@nelysthealchemist https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMe2107070
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2104983?query=recirc_mostViewed_railB_article
Thank you for this- I appreciate the information, although I haven’t really been concerned about the safety of the vaccine itself (I’ve been fully vaccinated with Moderna since late March) more about how protected I am by the vaccine when encountering the delta variant. Since I haven’t been able to find any data on fully vaccinated pregnant women infected by the delta variant and outcomes, the best I can do is assume that because I’m pregnant/somewhat immunocompromised, the vaccine won’t protect me as well against a more severe infection. Honestly, I don’t even want a mild breakthrough infection (haha)- I know at least three people who have also been fully vaccinated and have had breakthrough infections in the last few weeks, and their “mild” cases were the worst experience they’ve ever had with a virus. I think “mild” is categorized as anything that doesn’t land you in the hospital(?). Anyway, you can see why with all the unknowns and the ability to do my job from home, I’m hoping I can get the reasonable accommodation to continue to telecommute approved…
@jsr78 Thank you for finding and posting this study. To summarize: During the period they were analyzing data, there were 36,000 pregnant women who got either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
They were only able to follow 827 of them. But these 827 women did not show any unusual outcomes above the normal range of outcomes that occur in any group of pregnant women.
This information of course does not tell us about the long-term effects of the vaccines on children who were in utero at the time. One thing to note is that most of the data they got were for women who got their shots in the third trimester, so they don't know how the vaccines effect pregnancies when they are given in the first two trimesters.
It's interesting that injection-site pain was reported more frequently among pregnant persons than among nonpregnant women, whereas headache, myalgia, chills, and fever were reported less frequently.
Back when the vaccines were first being studied, Moderna did animal studies and found no issues with pregnant animals, but that only tells us so much.
Finally, they did make the point that pregnant women who get Covid-19 are at greater risk for severe disease after getting sick from Covid-19, resulting in intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, and death. Pregnant women with coexisting illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity were recognized to be at even greater risk.4 Studies also showed an increased risk of pregnancy complications — including preterm birth, cesarean delivery, and preeclampsia — associated with Covid-19 infection during pregnancy.5
I hope this helps anyone who finds reading studies hard to wade through.
That pretty much sums up my flight.
Light and love my friend. Light and love.
I found it odd that they didn't ask me to take stuff out of my carry on either - but it reinforced the thing I've always fallen prey to thinking about the security checkpoints - it's more security theater than anything else.
My flight TO Kentucky was out of a tiny airport that was harder to socially distance through, but my flight home was in a much larger terminal which made it easier to find a gate nearby with no one waiting.
I'm hoping that our conference in November gets pushed virtual again because I'm not certain I can handle travel during the holiday season during "non-pandemic" times, let alone whatever greek letter we'll be on to by that point.
@lovendures Loved your account. I was really there with you. And it affirms that I'm not going on a plane any time soon, if I can help it.
I am curious about this, too. I can't seem to get a read on it just yet. Maybe because I have school-aged kids (heading into 7th and 9th grades) and can't let myself get too worried. I am fortunate because my older daughter has been fully vaccinated and the younger turns 12 at the end of the month so she will get her first shot right before school starts.
On the surface, though, as we are seeing, the Delta variant has really changed the game on the spread of COVID. The transmissibility increase alone should have schools doubling down on plans for virtual, masking, ventilation, etc. well beyond what we did last fall (esp. at the elementary and middle school levels.) Most are probably doing that, but we haven't heard anything specific here (Michigan) on what our schools will be doing yet besides masking. I think so many folks saw the problems with virtual that everyone is going to mask up, cross their fingers and send kids to school and see how it all plays out.
Hi everyone! I am back.
What is the current feeling about whether the elementary schools are going to stick it out full-time with this Delta varient bearing down on us or should we prep mentally for hybrid or virtual school again?
It's going to vary from district to district, as it should, depending on local conditions. Also depends on the spines of the local school officials.
Our district just gave the middle finger to the gov. and mandated masks for the first few weeks of school, with the policy to be reviewed and possibly renewed later.
If anyone is thinking of air travel or getting a visit from someone who is flying in, here is an excellent article showing you precisely how airplanes’ ventilation systems work and what happens if a mask-wearing, covid-shedding person sneezes in your row or the row in front or behind you. Keep in mind that no one is wearing a mask when they are eating or drinking. The writers also address the situation in the terminal too where people are eating and drinking.
Worth a look
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/04/17/travel/flying-plane-covid-19-safety.html
PS I thought about the school question that three of you have asked and as you said, it is going to vary by state and district. In many districts they are going to think of the infection rate as they think of chickenpox because delta spreads like chickenpox and schools are quite familiar with chickenpox spread, which is legendary. But perhaps if you name the state and district some people can see what they get. @jovesta @cc21 and @iridium
Also permission for children to get covid vaccines is expected by mid to late fall. That hope may give many schools the permission to set stricter standards for he first quarter of the year with an eye to lifting them when kids can get vaccinated.
@jeanne-mayell Very neat visual on the plane's air circulation, Jeanne. Thanks for sharing!
Hi everyone! I am back.
