Dr. IV Mirus on new Covid vaccine targeting XBB.1.5
Dr. IV Mirus: Hello!
Alex: I wanted to ask you about the recent FDA approval of new coronavirus vaccines that target the current variant. Can you share what you know about the vaccines and the current variant?
Dr. Mirus: This week the FDA met and approved updated vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer. They said go ahead. The vaccine focuses on the new subvariant XBB.1.5. It is a variant of the virus from Omicron. It is from Omicron still. We’ve seen this virus circulating since spring with some differences. So the new vaccines focus on that. It will help us because the older vaccines are focused on the older Delta variant and older variants. They still provide some protection but it’s not going to be as powerful as the new vaccine because it matches up with what’s circulating out there today. So hopefully we’ll see, beginning this week or next week, the vaccines being available at pharmacies for us to get.
Alex: I understand, it’s more specific. The new vaccines aren’t called booster shots but are considered a single-dose shot, just like other normal vaccines that are given annually. Can you explain the difference between a single vaccine and a booster?
Dr. Mirus: Right. When the vaccine becomes widespread, and research shows that it’s working, we may realize that with a single dose, there may be protection but it does fade away. So you need another shot to let your immune system know that it should still be on alert because the virus is still out there. It continues with the protection. That’s a booster shot. That means whatever is inside the vaccine, whatever it protects against, you need another shot for the same kind of virus. An example is the Hepatitis B shot that we get when we are born and are young. We get three doses about six months apart. It is to provide better protection. Another example is TDAP (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis). We get this every 10 years. So it’s a long gap in time. Our immune system provides protection but after a decade it does fade. So you have to get another booster to get the protection strong again. This new vaccine is not exactly a booster. This was created to respond to the new coronavirus variant, X.BB.1.5. The older vaccine is for a different variant. This new vaccine matches what is happening right now. It will provide better protection for what’s out there now. That’s the same as the flu, right? The flu changes every year and we need new vaccines every year. It’s not a booster. I hope that clarifies it.
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Alex: There are still thousands of Covid-19 cases out there. It seems like there’s an increasing amount of cases, but it’s not as serious as 2020 or 2021. So you, as a frontline doctor, can you describe what you’re seeing out there?
Dr. Mirus: Yeah. You’re right, during the springtime and over the summer, I’ve seen almost zero coronavirus cases. No flu cases as well. It was really nice. In the springtime, we had our masks off, even in the emergency department. Of course, masks are optional if you want or feel sick, you should wear one. But it’s not required. So things felt like they were normal. But about a month ago, two weeks ago, I saw a case of Covid-19. I was surprised. But it was not a severe case where it caused breathing problems, nothing like that. About a week or two after that, I noticed more and more cases coming up. So it really seems like we’re in a new wave. If you look at the numbers, you’ll see the cases going up again in the U.S. So we are now starting a new wave. We are focused on the new variant X.BB.1.5. Some suspect that it’s because school is starting again, maybe it contributes to the spread? But it seems like this wave started before school. But now that school is in session, many people are going back to work in-person, and you have to be careful with the potential for the spread of the virus to become worse. You know?
Alex: Understood. Do you have anything you want to add? On this topic?
Dr. Mirus: I’m hopeful, I’m very eager to get my vaccine because I see patients coming. I may not realize that they have Covid-19 and I don’t want to catch it. So I’m excited to get my vaccine so I can protect myself. Also, we don’t want to forget about what worked previously, such as masks. Many places don’t require masks right now, but it doesn’t mean… masks are still effective. If you feel sick or have a fever, go ahead and wear a mask to protect other people. I am probably going to go back to wearing a mask at work. I don’t want to become sick myself. And continue to wash your hands. These kinds of preventative actions will help in the long run.
Alex: Thank you so much. I appreciate you sharing what you know about the vaccines and the current variant. Thanks!
Dr. Mirus: Of course.