COVID-19 treatment and vaccine update thread

[LordMortis]

They offered me flu stuff. I declined. My GP does all that for me and remember what I do and what I need so I don't have to. Flu, pertusis, pneumonia, etc... They keep it all in my charts.

[Blackhawk]

And still:

[Max Peck]

Quebec will start adminstering the Moderna bivalent vaccine tomorrow. I still haven't seen anything to indicate what the plan is, or will be, here in Ontario.

[FishPants]

Quebec will start adminstering the Moderna bivalent vaccine tomorrow. I still haven't seen anything to indicate what the plan is, or will be, here in Ontario.

This week is medical workers and high risk, next three weeks will be reserved for boomers who don't show up and delay everyone else, then it will be open season. Hoping for thanksgiving in October on our side.

Meanwhile today I actually went to the office for the first time in 2.5 years; and I've established that this shit is done (the office shit). Suit, GO Train to Toronto, Subway to Queen's Park - all to sit in a meeting with two other execs and a wall of people from around the world on teams. Achievement being in person? A sweaty suit. Honestly, I'm not doing that again unless we have everyone in the same room - if half is on teams, what in the world is the point? Although our massive office footprint that is very swanky and 98% empty I think is why the CEO keeps harping about getting people back; that shit isn't cheap in downtown Toronto.

[Isgrimnur]

Got three allergy shots, flu, and the new Moderna, all within the last five hours.

How weird can it possibly get?

[Zaxxon]

Got three allergy shots, flu, and the new Moderna, all within the last five hours.

How weird can it possibly get?

I concede the day to you, good sir.

May the Force be with you.

[Max Peck]

This week is medical workers and high risk, next three weeks will be reserved for boomers who don't show up and delay everyone else, then it will be open season.

Have they published this anywhere? I haven't seen anything in the news, there's nothing I can find on the provincial government site and nothing on the local public health site.

[FishPants]

This week is medical workers and high risk, next three weeks will be reserved for boomers who don't show up and delay everyone else, then it will be open season.

Have they published this anywhere? I haven't seen anything in the news, there's nothing I can find on the provincial government site and nothing on the local public health site.

Just informal news articles, but the government officially hasn't said much (meanwhile Quebec and BC are already on the way to putting them in arms):

https://globalnews.ca/news/9100333/omic ... r-ontario/

Sylvia Jones says the Ontario government has been working with public health units to make sure doses are ready to be administered once they receive them from the federal government.

Jones says initial shipments will be limited and those most vulnerable — such as long-term care residents and staff — will receive the vaccine first.

[Max Peck]

I guess they're too busy ramming through their plans to empty the hospitals into long-term care homes to be bothered with little things like vaccinations for a pandemic that is totally over now.

[stessier]

Got a slot tomorrow for mine so I have all weekend to recover just in case. I'm 3x SpikeVax (Moderna), so I went with Pfizer for this round.

[Zaxxon]

Got a slot tomorrow for mine so I have all weekend to recover just in case. I'm 3x SpikeVax (Moderna), so I went with Pfizer for this round.

I've been 3x Moderna and got Moderna here, too. Did not sleep well last night, felt very achy this am. Tylenol helped, and I'm mostly off of that now. So not too terribly bad vs my expectations, esp considering I also got the flu shot this time.

[pr0ner]

I'm disappointed my 5G signal didn't instantly improve with my 4th Pfizer dose.

[MHS]

This seems like potentially very good news: https://www.timesofisrael.com/two-antib ... udy-finds/

Two antibodies identified in Israel that can fight all known Covid strains

[ImLawBoy]

I think overwhelmingly the opinions I've read from trusted voices are all saying at least 3 months, but this is actually the first time I'm seeing someone say 6 months. Not sure how helpful that is, but there you go.

Have you heard any new info on this front? I'm a little over 3 months out from booster 2, so I could technically get the new hotness, but I was planning on waiting for 4 months. I'm anxious, though, because the snots are back in school (where they are two of the three kids in their class signed up for weekly testing!).