What is the current feeling about whether the elementary schools are going to stick it out full-time with this Delta varient bearing down on us or should we prep mentally for hybrid or virtual school again?
Honestly, I wish the focus could be on schools being remote until kids under 12 can be vaccinated. This variant is so contagious and more unvaccinated children are getting very sick in areas with lower vaccination rates already. I am afraid for our little ones, but I understand that remote learning has been incredibly challenging and our country is not in the same position it was a year ago (I get that it might not be feasible to move everyone to remote learning again and has been detrimental in many levels). I don’t know what the right answer is and can’t get a good read on the outcome, but the situation feels much more chaotic and unsettled leaving everything to school districts rather than having state/federal mandates. I’m afraid there will be lots of cases in children this fall/winter before they’re able to get vaccinated.
One thing which would be helpful is to mandate covid tests each week for students. They aren't perfect but they are a tool.
AZ, Florida and Texas are ostriches and head burying will not change the reality of the situation no matter how hard they try. Delta is a different animal and for whatever reason, many schools/states are treating it like a weaker cousin. They are ignoring the elephant in the room. The huge and trumpeting elephant.
The county I live in recently declared that staff, teachers, and students must wear masks. Of course, parents are already calling into the superintendent as they are very much not pleased with the mandate. ?
I want to be positive but I don't see this getting any better as so many people are stubborn not only on wearing masks but getting vaccinated too. More children are being hospitalized due to Delta but I'm starting to question if that will even change hearts and minds as so many in America seem quite stubborn and continue to dig their heels in about the situation.
@nelysthealchemist The county near my neck of the woods went viral because a group of parents and protesters caused such a show (including Madison Cawthorne) at the school board meeting last week. It was in Newsweek. The county made masks mandatory unless one had proof of vaccination. The crowd demanded a revote, accused the board of being criminals and called wearing masks child abuse, called for them to be thrown in jail. It was BONKERS. And then there were a few worried about CRT as well. I am afraid that educators are going to be yelled at a lot this year. It is the new norm. ?
@nelysthealchemist The county near my neck of the woods went viral because a group of parents and protesters caused such a show (including Madison Cawthorne) at the school board meeting last week. It was in Newsweek. The county made masks mandatory unless one had proof of vaccination. The crowd demanded a revote, accused the board of being criminals and called wearing masks child abuse, called for them to be thrown in jail. It was BONKERS. And then there were a few worried about CRT as well. I am afraid that educators are going to be yelled at a lot this year. It is the new norm. ?
@jeanne-mayell @lovendures @bluebelle @baba @unk-p @ghandigirl and everyone whose handle I can't recall:
Seeking advice with some intuitive insights.
My husband and I have not been on a plane OR left California since February 28, 2020. We are both fully vaccinated as is everyone we know including relatives. We had to cancel many plans in 2020, and were not able to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary and other things. We wanted to head up to British Columbia this summer, but the border only reopens tomorrow, so we didn't book anything. We do our best to get outdoors, but I am a traveling soul, always have been, and I need a real change of scenery.
A couple of months ago I booked a trip to Kona, Hawaii for us and for our daughter and her BF. For mid-October. Flights are not an issue - all on points which are refundable anyway. I couldn't book a hotel - too expensive and mostly booked up, so we booked a condo through VRBO. This also reduces the need to eat in restaurants as it has a full kitchen. We had to pay half up front. The other half is due on August 20, and once paid the whole thing becomes non-refundable. I did purchase travel insurance, however it clearly states that while it would cover cancellation due to COVID infection, it does not cover lockdowns, travel restrictions, nor the decision not to travel during COVID. If we cancel after Aug 20, we lose about $2000.
We'd all mask up on the plane and try not to eat til we land, but masks are not required on planes anymore (on some airlines). Our activities would be entirely outdoor - hiking, beach, snorkel, etc. and no nightclubs or anything remotely like that. We would also avoid large group activities like boat rides, etc.
We have 2 weeks to decide whether to cancel a much needed vacay AGAIN. Need advice and insight.
Thanks and namastè!
If anyone is thinking of air travel or getting a visit from someone who is flying in, here is an excellent article showing you precisely how airplanes’ ventilation systems work and what happens if a mask-wearing, covid-shedding person sneezes in your row or the row in front or behind you. Keep in mind that no one is wearing a mask when they are eating or drinking. The writers also address the situation in the terminal too where people are eating and drinking.
Worth a look
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/04/17/travel/flying-plane-covid-19-safety.html
PS I thought about the school question that three of you have asked and as you said, it is going to vary by state and district. In many districts they are going to think of the infection rate as they think of chickenpox because delta spreads like chickenpox and schools are quite familiar with chickenpox spread, which is legendary. But perhaps if you name the state and district some people can see what they get. @jovesta @cc21 and @iridium
Also permission for children to get covid vaccines is expected by mid to late fall. That hope may give many schools the permission to set stricter standards for he first quarter of the year with an eye to lifting them when kids can get vaccinated.
This article is behind their paywall - do you have some other way to share it? (Thanks!)
@laura-f If you have a Mac, an iPad, or an iPhone, you can pull the page up in the Safari browser and hit the little paper like icon in the address bar to read it in reader mode - gets around the NYT paywall (Until that trick gets more known :P)