The Pod Is Back And We're Here To Talk Mutations (Hey-La-Day-La, The Pod Is Back!)

We're back, friends!
On this first episode of season 2, we answer the question, "what’s the update on variants and vaccine effectiveness?"
We kick things off with a snapshot of the overall COVID-19 case rate, mortality and hospitalization data, and vaccine uptake. Next, we define some terminology-- specifically the difference between efficacy and effectiveness. We then discuss clinical trial and real-world effectiveness data for the three vaccines currently in use in the United States (Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J). Of course, we had to talk boosters-- so we summarize the recent recommendations from the FDA and CDC, and what they mean for Americans. Next, we talk about Delta and some of the other variants that have people talking these days. We wrap things up by clarifying that vaccines do, in fact, prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2 through a few different mechanisms including reduced viral load, shortened infectious period, and overall reduced risk of infection. We hope you enjoy! We have lots of exciting episodes lined up for this season so stay tuned!

PLEASE NOTE: The discussion and information provided in this podcast are for general educational, scientific, and informational purposes only and are not intended as, and should not be treated as, medical or other professional advice for any particular individual or individuals.  Every person and medical issue is different, and diagnosis and treatment requires consideration of specific facts often unique to the individual.  As such, the information contained in this podcast should not be used as a substitute for consultation with and/or treatment by a doctor or other medical professional.  If you are experiencing any medical issue or have any medical concern, you should consult with a doctor or other medical professional. 

Further, due to the inherent limitations of a podcast such as this as well as ongoing scientific developments, we do not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information or analysis provided in this podcast, although, of course we always endeavor to provide comprehensive information and analysis. In no event may Unbiased Science or any of the participants in this podcast be held liable to the listener or anyone else for any decision allegedly made or action allegedly taken or not taken allegedly in reliance on the discussion or information in this podcast or for any damages allegedly resulting from such reliance.

RESOURCES

• PFIZER AND BIONTECH CONFIRM HIGH EFFICACY AND NO SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS THROUGH UP TO SIX MONTHS FOLLOWING SECOND DOSE IN UPDATED TOPLINE ANALYSIS OF LANDMARK COVID-19 VACCINE STUDY

• Six Month Safety and Efficacy of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

• SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and Definitions

• Vaccines Highly Effective Against B.1.617.2 Variant After 2 Doses

• Vaccines Highly Effective Against Hospitalisation From Delta Variant

• Moderna Provides Clinical and Supply Updates on COVID-19 Vaccine Program Ahead of 2nd Annual Vaccines Day

• Interim Estimates of Vaccine Effectiveness of BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 Vaccines in Preventing SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among Health Care Personnel, First Responders, and Other Essential and Frontline Workers

• Moderna Provides a Clinical Update on the Neutralizing Activity of its COVID-19 Vaccine on Emerging Variants Including the Delta Variant First Identified in India

• New Analyses Show Johnson & Johnson’s One-Dose Vaccine Works Well

• Johnson & Johnson Announces Data to Support Boosting its Single-Shot COVID-19 Vaccine

• Comparison of Neutralizing Antibody Titers Elicited by mRNA and Adenoviral Vector Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants

• CDC Data Tracker: Variant Proportions