NOVAVAX HERE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FROM YOUR LOCAL EPIDEMIOLOGIST

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Novavax is here!

And an updated 2023 vaccine chart.

The world is, once again, seeing the darkest parts of humanity unfold in and around Isreal. Posting about a vaccine felt insensitive without addressing the pain, suffering, and tragedy millions face today. There are massive public health implications of war (malnutrition, clean water, PTSD, bioterrorism risks), and maybe YLE can get there when the time is right. In the meantime, I am grieving with you. Hoping for peace, thinking about those in harm’s way, hoping leaders have wisdom, and hugging my kids extra tight.

Last week, the Novavax Covid-19 vaccine with an updated formula was approved by the FDA. Here are a few quick thoughts.

Also, you’ll find the final version of the vaccine sheet below. I’m stoked that many people, including the CDC, are using it.

What is Novavax?

Novavax is a small company based in Maryland and has never brought a vaccine to market. This company has a fascinating rollercoaster history; I highly recommend googling over coffee.

Their Covid-19 vaccine contains a coronavirus protein that prompts the immune system. (This differs from Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines, which contain instructions for recognizing the coronavirus.) Scientists combined this protein with an immune-boosting compound derived from the soapbark tree.

This type of vaccine has a much longer track record than the newer approaches. But the innovative aspect is that Novavax found a way to make this vaccine in moth cells (rather than mammal cells). The moth cells become little factories that pump out coronavirus proteins. This allows Novavax to manufacture the vaccine much more quickly than others, which is one reason they can get this to market in 6 months (as opposed to longer).

Who is eligible?

Anyone 12 years and older. This includes people who previously had a Pfizer or Moderna Covid-19 vaccine.

Where will Novavax be available?

13,000 stores… eventually. It will take time for distribution, just like the mRNA vaccines. The closest one to me is 75 miles. This will change with time.

Keep an eye out on vaccines.gov. Here is another Novavax finder. (Note: it still has information from the 2022 vaccine rather than the 2023 updated vaccine. I hope this will be updated ASAP.)

Do they work?

Yes. Most recently, an Italian study of more than 20,000 people showed protection against symptomatic disease was 50% in fully vaccinated people. It did not wane before 4 months.

Is mixing Novavax after an mRNA series better?

There is some evidence that mixing is immunologically better and some evidence that staying with mRNA is better. It’s a bit hard to know which one is “right” given how little evidence we have at this point. (See a breakdown of the similarities and differences here.)

That said, there are two reasons people may want to go with Novavax:

  • Hesitant about mRNA biotechnology, regardless of its long history.
  • Side effects. In a randomized clinical trial, Novavax had fewer side effects than mRNA vaccines. This is one major reason why I’m going with Novavax this fall for the first time. (The mRNA vaccines kick my butt. Fingers crossed, this is more forgiving for me).

    Side effects from varying combinations of Covid-19 vaccines. Figure from the Lancet, with YLE annotations. Original source here.

Updated vaccine sheet

Below is the final version, as we don’t expect updates for fall 2023 options from here on out. Below is an English and Spanish PDF for paid subscribers. Download and share!

 

2023 Fall Vaccines Pdf ENGLISH
65.3KB ∙ PDF file
Download
Copy Of 2023 Fall Vaccines Pdf SPANISH
72.8KB ∙ PDF file
Download

 

Love, YLE

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COUNTY EXECUTIVE RENEWS CALL FOR A FEDERAL FIELD IMMIGRATION COURT.

STATEMENT FROM WESTCHESTER COUNTY EXECUTIVE GEORGE LATIMER: A RENEWED CALL FOR A FEDERAL FIELD IMMIGRATION COURT

Attached to this release is a letter County Executive George Latimer has sent to federal representatives echoing his call for a field immigration court.

 

(White Plains, NY) – “On almost every corner of Westchester County the issue of immigration remains a topic.  It is a complex and pressing challenge for our County, State and Nation. As I have long maintained, it is crucial that we address this challenge with compassion and respect for the rights and dignity of individuals seeking refuge in our Country. Therefore, I am renewing my call for the establishment of a Federal Field Immigration Court to handle asylum-seekers right here in Westchester County.

The ongoing management of migrants within Westchester County has been effective, and it is with this success in mind that we propose the establishment of this local court. The purpose of the Field Court would be to adjudicate applications for asylum by immigrants who have come to Westchester County seeking protection. By providing a local venue for processing these applications, we can ensure that individuals receive due process and fair consideration of their claims in a timely manner right in the County where they are temporarily located.

Our primary goal, one we all share, is to alleviate the strain on existing immigration courts and help reduce the substantial backlog of asylum cases. To staff the Field Court effectively, if additional staff is needed, I recommend the recruitment of retired judges and individuals with legal experience. This practice mirrors our approach during the COVID-19 pandemic when we enlisted retired doctors and nurses, which had a significant impact. In this case, these dedicated professionals can help reduce the backlog of applications, ensuring that cases are processed in a timely manner while upholding the integrity of the asylum process.

Here in Westchester County we have effectively managed migrant placements with dignity, respect and safety in the forefront.  I have long maintained that our approach to immigration should reflect our nation’s core values of compassion, fairness and respect for human rights. That is why, I believe we need to establish a Federal Field Immigration Court to handle asylum-seekers right here in Westchester County. I renew my call and invite other elected officials to join in this advocacy.”

