis & Megan Burgasser, WKRC

(WKRC)

CINCINNATI (WKRC) - Infectious disease specialists are closely monitoring the newest COVID-19 variant. Its expected to become the dominant strain this fall and winter.

This newest variant is in the family tree from Omicron and its growth is soaring.

The new COVID-19 vaccine does offer protection against it, targeting Omicrons descendants.

So, this is its own vaccine itself. We aren't boosting on an old version of the vaccine, so anybody that's not had the vaccine in the past two months is a candidate for the new vaccine, said Ben Prewitt, a Kroger Health pharmacist.

The HV.1 danger is that it appears to be spreading rapidly among those who come into close contact with others. It's working its way around current immunity.

HV.1 made up just 0.5% of cases in late July. Now, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates it has overtaken EG.5, which has been the dominant strain until now.

HV. 1 is now responsible for one in five new cases. Its highly transmissible, but so far, does not appear to be more severe.

Wilma Hancock chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine anyway.

Because Ive had it, I dont want to get it again, said Hancock.

Getting the vaccine can reduce the viral load in a persons body, so the person becomes less likely to transmit HV.1 or another variant to others.

As for HV.1s symptoms, its mainly a cough, fatigue, runny nose, and congestion. Those are common with other respiratory illnesses, so its suggested that a person take an at-home COVID-19 test at the first sign of any symptoms. If its negative, test again a day or two later.

Medications to ease the symptoms for those at risk, such as Paxlovid, need to be started within five days of symptom onset.

To find where the new COVID-19 vaccine is available: Schedule Your COVID-19 Vaccine or Booster Online, click here.

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New COVID-19 variant expected to become dominant strain this winter - WKRC TV Cincinnati

Business resilience is essential for sustainable economic prosperity and growth. A company's ability to bounce back from adversity impacts the wider economic picture, shaping growth and employment trajectories. This study delves into the experiences and lessons learned by business leaders in 2020 and early 2021, aiming to capture the essence of business strategies during the global disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than broad generalisations, the focus is on understanding real-world experiences and practical adaptations.

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Business Resilience in Retrospect: Lessons from the COVID-19 ... - ILO

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Estimation of SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Healthcare Worker ... - Cureus

Specialty

Please choose I'm not a medical professional. Allergy and Immunology Anatomy Anesthesiology Cardiac/Thoracic/Vascular Surgery Cardiology Critical Care Dentistry Dermatology Diabetes and Endocrinology Emergency Medicine Epidemiology and Public Health Family Medicine Forensic Medicine Gastroenterology General Practice Genetics Geriatrics Health Policy Hematology HIV/AIDS Hospital-based Medicine I'm not a medical professional. Infectious Disease Integrative/Complementary Medicine Internal Medicine Internal Medicine-Pediatrics Medical Education and Simulation Medical Physics Medical Student Nephrology Neurological Surgery Neurology Nuclear Medicine Nutrition Obstetrics and Gynecology Occupational Health Oncology Ophthalmology Optometry Oral Medicine Orthopaedics Osteopathic Medicine Otolaryngology Pain Management Palliative Care Pathology Pediatrics Pediatric Surgery Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Plastic Surgery Podiatry Preventive Medicine Psychiatry Psychology Pulmonology Radiation Oncology Radiology Rheumatology Substance Use and Addiction Surgery Therapeutics Trauma Urology Miscellaneous

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Factors Affecting the Mortality Rate in Non-COVID-19 Intensive Care ... - Cureus

Shares of Pfizer are falling before the opening bell as the company cut its full-year outlook, citing declining sales of its COVID-19-related products

By

MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer

October 16, 2023, 8:21 AM ET

2 min read

Shares of Pfizer are in retreat on the first day of trading after the drug company said sales of its COVID-19 vaccine and its coronavirus treatment are weaker than it had expected and cut revenue projections by $9 billion for the year.

Falling sales of both clipped sales in the second quarter, but Pfizer said in August that it expected a rebound in the second half of 2023.

Shares of Pfizer slipped more than 1% before the opening bell Monday and Moderna, which is heavily reliant on the competing vaccine it makes, slid nearly 5%.

Pfizer said Friday that global usage of Paxlovid is trending slightly above last year, but that it's still below expectations.

The fall vaccination period just began and the New York City drugmaker said that it's too soon to get a handle on vaccination rates for the year.

Full-year revenue for Paxlovid and Comirnaty is expected to be approximately $12.5 billion, short $9 billion of what it had expected.

Pfizer is lowering its full-year revenue expectations for Paxlovid by approximately $7 billion. That number also accounts for delayed commercialization of the product, which was pushed to January 2024 from the company's previous expectation of commercialization in the second half of this year. Pfizer is also lowering its 2023 revenue expectations for Comirnaty by approximately $2 billion due to lower-than-expected vaccination rates.

