Dear Neighbors,
You may have questions about the FDA’s recent authorization of a second booster shot. Please know that across the ever-changing COVID-19 landscape, Hoag is here, by your side as your healthcare partner.
Here is what is new:
– (On Tuesday), the FDA authorized a second COVID-19 booster for people ages 50 and older, at least four months after a person’s last dose.
– Later in the day on Tuesday, the CDC recommended certain immunocompromised people and people over the age of 50 to receive another booster, at least four months after their initial booster.
– The CDC also said adults who received a primary vaccine and booster dose of Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine may receive a second booster using an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their last shot.
– Two vaccine doses plus one booster still provides strong protection against severe disease and death; however, vaccine effectiveness wanes over time.
– COVID-19 cases have dropped nationwide and locally.
– A new COVID-19 variant, omicron BA.2, is quickly spreading across the world and could result in increased infections locally in the coming months.
As COVID-19 shifts from a pandemic to an endemic situation, the community’s response to it has also shifted. Masks are off and social gatherings are on. This was one of the goals of the vaccination program, and it is incredible to see it play out. However, it is critical that we not pretend that COVID-19 is gone. It will be with us for some time, and it will require continued adherence to guidelines and best practices.
As more data comes in, we will be here to navigate you through the guidelines, provide you with vaccines and boosters, and help to keep you and your family healthy and safe.
If you are 50 or older, or if you are over the age of 12 and are immunocompromised, please talk to your doctor about a second booster. And if you have not yet received a vaccine, please don’t hesitate. To schedule a vaccine – whether it is your first dose or your second booster, visit www.hoag.org/covid-vaccine.
If you get sick, get tested quickly and let your healthcare provider know if you test positive for COVID-19. Several outpatient treatments for COVID-19 infection are readily available including intravenous therapies and oral therapies such as Paxlovid and Molnupiravir. These therapeutics help to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death if given early in the infection.
COVID-19 may eventually become like the flu, a seasonal issue with a seasonal solution. Until then, however, we appreciate your continued vigilance and support. Since the outset of the pandemic, you have partnered with us to keep yourselves and our community safe. As the backdrop of this disease changes, we are grateful to still be walking alongside you on a path to wellness. No matter how long the journey, we are here for you.
Sincerely,
President and Chief Executive Officer
Medical Director of Infection Prevention
Principal Investigator of Infectious Disease Research
By: Stu News Newport
