The Three-Two-One: February 2021

3 things to know, 2 things to follow, 1 thing to love

To those of you who are new, let me offer a warm welcome. Here’s an introduction and credibility check. To those of you who are part of this community, thanks for allowing me a few moments of your day. Keep sending your thoughtful comments and suggestions. They help guide my creative efforts to be most helpful to you.

The Three-Two-One is a monthly feature for my subscribers. It’s filled with things I believe are the best of the month and simply cannot be missed. (ICYMI - Here’s last month’s edition.)

Here’s February 2021’s list.

THREE Things To Know :

1. We have a third vaccine. The FDA has issued an EUA to J/J&J, bringing us to a total of three vaccines that protect against COVID-19 disease. This is undoubtably a promising development, but it comes on the shoulders of a incredibly somber milestone. February marked the month of the Pandemic when America lost its 500,000th citizen to the virus. As staggering as this number is, it’s hard to comprehend. This has been a exhausting year of relentless and numbing loss.

   As we look forward to the promise of another vaccine and its ability to help end this infectious nightmare, let’s be mindful of the grief and pain so many of our community members are carrying. Continue to approach each other with grace and patience. Offer support where you can. Be kind. This Pandemic is not over, but we are getting closer to the other side. And more vaccines will get us there faster.

2. Vaccines and the variants. During the VRBPAC meeting on Friday, Dr. Adam MacNeil gave a high-level view of where we are in the Pandemic. As part of his presentation, he showed two compelling slides regarding the variants of concern and their projected impact in the US. His quick take is that continuing to vaccinate will help protect our communities against these VOC. Using what we know about B1.1.7 as an example, he presented data suggesting a substantial decrease in daily infection rates with vaccination. His full presentation is publicly available on the FDA’s website, beginning around minute 54. 

   

   

   For those of you are interested in more of the FDA meeting, Dr. Tom Shimabukuro reviews current mRNA vaccine safety data including data on vaccinated pregnant people at 1:36, Janssen presents at 2:14, the FDA presents at 4:57 followed by discussion, and the vote takes place at 7:45.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the VRBPAC members made it crystal clear that it is in your best interest to get vaccinated with the first vaccine you can receive. Do not delay your vaccination opportunity based on the brand of vaccine available to you. Meanwhile, continue the public health measures that we know keep you safe.

3. Yes, you can hug the vaccinated after you are vaccinated. We are learning more everyday about the individual and population effects of COVID vaccination. Early reports are offering evidence to change public health guidelines for those who are fully vaccinated. Although not “officially official,” Fauci has implied that fully vaccinated members of different homes may be able to safely gather… Even hug! If this isn’t promising news, I don’t know what is. Stay tuned for guideline changes for the vaccinated from the CDC soon. 

TWO things to follow:

1. I want a vaccine! Currently, Kansas is in phase 2 and Missouri is in phase 1B-Tier 2. For many who are eligible, however, finding a vaccine has been difficult. There is now a new tool to find a vaccine near you. Vaccine Finder is a easy place to search for vaccine availability near your home. This tool is helpful to find vaccine distribution sites you may not have been aware of, especially if you are willing to drive a short distance.

   While you wait for your turn in line, follow this new pod from The Economist called The Jab. It’s COVID news from an international perspective. I found the first few episodes helpful, with a fresh take and new voices.

2. EVERYONE wants to know about school next fall. If we have learned anything during this Pandemic, it is how vital healthy schools are to our communities. This month, the CDC issued updated guidelines to consider when re-opening schools. Although met with critiques and criticism, the document did offer a few evidence-based suggestions to mitigate infection risk in schools.

   Meanwhile, we have to get through the rest of this year. Many of my patients (and my own two kids) are hitting the virtual-school wall. The Atlantic began a newsletter series called “Homeroom” that may help us all push through. Although just a few issues in, I found the information targeted and helpful. You might, too? Follow the newsletter and sign up from this homepage. 

ONE thing I love:

Perseverance - the noun and the Rover. 

I was caught off guard by the intense excitement of the Perseverance landing. After seeing the footage of touchdown, learning about science badass Diana Trujillo, and seeing the clever “Easter Eggs” the NASA team included with the Rover -- I’m all in. If you didn’t see this video sent back to Earth from Mars, let it hook you in. Then continue the conversation on Perseverance’s Twitter feed. 

Congratulations to the NASA team for this accomplishment and for letting us celebrate with you. For a moment, you helped us all release our worries, look up to the sky, and see big dreams come true. Have fun with your new “toy.” We look forward to seeing what you find. 

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One final tip.

As more COVID data is released to the public, understanding the difference between “efficacy” and “effectiveness” will be helpful to you. Click on this Insta post for the details. 

kckidsdoc

A post shared by Dr. Natasha Burgert (she/her) (@kckidsdoc)

Have something I need to know, follow, or love? Reply or comment. Hit the heart if you learned something new. And consider sharing with a friend? Growth is my fuel and I’d love to reach new inboxes as we press into 2021. 

Chat again soon, 

Coming up next month: What I want you to know if you’ve had COVID, what to expect as the kids go back to school, and info on the next possible vaccine candidate.