Several folks have asked that I repost my blog from the past 4th of July. It outlines how the pandemic will come to an end and many of the issues we have to deal with that have been highlighted during this time. I think it remains pretty much on target. In respect for the 4thContinue reading “A Repost of my July 4th Blog: This pandemic will end!”
Author Archives: jbakerjrblog
More on Vaccine allergic reactions.
Happy Holidays! A bonus post. A front page article in WSJ today outlines how the RNA vaccines work and clarifies vaccine allergic reactions. I provided input on several topics. The illustrations are great. One showing how these vaccines work is replicated below. Again, these reactions are very rare, and fortunately have not caused anyone permanentContinue reading “More on Vaccine allergic reactions.”
Holiday gift wishes from Nindy.
Nindy has ended her formal period of mourning after Biscuit’s death, and she’s decided to look forward to the future and to better days. As part of this, Nindy decided to put together a list of holiday gifts that she would offer individuals and organizations to improve everyone’s life. 1. To Zoom: More festive backgroundsContinue reading “Holiday gift wishes from Nindy.”
Allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines
Even though I’m a vaccine developer, a nano-particle investigator, and an allergist, I have not yet commented on the reports of allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines. While there are very few of these reactions, they have gained significant attention. When I saw a report on the front page of the Wall Street Journal webContinue reading “Allergic reactions to the COVID-19 vaccines”
Where are we at with COVID-19 heading into the holiday?
Entering the Christmas holiday, the good news once again is that over the past seven days both new Corona virus infections and deaths from COVID-19 are down significantly. The problem is that despite these decreases, both absolute numbers are still high and could rise significantly due to holiday related travel. This is similar to Thanksgiving,Continue reading “Where are we at with COVID-19 heading into the holiday?”
I take the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.
In 1995 I was a mid-career scientist and physician at the University of Michigan who had previously worked for 14 years in the Army on biodefense, vaccines, and immunological diseases. After duty in Desert Storm and the issues surrounding anthrax in that war, I was well aware of the difficulties in trying to produce aContinue reading “I take the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.”
Science Magazine’s take on the “London” virus.
Another good review of the “new” coronavirus in Science Magazine. People should remember that if there were a concern about a change in vaccine efficacy due to a new virus variant, the RNA vaccines could have a second RNA included to cover that variant in short order. You can simply synthesize another RNA corresponding toContinue reading “Science Magazine’s take on the “London” virus.”
What’s up with the United Kingdom? Now a new SARS-CoV-2 strain?
First, Britain gives us the chimpanzee adenovirus and a clinical trial where they mistakenly under dose the subjects (and label it a “breakthrough”). Then, on the basis of two poorly characterized adverse reactions to the Pfizer vaccine, they suggest anyone who’s had a severe allergic reaction to anything avoid the vaccine. Now, the United KingdomContinue reading “What’s up with the United Kingdom? Now a new SARS-CoV-2 strain?”
When can we stop wearing masks?
One of the first questions people asked when they found we had effective vaccines available was when the public health restrictions on our lives could be removed? This particularly focused on social distancing, mask wearing, and closing of restaurants and other businesses. I have watched with some frustration many of the news commentators making itContinue reading “When can we stop wearing masks?”
Two vaccines to go!
Late this evening the FDA granted an Emergency Use Authorization to Moderna for its Covid-19 vaccine. While not surprising given the advice of the FDA’s AdCom yesterday, formal approval allows distribution of the vaccine to begin. This action should add 6 million doses of vaccine to the stockpile for Americans, more than double the dosesContinue reading “Two vaccines to go!”
Pandemic Pondering 