With inputs from Dr Monica Vasudev

England reschedules its flu and Covid vaccine programs 

England has preponed its autumn flu and Covid-19 vaccination programs following detection of the BA.2.86 variant in the country, which will now start from September 11. The at-risk people and residents of care homes will be prioritised for the vaccines. BA.2.86 was first identified in England on August 18… (Source: Reuters, Aug. 30, 2023).

“Leaky” protection with vaccines: Nonpharmacological protective measures still hold significance

Living in close proximity for a prolonged duration with a person with Covid-19 can increase the risk of acquiring the infection. Yale University researchers found that cell mates of an infected person were almost 5 times more at risk of getting the infection, while the risk increased 4-folds among those living in the same cell block in the correctional facility. Those who had taken the vaccination or had been infected earlier were also at risk suggesting “leaky” protection…(Source: Medscape, Aug. 31, 2023).

First case of BA.2.86 detected in Canada

The first case of BA.2.86, a subvariant of Omicron variant, has been detected in Canada. The patient is a resident of British Columbia. The patient has no history of travel and is not hospitalized. The health officials said, “It was not unexpected for BA.2.86 to show up in Canada and the province”…(Source: Medscape, Aug. 30, 2023).

Survey reveals significant impact of long Covid on working ability of doctors

Nearly 60% of doctors with long Covid state difficult in carrying out day-to-day activities due to debilitating symptoms. In this survey of more than 600 doctors conducted by the British Medical Association (BMA), less than one in three doctors are now working full time (vs half) before they had Covid-19. Eighteen percent are unable to work, while nearly 50% report some loss of earnings…(Source: BMA, July 4, 2023).

CDC fixes a date to vote on the updated Covid vaccines 

The CDC will meet on Sept. 12 to review data and vote on recommendations for the updated Covid-19 vaccines, which target the XBB subvariants of SARS-CoV-2. The meeting will be held virtually and streamed live, according to reports…(Source: Healio, Aug. 25, 2023).