Omicron is breaking news, but it really shouldn’t come as a surprise and it is probably already here. I think that South Africa is probably doing a better job of genetic sequencing than we are to identify variants. The first…
As predicted, Covid 19 Booster Update – Mark Thornton (personalphysicianmd.com) , the FDA and CDC have broadened the recommendation for who may receive a booster. CDC Recommends Booster Dose for All Adults Who Receive Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines The…
Here is some interesting news on the effectiveness of Covid 19 vaccine based on Texas Department of Health Services data. Texas physicians have strongly encouraged patients to get vaccinated against COVID-19, and a new report from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS)…
Here are some handy facts from the Texas Medical Association on Covid 19 boosters. The recommendations for who qualifies for a booster are as of today. It is my belief that the FDA/CDC/ACIP will open this up soon to all…
Numbers are down and that’s a good thing. Bexar County is ahead of the Texas average vaccination rates. Judging by people’s behavior, they think the pandemic is over. Every time we have thought that in the past, numbers have surged.…
During the pandemic, people deferred medical care. We’ve all heard about how the number of patients hospitalized for heart attacks plummeted. The rates of people having heart attacks didn’t decline, just those hospitalized. Many people died of Covid-19 indirectly by…
This probably won’t convince anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated, but is useful information when someone says that they had Covid 19 and don’t need to be vaccinated. Since this virus is new, it’s been hard to make predictions about it. …
I am sometimes asked by patients if they should have their antibody levels against Covid 19 checked. The answer is usually “No” as there is no level of antibodies that confers protection. Immunity to Covid 19 is not just about…
Over the counter testing for Covid 19 is becoming increasingly popular. I am frequently asked how accurate they are. It’s a tough question, but here is a recent table from The Medical Letter which helps answer the question. The sensitivity…
Here are two summaries of the recent recommendations to the FDA by advisory committees regarding Moderna and J=J Covid 19 vaccines. Don’t run to the pharmacy asking for it as it still requires the CDC’s advisory committee, the ACIP to…
