Mended Hearts Open Forum

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  • 1.  Covid Booster Shots

    Posted 08-31-2021 11:39
    I've had several stents, a mitral valve repair and a defibrillator and six-months post- second Pfizer shot. According to the "off-shore" (probably in India) Covid Hot Line consultant for CVS, I am eligible for a booster, but I can't prove my eligibility by the scar on my chest or the pack of cards for what's inside me in my wallet. I need a note from my doctor. But according to my cardiologist's office, heart problems don't qualify for priority treatment, and I have to wait until they open the shots up to 70-year-olds. That's fine with me, but I'm curious as to what others are hearing.​​

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    Bob] Levin
    Berkeley CA
    adelbob@comcast.netRobertRobert
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  • 2.  RE: Covid Booster Shots

    Posted 09-02-2021 09:10
    Bob,

    Your understanding from your doctor is absolutely correct.  That's precisely what I've read and, as you know, I read everything.

    Let me share some additional information.  Notwithstanding what the Israeli's and British have done with respect to Astra Zeneca and Pfizer boosters, there is a raging controversy in the US about boosters for anyone other than immunocompromised people.  Many immunologists and other medical experts do not believe that a case has yet been made for giving boosters at this time to the general population.  While everyone acknowledges that immunity fades over time, it is not at all clear that this time frame isn't measured in years (like many other vaccines) rather than months.  

    Moreover, none of the studies thus far taken have considered the effect if B and T cell immunity, which generally lasts long after antibody immunity fades.  Furthermore, antibody tests never were intended to measure one's future immunity from infection, but rather whether or not one was recently infected.  These issues, and others, including President Biden jumping the gun in calling for boosters ahead of the FDA and CDC announcing that it was appropriate, have led two senior FDA immunology administrators to resign their positions.

    Don't get me wrong, I am interested in a booster as well, but I'd prefer to "follow the science" including peer reviewed studies.  I figure if I, a mere lawyer with an interest in science and scientific method, can shred the reasoning of unpeer reviewed studies, what must an expert in the field be able to do?

    One last thought, I would be much more interested in a booster that protects against new variants, such as the troubling new Mu variant which may be able to successfully resist existing vaccines, particularly since Delta now appears to have peaked.

    Happy trails, pilgrim.

    Ira

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    Ira Reid
    Hoboken NJ
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