Pfizer Inc. now foresees 2023 revenue in a range of $58 billion to $61 billion, down from its prior forecast for $67 billion to $70 billion. It now projects full-year adjusted earnings between $1.45 and $1.65 per share due to lower-than-anticipated revenue for COVID-19-related products and inventory write-offs.

That is short of the full-year revenue of $63.61 billion and earnings of $2.77 per share that Wall Street was expecting, and far short of the company's previous projections of per-share earning between $3.25 and $3.45.

JPMorgan said the company's update solves an ongoing U.S. Paxlovid inventory debate and it anticipates the company's bigger-than-expected cuts to its sales projections will help put a floor under per-share earnings expectations for next year.

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Pfizer trims expectations for 2023 with sales of COVID-19 vaccine, treatment, weaker than thought - ABC News

Duke researchers have successfully developed a pan-coronavirus vaccine, effective against three deadly strains, with proven efficacy in mouse studies. This advancement paves the way for potential human trials and marks significant progress towards a universal coronavirus vaccine, addressing a critical global health need.

A promising vaccine targeting three lethal coronaviruses has proven effective in preliminary mouse trials, underscoring the potential for a universal coronavirus vaccine.

The research, conducted by experts at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute, was recently published in the journal Cell Reports. This innovative nanoparticle vaccine builds upon a former version that shielded mice and primates from various strains of SARS-CoV-2, the culprit behind COVID-19.

In this study, the vaccine protected mice from SARS-CoV-1, another form of SARS coronavirus that can infect humans, and a MERS coronavirus that has led to periodic, deadly outbreaks around the world.

We are making important progress toward a broadly protective coronavirus vaccine, said senior authorKevin O. Saunders, Ph.D., associate director of theDuke Human Vaccine Institute. These are pathogens that cause or have the potential to cause significant human infections and loss of life, and a single vaccine that provides protection could slow down or even prevent another pandemic.

Saunders and colleagues built the tri-valent vaccine using a nanoparticle loaded with a key fragment called a receptor binding domain from each of the coronaviruses. The fragment a docking site on the virus that enables it to infiltrate the bodys cells provides enough information for immune cells to build an effective response against actual coronaviruses that enter the body.

In earlier studies in mice and primates, the researchers demonstrated that an earlier iteration of the nanoparticle vaccine was effective against multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants. Human tests are planned next year for a version that carries immunogens to different SARS-CoV-2 strains, including those that have dominated since the original outbreak in late 2019.

The current work expands the components of the vaccine to include an additional SARS-related virus and MERS virus. In lab studies, as well as in mice, the researchers found that the vaccine candidate generated inhibitory immune molecules called antibodies against all three pathogenic human coronavirus types.

Importantly, vaccinated mice did not grow sick when challenged with either SARS-like or MERS-like viruses.

This study demonstrates proof-of-concept that a single vaccine that protects against both MERS and SARS viruses is an achievable goal, Saunders said. Given that one MERS and two SARS viruses have infected humans in the last two decades, the development of universal coronavirus vaccines is a global health priority.

Reference: Vaccine-mediated protection against Merbecovirus and Sarbecovirus challenge in mice by David R. Martinez, Alexandra Schfer, Tyler D. Gavitt, Michael L. Mallory, Esther Lee, Nicholas J. Catanzaro, Haiyan Chen, Kendra Gully, Trevor Scobey, Pooja Korategere, Alecia Brown, Lena Smith, Robert Parks, Maggie Barr, Amanda Newman, Cindy Bowman, John M. Powers, Erik J. Soderblom, Katayoun Mansouri, Robert J. Edwards, Ralph S. Baric, Barton F. Haynes and Kevin O. Saunders, 18 October 2023,Cell Reports. DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113248

In addition to Saunders, study authors include lead author David R. Martinez, who is now at Yale School of Medicine, and Alexandra Schafer, Tyler D. Gavitt, Michael L. Mallory, Esther Lee, Nicholas J. Catanzaro, Haiyan Chen, Kendra Gully, Trevor Scobey, Pooja Korategere, Alecia Brown, Lena Smith, Rob Parks, Maggie Barr, Amanda Newman, Cindy Bowman, John M. Powers, Erik J. Soderblom, Katayoun Mansouri, Robert J. Edwards, Ralph S. Baric, and Barton F. Haynes.

The study received funding support from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which is part of the National Institutes of Health (U54 CA260543, P01 AI158571).

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Triple Threat Single Vaccine Protects Against Three Deadly Strains of Coronavirus - SciTechDaily