Author Archives: jbakerjrblog

There has been a lot of talk about having to create new vaccines for every different COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 variant. This assumption is based in part on the fact that influenza vaccines have to be made uniquely every year for whatever types of influenza virus are present in the population. Recent research from the National Institutes ofContinue reading “You may need a COVID vaccine booster sometime in the future, but it may not be a new vaccine.”

Some of my friends have counseled me that it’s time to stop trying to persuade people to get COVID vaccinated. They believe the people left unvaccinated are dead set against the vaccine. But I think there are a few folks out there that still have concerns about the vaccine but could be convinced. While theContinue reading “Myocarditis is no longer a barrier to COVID-19 vaccination.”

As hospitals continue to be overwhelmed with adult patients sick and dying from COVID-19, we are finally seeing several pieces of information that suggest the U.S. is moving forward from this current wave. In addition, the CDC is finally providing data directly evaluating the clinical illness with Omicron in the U.S. population, and it provides insights intoContinue reading “Some bright lights in the dark, Omicron winter.”

Fourth Booster: There is now data that giving an identical forth shot of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine offers little protection beyond the third booster vaccine dose in immune competent individuals. Previously I suggested caution with accepting the news articles out of Israel arguing for a forth shot base on very preliminary data. This caution was basedContinue reading “Quick follow-ups on COVID-19 issues.”

The Omicron surge is in full thrust across the country. Approximately 20% of hospitals are reportedly having so many infections that they are causing limitations in care for other illnesses. In a few hospitals that have become overwhelmed the federal government is sending troops to support beleaguered staff. The real question is have we approachedContinue reading “Have we reached the peak of Omicron? Not yet but soon.”

The Omicron wave in South Africa is now winding down, and a true picture of the impact of this variant disease can be assessed. Overall, in South Africa cases peaked at about 117% higher than the Delta peak, but hospitalizations were only 63% of the Delta peak. Encouragingly, deaths peaked at only 20% of theContinue reading “Update on Omicron wave in South Africa, potentially good implications for the U.S.”

Again tonight both NBC and ABC news reported “record numbers” of childhood COVID hospitalizations. Urgent messages about this problem were presented from physicians at leading children hospitals across the country. I was concerned as I was two days ago when I first saw similar reports. However, when I looked at today’s actual numbers the dataContinue reading “The pandemic is bad enough. Please stop exaggerating its impact on children!”