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Pfizer / BioNTech states that Omicron-based COVID shots improve response compared to its variants

Pfizer and BioNTech SE were specially modified to fight the Omicron coronavirus variant on Saturday, and booster doses of updated versions of their COVID-19 vaccine have higher immunity to that variant. Generated a response.

US Food and Drug Administration advisors will meet on Tuesday to discuss whether to renew the COVID-19 vaccine for the fall. According to experts, the updated shots are likely to be redesigned to fight the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

Pfizer and BioNTech were BAs that circulated last winter. It was stated that doses of 30 and 60 micrograms of shots targeting only one omicron subvariant induced a 13.5-fold and 19.6-fold increase in the neutralization geometric titer for that subvariant. .. Shot versions, including both the redesigned vaccine and the original vaccine, elicited a 9.1-fold and 10.9-fold increase, they said.

The results are from a study of 1,234 people over the age of 56. The shot was well tolerated by the participants, the company said.

Moderna Inc is BA. We have also created a redesigned vaccine for one omicron subvariant. The company said the updated vaccine worked well against recent Omicron submutants and is in the process of seeking regulatory approval.

— Reuters

The COVID-19 vaccine is likely to be based on the Omicron variant of coronavirus rather than the original strain. Department experts only bring great benefits to the elderly and people with immunodeficiency.

Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax were the first BAs to dominate last winter and have significantly increased infections. We have tested vaccines based on one omicron variant.

On Wednesday, Moderna said the updated vaccine worked well against recent Omicron submutants and is planning to seek regulatory approval. Said.

Vaccines that can bridge the gap between the original version of the coronavirus and the Omicron variant are likely to be "much, much better" in the fall, Washington. University biologist Trevor Bedford is closely associated. Followed mutations in the SARS-coV-2 virus.

Bedford said it would take too long to meet the regulatory requirements for switching to match the currently rapidly prevalent version of Omicron with the next vaccine.

"It is very important to catch up with any of Omicron," he said, significantly increasing the number of mutations from the original strain that emerged in China to Omicron in the peplomer portion of the virus. I pointed out that I did. Vaccines are the target.

Read the full textHere

— Reuters

Pandemic for many Memories Meaning to remember observations of public health restrictions — staying at home, keeping a social distance, and wearing a face mask. To reassure many, these have been mostly lifted. Does this mean we think the pandemic is over?

Canada's Director of Public Health, Dr. Teresatam, recently reported that a COVID-19 pandemic is underway. On June 13, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau emphasized her claim by showing a second positive COVID test.

In a recent Leger survey of British Columbia residents, we found that 79% believed that the worst of the pandemic was behind us. Also, when asked this question two months ago, 55% of British Columbia residents said the worst was behind us, showing that public perceptions of the pandemic had changed radically and positively. Also note that there is. So do you think the pandemic is over?

Given the individual fear of being infected with COVID, this positive change has been curtailed. Fifty-one percent of British Columbia residents say they are still afraid. Given the data posted on the state's COVID dashboard, this is probably not surprising. Fifty new deaths have occurred this week and 276 have been infected with the virus.

Read the full editorial here

— Heather Owen and Jason Alsop

273 Hospitalization, 26 in 7 days Person died

B. C. According to the latest figures released Thursday, 273 people are currently hospitalized at COVID-19.

The number of hospitalizations is the same as last Thursday when 276 people were hospitalized for the virus.

The number of hospitalizations in June is significantly lower than in May, when the number of hospitalizations exceeded 500.

In the June 12-18 weekly report, the British Columbia Disease Control Center found that people who died within 30 days of a positive COVID-19 test. He said 26 people died, down from 61 last week.

The number of hospitalized patients during this period was 156, a decrease from 220 in the previous week.

The number of new cases has also decreased to 642.

The Center said that as the data is updated, the number provided may change.

Saskatchewan will soon report COVID-19 data once a month, shifting from the current weekly report.

The government states that as COVID-19 infection rates decline, it is shifting to a monthly schedule.

As of Thursday, the state reported a positive virus test rate of 4%.

As of Thursday, COVID-19 has hospitalized 157 people, five of whom are in the intensive care unit, so hospitalizations continue to decline.

The state's last weekly COVID-19 epidemiological report was published on June 30, followed by a three-week report on July 31, and the first monthly report on August 13. Will be released in.

Meanwhile, the state's Supreme Health Officer continues to work with the public to keep up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine, wear masks and improve ventilation in crowded indoor environments. ..

— Canadian Press

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the country's top infectious disease expert, said his COVID-19 recovery was a national "example". ". Protection provided by vaccines and boosters.

At the White House briefing, Fauci, 81, said he began experiencing viral symptoms on June 14, and was tested positive one day later. He was prescribed the antiviral drug Paxrovid on June 15. This has proven to be very effective in preventing serious illness and death from COVID-19.

"I'm still really fine," the U.S. extended vaccine eligibility to 6-month-old children as the Forch government emphasized the protection provided by the vaccine to people of all ages. Said Thursday after becoming the first country in the world.

"Given my age, I think it's an example of what we all are talking about today," Fauci said. "I'm vaccinated. I'm double-boosted. Otherwise, I wouldn't be talking to you like I am now. So everything works well with Fauci. ”

—Associated Press

British Colombians vaccinated against COVID-19 in December 2020 and early 2021 Authorities were carefully tracking serious side effects from the shots, according to a recently released document under the Health Information Disclosure Act, as they began receiving vaccinations.