[Smoove_B]

Have you heard any new info on this front? I'm a little over 3 months out from booster 2, so I could technically get the new hotness, but I was planning on waiting for 4 months. I'm anxious, though, because the snots are back in school (where they are two of the three kids in their class signed up for weekly testing!).

Not really, no and I think a lot of it has to do with uncertainty for the future right now. One of the voices I do trust (Dr. Celine Grounder) did have this to say a few hours ago:

Who might wait to get an Omicron booster? People under 50 who aren't immunocompromised. The booster is to protect VULNERABLE PEOPLE AROUND YOU against severe disease.This happens by protecting you against infection & transmission.

You might wait until 2-4 weeks before seeing family & other vulnerable people over the holidays before getting your booster to optimize your protection against infection & transmission.

So again, it comes down to (1) how long has it been since your last shot or infection (2) how vulnerable are you and (3) how vulnerable are the people around you.

It's not an equation we should be asking people to figure out on their own but I do agree with that framing (if I can be so bold as to suggest I'm capable of evaluating the opinion of a Dr.)

[The Meal]

Got my bivalent booster (Pfizer) this morning at a local Walgreens. I had no issues with mine (go early in the day), but logistically the stores are double booking recipients. Our daughter showed up for a Friday appointment and was told the store had no more to give out that day. "Could you call over to another store and get more?" Nope. But you're welcome to make an appointment at a different store. Which she did, successfully. MHS also had an exorbitant wait for hers on Wednesday afternoon (but also ultimately ended up leaving with a shot in her arm).

Love that the local demand is high (the pharmacist who injected me this morning doled out 90 shots yesterday and put 400 prescriptions across the counter — he seemed a bit frazzled), but be aware that things may not be a straight pipe this time around.

Just a sore arm and lots of lethargy so far nearly 12 hours later. Same response as each of my first two Pfizer does and same as my previous Pfizer booster shot.

[Daehawk]

Im in a GOP red state so theres no lines for shots here. I have had 4 shots and other than the first one i just stop by if im out and ask for one and within say 30 min total I have my shot and the small waiting period they dont inforce. I stay just in case but no side effects so far. I think last time I got the booster there MIGHT have been 2 others getting shots.

[Unagi]

Im in a GOP red state so theres no lines for shots here. I have had 4 shots and other than the first one i just stop by if im out and ask for one and within say 30 min total I have my shot and the small waiting period they dont inforce. I stay just in case but no side effects so far. I think last time I got the booster there MIGHT have been 2 others getting shots.

This gave me an idea.

What if all the pharmacist in America were also trained and authorized to record and register people’s votes.

I realize I’m being childish with this idea, but it strikes me that we could get ‘vaccine delivery creative’ with voting.

I suppose if it were as simple as a single Vote, it could maybe work, but with our multi-page ballots and thing like ‘vote for 2 of these 10’ type races, it would start to just be a mad house mess.


And obviously, even if someone could magic wand away all the logistical issues, the GOP would shut the idea down for obvious reasons.

[Unagi]

Oops. Forgive me. I forgot where this thread lived.

[Max Peck]

The Powers That Be are trying to avoid further antagonizing FishPants by forgoing age-gating for the bivalent booster roll-out.

Bivalent Boosters Available to Vulnerable Populations Immediately, All Ontarians Aged 18+ Eligible Starting September 26

Starting today at 8:00 a.m., bivalent COVID-19 booster appointments will be available to and can be booked for the most vulnerable populations, including:

• individuals aged 70 and over;
• residents of long-term care homes, retirement homes, Elder Care Lodges and individuals living in other congregate settings that provide assisted-living and health services;
• First Nation, Inuit and Métis individuals and their non-Indigenous household members aged 18 and over;
• moderately to severely immunocompromised individuals aged 12 and over;
• pregnant individuals aged 18 and over; and
• health care workers aged 18 and over.

To prioritize distribution to these populations, new booster appointments for Ontarians aged 18 and over will be paused until September 26. However, to allow for convenient planning and preparation, individuals 18 years of age and older who do not belong to a priority population can start booking their appointments today, the availability of which is based on shipment schedules and supply from the federal government. All previously-booked booster appointments for September 12 to 25 will be honoured and, if available, the bivalent vaccine will be offered.

