Prophet Zacharia

Mick, while the structure and function of the delta variant’s spike protein has changed allowing it to be more infectious, I don’t believe that the initial immune activation characteristics has changed very much. Here’s a chart looking at immune response to the variants 5 weeks after the second Pfizer dose, with 94% of subjects producing neutralizing antibodies to Delta. While the antibody levels do drop over time, reaching the 84% level after a few months, it’s the initial robust reaction to delta that has lead to the booster strategy rather than a new vaccine variant. I also wonder how quickly a new mRNA version could be swapped out, tested, approved and rolled out. Delta’s only been the dominant variant in the US for about 5 months now.

He said it was ok, but I may do a bit more investigating now. Maybe @donkpow has a pamphlet he would share?

He may be on drugs???

“The effectiveness of Pfizer's Covid-19 vaccine steadily declines over time, dropping to about 84% for vaccinated people about four to six months after getting their second dose, according to CEO Albert Bourla.” Overall, I think’s a mix of theoretical concern and statistics that may have many factors involved (like the delta variant). Even as antibody titers fall, protection may still remain. The immune system has memory cells, ready to activate if re-exposed, often years later. But it may not be as good, and for the high risk people it’s probably best to not chance it. That said, 84% is still very good. And periodic booster for vaccines isn’t uncommon. Pneumonia and tetanus are two that leap to mind. 6 months is fast, but again I think we are erring on the side of safety here.

Nasal generally provides less immune response. And I have no idea is the mRNA technology would translate at all to another delivery system.

I’m two hours post shot #3. Nothing. Certainly not a “fun” drug.

Is that even a question???

Advil Pm works for me. I should just switch to Benadryl. Melatonin doesn’t do much for me, but my wife finds it useful.

Yes. FTR, I was aware, but wasn’t in N.C. that night. I did see Mick, Keith, Ronnie, Steve, Darryl et al tonight, though.

Get the dryer vent fixed? Drank beer? I’d consider it a productive vacation.

As a Chief Inspector, you would hire people to pop out at you, just to keep yourself sharp.

Snice.

I was going to predict I won’t see any of it, but since I now see it is the 4:30 game I should be home from Erie in time. Might be a good nap.

Where else is @donkpow going to get his internet? Starbucks actually expects you to buy something if you’re there for three hours.

Probably my last sail of the season. I’m pulling the boat out tomorrow. I have a friend who will leave his in until late October (this photo is from his boat today), I may get another sail in with him. He’s a) local and b) retired so he has a lot more flexibility as to when he can take his boat out of the water for the season. I’m tied to weekends.

I was just waiting for a score.

And I would walk 10,000 more.

I should specify, free to me. I realize someone paid for it, and I suspect it was the Federal Government. Although I appreciated the expenditure, the availability of tests was a turning point in the pandemic, in a way. Some normality started back.

Most will be getting Pfizer. I’d guess you could walk into any pharmacy and request one and get it with no questions asked.

Yes. Tested three times. Twice at Walgreens, once at CVS. No charge to me. Simple on-line questionnaire to determine my exposure risk, although twice was travel related. Still free.

I think the concern people have is that if they have active antibodies already, will they mount a more vigorous reaction to the vaccine. Same way some people reported more side effects to shot 2 than 1. I had very mild side effects to shot 1 and two, simply some arm soreness. I expect anything from that to fatigue and malaise and low grade fever for a day or few with shot 3. We’ll see.

Double the charge, it’s still free! ‘Murcia.

What would you do differently? The target protein is the same.

Reaching 70 is an aspiration for me! I don’t want to rush it, but it is a goal.

Oh, and Merk today announced a Thera-flu-like anti Covid virus medicine to be taken after infection to decrease symptoms/duration of illness. Good news if that works out.