With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

AY.4.2: A new delta subvariant

A new mutation of the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, called AY.4.2, has been recently detected in England. It has been also called the “new delta plus” variant by some. AY.4.2 was first identified in July 2021 and has been detected in around 6% of  cases that were tested for genomically sequenced in the last week of September. This subvariant has two S gene mutations (A222V and Y145H) and may be potentially 10% more transmissible, though probably not as much transmissible as the delta and alpha variants, experts say. Sporadic cases of AY.4.2 have also been detected in the US, Israel, Russia. Although it is being monitored, this subvariant is not yet considered a variant of concern (VOC), or a variant under investigation (VOI).

Some multiple myeloma patients do not show T cell response after Covid-19 vaccination 

A study reports in Cancer cell that 25 out of 26 seropositive multiple myeloma patients after Covid-19 patients showed a CD4+ T-cell response, whereas only 6 of the 17 seronegative patients had a T cell response. Spike-reactive B cells were detected in almost all seropositive patients, including all 12 of the healthy individuals without myeloma in comparison to only 40% of the seronegative myeloma patients, who also had lower B-cell numbers in their peripheral blood compared with the seropositive group… (Medpage Today,  October 21, 2021)

CDC eligibility criteria for COVID-19 Booster Shots

For individuals who received a Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, the following groups are eligible for a booster shot ≥6 months after their initial series:

• ≥65 years 
• Age 18+ who live in long-term care settings
• Age 18+ who have underlying medical conditions
• Age 18+ who work or live in high-risk settings

For those who got the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, booster shots are also recommended for persons ≥18 years and who were vaccinated ≥2 months ago… (Source: CDC, October 21, 2021)

US will relax its international travel policy from November 8

From November 8, the United States will allow fully vaccinated people from foreign countries, including the European Union and the United Kingdom. “CDC has already informed airlines that all FDA approved and authorized vaccines, as well as all vaccines that have an Emergency Use Listing (EUL) from the WHO will be accepted for air travel. We anticipate the same will be true at the land border…” (Medscape, Oct. 15, 2021)

CDC now reports COVID data by vaccination status

The CDC is now reporting weekly rates of Covid-19 cases and deaths among fully vaccinated and unvaccinated people. Data is now available for overall cases and deaths by vaccination status and the vaccine product as well. Data shows that the unvaccinated individuals are at greater risk of developing Covid-19. Mortality is also higher in the unvaccinated group. You can follow the data at CDC COVID Data Tracker (Source: CDC & Medpage Today,  October 19, 2021)