CDC Notifies States, Large Cities To Prepare For Vaccine Distribution As Soon As Late October

[Pyotr]

Florida’s numbers today is like a low not seen since like mid October!

While this is a good thing, it also was the smallest amount of tests since I can remember. The last few weeks we’ve averaged 100k tests per day. Today less than 30k were reported.

 

[Jonfw2]

While this is a good thing, it also was the smallest amount of tests since I can remember. The last few weeks we’ve averaged 100k tests per day. Today less than 30k were reported.

Yeah- that number is so small, something is definitely weird about it. Even assuming that this was data from Sunday, it's still strange. Having said that, part of the reason for less tests is less people feeling like they need to be tested!

 

[Jonfw2]

My firm's BioPharma dept put out a piece today using a variety of different root sources (22 I believe) to try and make a best guess on how many people in the US have natural immunity, via exposure to Covid 19.

Our best estimation: between 90-135 million people.

 

[AvidDisReader]

Per Covid web site some 75mm people have had their first shot and some 25mm have had both shots. At 75mm, you are talking over 20% of population, if you take the above post of low end 90mm have natural immunity, a total of 165mm or HALF the population--is it time to start thinking we are over the worst?

 

[Jonfw2]

Per Covid web site some 75mm people have had their first shot and some 25mm have had both shots. At 75mm, you are talking over 20% of population, if you take the above post of low end 90mm have natural immunity, a total of 165mm or HALF the population--is it time to start thinking we are over the worst?

Well, you know my opinion on that matter.

 

[Farro]

I mean, this is headline on CNN. I can't wait for the day when Covid isn't even on the front page of anything.

All our recent progress with Covid-19 could be wiped out by variants, CDC director says. 'Please stay strong'


https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/01/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html

 

[Katiebird]

The news headlines and articles are largely ridiculous at this point. It’s so frustrating and stressful to have to wade through all that to try to find information.

The scientists are correct about not relaxing too much, it’s not over, it could rebound. They’re absolutely correct to show caution. The news seems to be willing to just write off the world tomorrow, though.

 

[AvidDisReader]

I mean, this is headline on CNN. I can't wait for the day when Covid isn't even on the front page of anything.

All our recent progress with Covid-19 could be wiped out by variants, CDC director says. 'Please stay strong'


https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/01/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html

More gloom and doom, with headlines like this is all it takes for more unnecessary actions. Like WDW now stating you need to wear your masks even AFTER you sit down at your table until you actually are served your food--Really??? This is really nuts as there is NO science that states waiting to receive you food is going heighten the possibility of spreading or getting COVID.

 

[mom2rtk]

The news headlines and articles are largely ridiculous at this point. It’s so frustrating and stressful to have to wade through all that to try to find information.

The scientists are correct about not relaxing too much, it’s not over, it could rebound. They’re absolutely correct to show caution. The news seems to be willing to just write off the world tomorrow, though.

Every time they overplay their hand, they lose more people willing to read along and have faith in what they are recommending.

 

[Jonfw2]

I mean, this is headline on CNN. I can't wait for the day when Covid isn't even on the front page of anything.

All our recent progress with Covid-19 could be wiped out by variants, CDC director says. 'Please stay strong'


https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/01/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html

I believe this is a concerted effort to keep people vigilant- scare the heck out of us. I'm not saying I disagree with the strategy, by the way.

 

[mom2rtk]

I believe this is a concerted effort to keep people vigilant- scare the heck out of us. I'm not saying I disagree with the strategy, by the way.

I disagree. They need credibility above all else. They're going to lose control of this. There are ways to nuance your message to ask people to keep up their guard but still communicate some good news and optimism.

 

[godisney14]

I disagree. They need credibility above all else. They're going to lose control of this. There are ways to nuance your message to ask people to keep up their guard but still communicate some good news and optimism.

So, what would you suggest they communicate? Or is it just the headlines that are misleading?

 

[godisney14]

Yeah- that number is so small, something is definitely weird about it. Even assuming that this was data from Sunday, it's still strange. Having said that, part of the reason for less tests is less people feeling like they need to be tested!

There’s also the fact that it’s more cumbersome to get tested now. Unless you can find a free community testing center, many insurance companies are no longer covering testing costs/deductibles/OOP unless necessary and ordered by a doctor. Of course, depending on how the provider’s office codes for that approval (if not actually seeing the patient), you could still end up with a Dr visit charge to get the test.

 

[DLgal]

I’d show up at those empty vaccination centers and try and get a vaccine even if I wasn’t eligible.

They absolutely will not do it. People have tried and been turned away.