The 42 pages released contain few examples of serious reactions, but the flagged one monitors millions of Canadians receiving new vaccinations. Caused an immediate reaction from the health leader who was.

On June 7, 2021, a person in the Interior Health area suffered a "severe stroke" after receiving the Pfizer vaccine in an email to Dr. Bonnie Henry, British Columbia's state health officer. It became clear that he had suffered. It is a "bad effect" on the shot.

Read the full text here.

—Lori Culbert

South Africa abolishes COVID-19 rule requiring masks in indoor public spaces, limiting rally size And at that border, which imposed admission requirements, the Minister of Health said Thursday.

South Africa has the highest number of coronavirus cases and deaths on the African continent, with more than 3.9 million confirmed infections and more than 101,000 deaths.

Minister Joe Phaahla said authorities noticed reports of reduced cases, hospitalizations and deaths and concluded that the limited fifth wave had dissipated.

— Reuters

Manitoba Premier Heather Stephenson tested positive for COVID-19.

Stephenson posted on social media that she is experiencing mild symptoms and that she is working from her home in isolation.

Premier says her office has notified people she has contacted in the last few days.

Stephenson recently attended several public events, including the unveiling of a mural painting in Congress attended by dozens of people.

Other major leaders of Manitoba also tested positive for COVID-19 at various times during the pandemic.

Opposition leader Wab Kinu, who tested positive last November, wanted Stephenson to recover quickly on Twitter.

— Canadian Press

Some Quebec adults may be vaccinated with a fourth or fifth COVID-19 shot this fall There is: Vaccine Commission

The state recommended by the Quebec Immune Commission is next to the COVID-19 vaccination, where some adults may receive a fifth vaccination by the fall. Being prepared for the round.

The Commission needs to provide additional boosters for people over the age of 60, immunocompromised health care workers, pregnant women, and people living in isolated areas since the end of summer. It states that there is.

Vaccination is also recommended for members of the group who have been vaccinated 3-4 times, as long as the last injection or COVID-19 infection occurred at least 3 months before the next injection. The

Commission also states that "basic vaccination" for most adults should be defined as three doses (two initial doses and booster immunization). He adds that the definition may vary depending on the age and medical history of the person. The state

states that rather than counting the total number of shots people have received, the focus should be on boosting the immunity of the population through regular vaccination campaigns.

— Canadian Press

A fourth COVID-19 vaccination is provided to Danish nursing home residents and people over the age of 50. Increasingly later this year, the Prime Minister said on Wednesday.

The reason for the move is BA in Europe. With an increasing number of cases of 5 coronavirus variants, the Danish government has stated that it wants to move quickly to avoid potential restrictions and blockades.

"Infection has increased over the past three weeks," said Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. "That's why we're acting now."

She said that swift movements take care of the elderly and the vulnerable, avoid hospital congestion, closures, restrictions and the economy. He added that the aim is to maintain.

— Associated Press

Secretary of Defense Wayne Eyre is considering the obligation of the Canadian Army's COVID-19 vaccine .. Virtually even if similar requirements for most other federal personnel are suspended.

Eyre first ordered all COVID-19 vaccinated troops in October, this requirement protecting the troops and the free government adopting vaccination obligations for all federal civil servants. Therefore, he said that the purpose is to "exercise leadership."

Still, most of the federal government's mission, including civilians working in the Ministry of Defense and members of the RCMP, was lifted on Monday, but this requirement also applies to people in military uniform. ..

B. C. What are the current public health measures?

Mask: Individual companies and event organizers can choose to request a mask, but in a public indoor environment no mask is required.

} Masks are also recommended, but not required for public transportation or B.C. Ferries are but are still required for federal government regulated travel spaces and medical settings such as trains, airports and planes.

Meetings and Events: Currently restricted to personal meetings, weddings, funerals, worship, exercise and fitness activities, pool meetings and events, etc. No.

There are no restrictions or capacity restrictions on restaurants, pubs, bars and night clubs. There are no restrictions on sports activities.

Care Home: There is no limit on the number of visitors to nursing homes and support facilities for the elderly, but visitors are required to show proof of vaccination prior to the visit. Tax exemption is for children under 12 years old, medical tax exemption. It is available to certain children and visitors who participate in end-of-life compassionate visits.

Visitors to seniors' homes also undergo a rapid antigen test prior to visiting the facility. Or you must be tested on arrival. Anyone who participates in a compassionate visit or end-of-life care can be exempt from the test.

B. C.

B. C. If you are eligible for a vaccine, you can receive the vaccine by following these steps:

• gov .bc .ca / getvaccinated {31 Register online at 3}  to make a reservation in the community.
• Alternatively, if desired, you can register and then go to the health authorities' drop inclinic.
• The system will warn you when it is time for the second dose.
• The same system will warn you when it is time to administer a booster.

Where can I get the COVID-19 test?

Test Center: B. C. The COVID-19 Test Collection Center is currently testing only those with symptoms who are hospitalized, pregnant, considered high risk, or cohabiting / working. The risk is high. You can find the test center using BC. Map of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Inspection Center

If you have mild symptoms, no testing is required. You need to stay home until the fever is gone. People who are asymptomatic do not need to be tested.

Rapid Takeaway Antigen Test: Eligible British Columbia citizens over the age of 18 with a personal health number visit a pharmacy and take away for free, including five. You can receive a test kit. COVID-19 Rapid antigen test.

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