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OUTBREAK OUTLOOK –NORTHEAST –NY COVID STABLE, HOSPITALIZATIONS STABLE

NORTHEAST

Outbreak Outlook – Northeast – October 9

OCT 9, 2023
By DR. CAITLIN RIVERS

Welcome to the Northeast edition of Outbreak Outlook, formerly called This Week in Outbreaks! This content is only available to paid subscribers. As I am launching the regional editions, your feedback and support is invaluable. Thanks for reading! -Caitlin

Respiratory diseases

Influenza-like illness

Influenza-like illness (ILI) has increased for several weeks now in the Northeast. It currently ranks as the second-highest region for ILI in the country, with around 2.3% of visits to the doctor for ILI symptoms. This is an increase over last week’s 1.8%, but still far below the national threshold that marks the beginning of flu season, which is 2.5%. Current levels are similar to what the Northeast region saw at this time last year.

While most states in the region fall in the “minimal” or “low” ILI activity categories, New York City was again categorized as “high.” More detailed information on influenza-like illness will become available later this month, when states begin to turn on their ILI surveillance systems and pay closer attention to what is going around.

Once again, it’s the littlest ones who are most heavily affected. For kids aged 0-4, 7.1% of their visits to the doctor were for fever and cough or sore throat, up from 6.8% the week prior. For the 5-24 age group, the rate is lower at 3.3%, while rates for older age groups are below 2%.

Covid-19

Hmm. Covid-19 trends in the Northeast are puzzling. Data from Biobot shows an unexpected rise in wastewater concentration. This surprised me, because other regions in the country are showing improvement. I had anticipated the Northeast to follow a similar trend. I’ll keep an eye on it and update you on the next developments.

In Northern New England, the number of new hospitalizations rose slightly. Interestingly, while hospitalizations increased, the test positivity rate saw a dip from 12.5% to 9.7%. I hope that foreshadows improvements in Covid-19 activity, but again, I’m uncertain.

In New York and New Jersey, the number of new hospitalizations is remaining mostly stable. The test positivity has fallen slightly. It climbed high to 16.2% on September 16, but by September 23, it had calmed down to 13.2%.

Hospitalizations in Pennsylvania are still increasing.

Also, I got my free, at-home Covid-19 tests in the mail last week! One reader pointed out that the tests were not due to arrive until October 2 — and indeed they did, right on time. Order yours today! covid.gov/tests.

RSV

RSV activity but slowly increasing in New England states. PCR test positivity is now 2%, up from a recent low of less than 1%. Still, during the height of RSV season, test positivity can reach 20%, so overall activity is low.

Not much sign of increase in New York, New Jersey or Pennsylvania.

Other Respiratory + Stomach Bugs

All the other respiratory virus that I keep an eye on — seasonal coronavirus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, and adenovirus —look good.

Norovirus activity is low.

Food recalls

The following foods are being recalled because they are contaminated. Please check your cupboards and throw out any of these items:

New this week:

  • Ion and Restore brands Sinus Spray (more info)
  • Organic Chicken and Beef Broth sold at Costco and Whole Foods (more info)

Previously reported:

  • Whole cantaloupes sold by Eagle Produce (more info)
  • Not Fried Chicken sold by Life Raft Treats (more info)
  • Hillshire Brands smoked sausage (more info)
  • Banquet Chicken Strips Meal (more info)
  • Frozen corn and mixed vegetables from Food Lion and Kroger (more info)
  • If you have food allergies, you may wish to review these FDA safety alerts and USDA alerts for foods with undeclared allergens.

In Other News

  • New Hampshire has reported the state’s first human case of Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) for the year. JCV, which is transmitted by mosquito bites, can lead to symptoms like flu-like illness, fever, and muscle aches It can also cause more severe illness. In addition, two cases of Powassan Virus (POWV) have been identified. POWV is transmitted by the blacklegged tick, the same tick responsible for Lyme Disease. There are no vaccines or treatments for JCV or POWV. Since 2018, New Hampshire has reported a total of 13 human cases of JCV and 8 cases of POWV since its first detection in humans in the state in 2013.
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LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF WHITE PLAINS ANNOUNCES CANDIDATES FORUM FOR COMMON COUNCIL ELECTION

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Wednesday, October 25
7-9 p.m.
White Plains Public Library Auditorium
The League of Womens Voters of White Plains will be holding a Candidate Forum for the White Plains Common Council Candidates running in this November’s election.  The five candidates running for the three contested seats include:
  • Jeremiah Frei-Pearson (D)
  • Enrique Jinite (R)
  • Charles Lederman (R)
  • Victoria Presser* (D)
  • Jennifer Puja* (D)
*Incumbent

NO QUESTIONS WILL BE TAKEN FROM THE FLOOR
How You can Submit Questions for the candidates:

  • Email your question(s) to Alan Cass, [email protected]
  • Write Forum Question in the subject line
  • While we will not share your name and contact information at the Forum,we ask that you include the following information to ensure that White Plains Residents have their questions heard:

-Your Name
-Your Address
-Your Question

Questions should be applicable to all candidates and center on White Plains issues rather than personalities.  The League will review questions and consolidate similar ones that will reflect a wide range of issues.

Video: The forum will be recorded by White Plains Community Media for rebroadcasting on Optimum Channel 75 and Verizon Channel 47 (schedule to be announced).
Please note that the League of Women Voters policy does not allow personal video or audio recording of the forum. The only recording permissible will be by White Plains Community Cable.

The League is pleased to be working with AKA and the NAACP on this event.
Headlines Editor: Libby Hollahan
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