Title: Former FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb Discusses Rising COVID Concerns and Vaccine Updates
Date: August 20, 2023
In an interview on “Face the Nation,” former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb addressed the growing health concerns as summer comes to an end. The discussion focused on the rise in COVID cases and updates to vaccines, including the emergence of a highly-mutated strain called BA.2.86 in Michigan.
Dr. Gottlieb expressed concern about the new variant, stating that its genetic similarity to other identified strains suggests that it may be spreading simultaneously in multiple countries. While it is too early to determine if the BA.2.86 variant is more transmissible than previous strains, it does not appear to be more dangerous or pathogenic at this point. Testing is currently underway, and more information is expected within the next week or two.
However, Dr. Gottlieb reassured the public that the strain causing the majority of infections is not BA.2.86. The current strains of concern are EG.5 and FL.1.5.1, which have a similar mutation allowing them to evade prior immunity from infections and vaccines.
Regarding booster shots, Dr. Gottlieb mentioned that Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are all developing booster shots. The new booster based on the BA.1.15 strain, which emerged last spring, is expected to protect against these new variants. The booster shots are anticipated to be widely accessible in mid-September, with studies currently underway to determine their coverage against the BA.2.86 variant.
As the federal government emergency programs wind down, free vaccines will still be available through insurers for those with insurance. For the underinsured or uninsured, a program is in place to provide free vaccines at pharmacies, federally-qualified community health centers, and public health departments.
Dr. Gottlieb stressed the importance of updating vaccines due to the evolving nature of the virus. He compared it to the flu, where yearly updated vaccines are necessary to match the circulating variants. While residual immunity from prior infections and vaccinations may still provide some protection against severe disease, keeping up with vaccine updates is crucial to enhance protection against infection.
In closing, Dr. Gottlieb advised waiting until mid-September to get the flu vaccine, as there is currently very little flu spreading. He also mentioned the availability of vaccines for other respiratory diseases such as RSV, providing the opportunity to protect against multiple respiratory illnesses.
The interview provided valuable insights into the current COVID situation and the importance of staying updated with vaccines.