Individuals can receive the bivalent booster at the recommended interval of at least six months from their previous dose, regardless of how many boosters they have already received.

Apparently they're enforcing a 6 month interval between boosters, which is significantly more than the 3 months I was expecting as a minimum.

I was able to log into the provincial booking portal with no problems and have an appointment booked for 27 Sep.

[FishPants]

I have to go to Montreal on the 27th for a company event; I really tried to get it early - but I refused to lie and say I was an at risk person, I told the pharmacist the straight truth on what was coming and they told me to come back after the 26th; not even a wait list for open vials that won't be used.

I know how murphy works, I'm sure I am going to Montreal and coming home with Covid. At least it's not done by 70+, then 60+, 50+ and so on like previously - so I appreciate they removed antagonizing me (mostly.. 70+ is still an age gate).

[Daehawk]

I have to go to town tomorrow so Ill see about getting the latest booster while out I think. I get my flu shot next month. Want to space them out a little.

[Daehawk]

I got my 5th or 50th covid shot today. Ive had so many Ive lost count. This one covers omicron.

[Kraken]

Some experts weigh in on getting shots

Federal officials last week suggested that people get flu shots at the same time as they get their updated, bivalent COVID-19 vaccines.

“The good news is you can get both your flu shot and COVID shot at the same time. It’s actually a good idea. I really believe this is why God gave us two arms — one for the flu shot and the other one for the COVID shot,” Dr. Ashish Jha, the White House COVID-19 response coordinator, said last week at a White House press briefing.

Many people are eligible to get the new COVID-19 shot right now and might piggyback the flu shot on to it.

But some experts interviewed by STAT News suggested early September was too soon. They said they were going to wait for their flu shots till October — or longer — unless they see reports of flu activity rising in their area.

“I’ll follow very carefully the activity in the community,” Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, told STAT. “If it starts to pick up, I’ll move immediately. Otherwise I’m counting on sometime in late October, early November.”

Dr. Sabrina Assoumou, an assistant professor of medicine at the Boston University School of Medicine and an infectious disease specialist at Boston Medical Center, said that traditionally the recommended time to get a flu shot is October. But, she said, people shouldn’t worry about timing — the key is to get the shot any way you can.

I was planning on mid-to-late Oct. anyway so this just validates that decision.

[Daehawk]

Arm is sore as usual today after the booster shot yesterday. But its more sore around to the tricep area this time even though the shot was more right on the side.

[rittchard]

Arm is sore as usual today after the booster shot yesterday. But its more sore around to the tricep area this time even though the shot was more right on the side.

Woohoo Daehawk is the first OmiBooster guinea pig, oops I mean volunteer!!!

Thanks for keeping us posted! I made appts for my parents for next week, but they've been wanting to hear if anyone I knew got the shot and if they had any reactions.

[Smoove_B]

I had mine 12 days ago. Other than mild soreness in the arm, no other observable reaction. I'm now 4x Moderna.

[stessier]

I got mine last Friday. I was 3x Moderna and got the Pfizer booster. Arm was less sore than previous Moderna shots. I was fatigued for about 24 hours, but I also hadn't slept well right before the booster and it was after a long week of work - so really hard to say the booster was definitely the cause. No other side effects.

[Daehawk]

Im not sure Im a good source for reactions as Ive never had one. Im also not allergic to anything. I guess with the shots being new it could happen. I asked if I needed to wait around a few min and they said 5 minutes because its a new shot type.. This is my local Walgreens. I just walk in no appointment and get them. I did have my vaxxcard on my this time though. Forgot it once or twice before.

[Isgrimnur]

All four of my shots are on different cards.

[LordMortis]

My 5th shot is on a sticker on the back of the card. We'll see what spring brings.

[stessier]

Im not sure Im a good source for reactions as Ive never had one. Im also not allergic to anything. I guess with the shots being new it could happen. I asked if I needed to wait around a few min and they said 5 minutes because its a new shot type.. This is my local Walgreens. I just walk in no appointment and get them. I did have my vaxxcard on my this time though. Forgot it once or twice before.

