With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

Declining post-vaccine declining immunity in Israel

A study from Israel, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, has shown declining immunity against the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 in all age groups a few months after the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Among persons ≥60 years, the infection rate in July was higher among persons who became fully vaccinated in January 2021 (when they were first eligible) compared to those who took both doses in March 2021 (rate ratio 1.6). Individuals aged 40-59 vaccinated in February had higher infection rates vs those vaccinated in April (RR 1.7); similarly, those aged 16-39 years vaccinated in March had higher rates compared to those vaccinated in May (RR 1.6)…(Source: NEJM)

Covid-19 vaccines also lower non-Covid-related mortality risk

People who have taken the Covid-19 vaccine not only have lower Covid-19-related mortality rates, they also have lower non-Covid-19 mortality rates than those who have not taken the vaccine, suggests a study of 11 million people conducted between December 2020 to July 2021 and published in the CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Non-Covid-19 related mortality risk reduced 34% in those who had taken both doses of Pfizer vaccine, 31% in those who received two doses of the Moderna vaccine and 54% in those who had taken the J&J vaccine… (Source: Medpage Today)

Ukraine facing a deadly third wave

Ukraine is currently among the top three countries with the highest number of daily new cases. The country is in the midst of a deadly third wave. The number of daily new infections has surpassed 25,000 new infections with more than 600 daily deaths. The vaccination rate in Ukraine is the lowest among European countries. Only less than 18% of the population (25% in Kiev) has been vaccinated… (Source: Medscape)

Scientists identify ADAM9 gene that facilitates replication of coronavirus in healthy young adults

Scientists have identified a gene that helps the coronavirus to replicate and lead to severe and critical illness in healthy young people. Five genes were found to be upregulated and the most commonly occurring gene was ADAM9.The study of 72 hospitalized COVID-19 patients under age 50, including 47 who were critically ill and 25 with non-critical illness is reported in Science Translational Medicine. None of the patients included in the study had an underlying medical condition that could predispose to severe disease. Lab studies showed that blocking ADAM9 gene could prevent viral replication… (Source: Medscape) 

Patients with mood disorders now eligible for Covid booster shot

CDC has added mood disorders including depression, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders to its list of persons eligible for Covid-19 booster shots. Studies have shown an association between mood disorders and the high risk of hospitalization and death.