Even because the Covid wave continues in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis' administration is once more discouraging mRNA vaccines: this time for probably the most vulnerable population.
In updated guidelines for healthcare providers released on Thursday, the Florida Health Department and state Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo demonstrated the protection and effectiveness of the mRNA Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, including for older adults and folks with underlying medical conditions. “Any provider concerned about the health risks associated with Covid-19 for patients over 65 years of age or with underlying medical conditions should prioritize patient access to non-mRNA Covid-19 vaccines and treatments,” the state guidelines say.
As against Advice from the federal health authorities and other health workers on the protection of Covid vaccines, the Florida Department of Health said the advice was based on high immunity rates because of previous infections and “currently available data.”
Without noticing, high risk of severe Covid infection or hospitalization for older adultsThe guideline listed safety concerns in regards to the mRNA vaccines, including the chance of a rare heart condition called myocarditis and the chance of POTS or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndromea debilitating heart disease.
Numerous studies have shown that each the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are indeed related to a small but increased risk of myocarditis. However, most cases occur in young men and most of the people get better fully. Studies have also shown that the chance of myocarditis is far higher with Covid infection and is usually more severe than with the vaccine-related illness.
A broadcast study in Nature Cardiovascular Research It has also been found that individuals diagnosed with Covid are five times more prone to develop POTS after infection than after a Covid vaccination, underscoring the importance of vaccination.
Dr. Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said the Florida Surgeon General's guidelines are unnecessarily alarming people about Covid vaccines.
“He's playing such a dangerous game,” said Offit, who served on the FDA's independent vaccine advisory committee. “You're only about 1,000 times more likely to die. [from Covid] if you are over 65 than if you are under 18.”
“The mRNA vaccines are remarkably safe,” he added.
New doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were approved by the Food and Drug Administration in August. They are aimed at the KP.2 version of the constantly mutating virus and should provide good protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death, experts say.
The United States offers only one Covid vaccine not based on mRNA: Novavax. Novavax's conventional protein-based vaccine offers an alternative vaccine technology to mRNA.
In a statement, a Novavax spokesperson said the updated vaccine is now available in thousands of retail stores and pharmacies across the country.
The Florida Department of Health did not immediately respond to a request for further comment.
Dr. Isaac Bogoch, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Toronto, called Florida's recommendation “regrettable” and said it could put older adults and people with underlying medical conditions at risk.
“Although the vaccine is not any longer nearly as effective at protecting against infection because it once was, there is superb data showing how Covid vaccines can reduce the chance of severe types of the virus in those most in danger,” said Boguch, who has no ties to the vaccine makers.
In the US, Covid cases remain high after a summer surge. Wastewater data collected between August 25 and 31 shows that 23 states – including Florida – are reporting “very high” levels of the virus. in response to CDC. Emergency room visits and hospital stays remain also increasedalthough there are signs of a decline. Covid infections in Florida nursing homes are rising again after declining from summer peaks. according to CDC data.
The CDC currently recommends Everyone ages 6 months and older will receive a current Covid vaccine from one of three options this fall.
This is not the first time Ladapo has ignored CDC guidelines. Last year, Ladapo also recommended that Florida residents under 65 should not receive the mRNA Covid vaccine, citing widespread immunity and “questions we have about safety and effectiveness.”
“In my opinion, this will not be decision for young people and for individuals who will not be at high risk at this point within the pandemic,” he said.
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