New Vaccine Shows Promise in Combating Evolving COVID-19 Virus, Utah Doctors Say
SALT LAKE CITY — With the COVID-19 virus constantly changing and cases on the rise, doctors in Utah are optimistic about recent developments in the fight against the virus. A panel of experts from the University of Utah Health discussed the new COVID-19 vaccine and its effectiveness against emerging subvariants.
Dr. Andrew Pavia, the chief of U.’s Division of Pediatric Infectious diseases, emphasized the dynamic nature of the virus, stating, “COVID is continuing to evolve, and it showed us the last three years that it is a dynamic virus that keeps changing.” However, a new vaccine has been tested on recently infected individuals and has shown success in neutralizing the virus. The vaccine is projected to be available next week.
Of particular concern is the emergence of three subvariants of omicron, with one named eris having over 30 mutations. Dr. Pavia explained that while eris could potentially cause more trouble, it does not spread as rapidly as other variants. Additionally, the newest boosters effectively neutralize eris.
Dr. Russell Vinik, Chief Medical Operations Officer, reported a significant increase in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations at University of Utah Health facilities. Vinik emphasized that very few hospitalizations occurred among patients who were fully vaccinated and boosted. “Good news … the vaccines are still effective, and we expect this new booster to be even more effective at preventing cases and hospitalizations,” he said.
Chief Pharmacy Officer Kavish Choudhary announced that the booster would be available for anyone aged 6 months and older. The vaccines will be distributed at regular pharmacies and physician offices. Choudhary encouraged those receiving their annual flu shot to also get the new booster.
Dr. Pavia assured the public that the new vaccines would have similar side effects to previous shots, such as sore arms and flu-like symptoms. He also noted that the risk of myocarditis, a heart muscle inflammation associated with the initial vaccine rollout in 2020, has decreased significantly based on recent data.
In terms of herd immunity, Dr. Pavia stated, “We would reduce community spread dramatically if we could vaccinate 90% of the population. That’s what the models show. That’s not going to happen. But we do think that the more people who get vaccinated, the less the impact we’re going to have of these waves of disease.”
The panel ended with the announcement of a forthcoming RSV vaccine, specifically targeted for newborns and individuals over 60. Although an exact release date is unknown, Dr. Pavia expressed hope that the vaccine would be available soon. The RSV vaccine aims to prevent children from contracting or being hospitalized by RSV, with pregnant women being encouraged to receive it to protect their babies before birth.
As the fight against COVID-19 continues, these developments provide a ray of hope for Utah residents and healthcare professionals alike.