 

[Donaldswife]

They absolutely will not do it. People have tried and been turned away.

Really? Here in Indiana they are not letting them go to waste and putting them in arms at the end of the day to whomever they can. They do try to call the waitlist first and prioritize groups based on groups who are already eligible, but at the end of the day they will put in any arm that needs one.

 

[DLgal]

There’s also the fact that it’s more cumbersome to get tested now. Unless you can find a free community testing center, many insurance companies are no longer covering testing costs/deductibles/OOP unless necessary and ordered by a doctor. Of course, depending on how the provider’s office codes for that approval (if not actually seeing the patient), you could still end up with a Dr visit charge to get the test.

I was tested Saturday and it was easier than it has ever been. Of course, I am literally sick with symptoms that *could* have been covid. It's not, thankfully. Just some other virus making the rounds. I went to an urgent care and told them my symptoms (headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue). The doctor offered up a rapid test along with a strep test. I had both results in 15 minutes. I didn't even SEE the doctor. I sat in my car and talked to the doctor over the phone then walked around the back of the building to get swabbed and vitals taken. It only cost me my insurance copay. I'm glad to have contributed to the lower test positivity numbers for this week.

Earlier in the pandemic, my son was sick and it was like pulling teeth to get him tested. I ended up not doing it because he felt better a day later and his symptoms were nonspecific. His pediatrician offered the free testing site hosted by our city, that had a 5 day wait for an appointment, followed by a 3 day wait for results. My husband got tested Thanksgiving week after an exposure at work. Took 5 days to secure a test appointment and he had to drive like 20 minutes away to a Walgreens that was doing tests. I had to pay out of pocket in September for a test when I had sinus symptoms and my own doctor wouldn't authorize a test. It was frustrating. It is much easier now. I had my choice of 3 locations within a 5 mile radius where I could get a test same day when I woke up feeling horrible Saturday morning.

 

[DLgal]

Really? Here in Indiana they are not letting them go to waste and putting them in arms at the end of the day to whomever they can. They do try to call the waitlist first and prioritize groups based on groups who are already eligible, but at the end of the day they will put in any arm that needs one.

These locations just hold the vaccine in refrigeration for a few days, I guess. They are mostly doing the Moderna vaccines, from what I can gather. There isn't that kind of urgency. They aren't putting a call out to give out doses that are going to expire or anything like that. They are advertising available appointments as soon as same day or next day.

Our county health department tweets several times a day to the effect of "if you are not in an eligible vaccine tier, do NOT make an appointment and do NOT under any circumstances show up without an appointment. You will NOT be given a vaccine unless you are eligible and have an appointment."

 

[lifesavacation]

These locations just hold the vaccine in refrigeration for a few days, I guess. They are mostly doing the Moderna vaccines, from what I can gather. There isn't that kind of urgency. They aren't putting a call out to give out doses that are going to expire or anything like that. They are advertising available appointments as soon as same day or next day.

Our county health department tweets several times a day to the effect of "if you are not in an eligible vaccine tier, do NOT make an appointment and do NOT under any circumstances show up without an appointment. You will NOT be given a vaccine unless you are eligible and have an appointment."

Yeah, they definitely say that. My husband was able to get a leftover vaccine at a mass vaccination site in WA so it does work in some places. The first check in person told him no, but then he asked the shot giver. If he wasn’t with someone who had an appointment he would have been turned away at check in.

 

[huskies90]

Just some other virus making the rounds.

Wait. There are other viruses??

 

[mom2rtk]

So, what would you suggest they communicate? Or is it just the headlines that are misleading?

The honest truth. Things are looking encouraging and we have every reason to be optimistic. But that it's more important now than ever to keep up the our efforts at masking and distancing. That pre-pandemic life will return, but only after enough people get vaccinated. And we're just not there yet. Maybe run some ads with a horse stumbling and falling yards before the finish line.

The number one priority right now has to be maximum vaccination rates. We're going to hit a point soon where we run out of the backlogged numbers of people waiting for the vaccine and will really need a positive push to get the rest to get on board. If they think life isn't going to change much once they get vaccinated, they aren't going to get it. If they think life will continue unchanged, they aren't going to do it.

Focusing on the variants and how dreadful things might still be even after we vaccinate everyone will only slow the rate of vaccinations. Because why bother? Saying we need to wear masks through 2022 isn't going to help anyone. And telling people they can't hug their grandchildren post vaccine (even waiting the appropriate time) isn't helping anyone. Is there still a risk? Sure, a small one. Be honest, but focus on the positive. I know my parents get their second vaccine next week, and 2 weeks after that they're going to see the family they've been mostly avoiding for a solid year now.