I got my at Walgreens. I had to fill out a form with some info. The tiny print right above where I signed (and it was very tiny) said you had to wait around 15 minutes and if you chose to leave before that, any reaction was on you. The person who gave me the shot didn't mention anything about waiting.

[The Meal]

I had mine 12 days ago. Other than mild soreness in the arm, no other observable reaction. I'm now 4x Moderna.

Same reaction from mine six days ago. Oh, and enough lethargy for a nice 90 minute Saturday afternoon nap.

[Skinypupy]

Whelp, my string of luck finally ran out and I brought COVID back home with me from my work conference in Vegas. Vaxxed and boosted, so flu-like symptoms are pretty mild so far. Slight cough and sore throat, but no fever so far. Fingers crossed.

I’ll be interested to hear how many others at the company ended up with it, since there were over 400 unmasked people in that ballroom.

[Smoove_B]

[Skinypupy]

It did cross my mind this week that Smoove definitely would not have approved of the general lack of COVID protocols at this conference

[Carpet_pissr]

I assume places are using up existing inventory of the vaccines vs just dumping them in favor of these new shots, correct? I think I prefer to wait a bit to get the new shiny.

My appointment at Walgreens on Wednesday says it is specifically for the "updated" booster. Their wording: COVID-19 Updated Booster (Moderna)

This needs to be called out. For whatever reason, considering all the options to get COVD vaccines near me, both commercial and...non...Walgreen's has just nailed this from the start as far as I can tell. Even today, years later, CVS, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club, etc etc are absolutely awful about giving you straight information about what is and what is not available. Someone designing the WG site just 'gets it' I guess. It's super clear, it's clear to even a moron that they have the UPDATED (and what that means) vaccine, available (or not), and how to get it, etc. The others flounder in comparison and are ambiguous at best. Many of the ones I saw don't even mention the updated vaccine.

I would be willing to chalk it up to "available resources" to have someone pay that much attention to their website, but Wal-Mart and CVS both are in the FAIL column. I can see if some mom and pop, local pharmacy find it difficult to keep things current (and easy to schedule online), but the other big boys have no excuse IMO.

They even do it better than my two large, regional hospital systems who both have the capabilities to get this right.

Side note:

So interesting to see the difference in politically different counties and how that MIGHT affect your ability to just walk into a place to get the new shot, vs HAVING to schedule something and still stand in a line to get it, or having no availability nearby bc it's in such demand. I live near our downtown area, which is largely liberal, politically. As recently as a couple of days ago, I went into a local Publix near my house, and there was a pretty long line at the pharmacy, all waiting to get COVD boosters. I work about 20 miles away, in a different city, literally beside the airport (also a solid red county/area). Walked in at high noon with no appointment to the nearest Walgreens, zero wait. And the reactions by the pharmasists or assistants made it seem like they were doing it for the first time (so definitely had not had a lot of people even asking about the new shot, much less getting it).

Sample size of one, but I suspect politics continues to play a big part in vax popularity even after the COVID political mania has died down considerably.

[Hrdina]

I had mine 12 days ago. Other than mild soreness in the arm, no other observable reaction. I'm now 4x Moderna.

Yesterday my wife and I went and got our updated boosters. I had previously had three Pfizer doses, but this time we got the Moderna bivalent booster.

We had appointments at a little Atlantic Health offsite vaccination/testing center in Union. Sadly there was only one other client in the facility the whole time we were there.

So far, other than maybe a little more arm pain than previously, and sleeping until noon today, the after-effects don't seem worse than with Pfizer.

They kindly gave me a new card because my old one was full. The guy who documented my second shot needed to take up two spots on the card for some reason.

[Daehawk]

My Walgreens only does Pfizer. ive always heard Moderna is harsher.

[Skinypupy]

Yeah…this sucks.

Taste and smell are both completely gone. Coughing fits are taking me to my knees every 30-45 minutes. No fever yet, but my whole body just hurts like hell.

I’m a relatively young (48), relatively fit (non-smoker, non-drinker who runs 15-20 miles a week), not obese (6’, 205), vaxxed and boosted person with no risk factors (otherwise healthy). I can’t even imagine how awful this is for people without those benefits. Yikes.