Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Researchers Look At Link Between Covid Vaccine Injections, Heart Problems
The Wall Street Journal: Covid-19 Vaccines And Myocarditis Link Probed By Researchers
Some theories center on the type of spike protein that a person makes in response to the mRNA vaccines. The mRNA itself or other components of the vaccines, researchers say, could also be setting off certain inflammatory responses in some people. One new theory under examination: improper injections of the vaccine directly into a vein, which sends the vaccine to heart muscle. To find answers, some doctors and scientists are running tests in lab dishes and examining heart-tissue samples from people who developed myocarditis or pericarditis after getting vaccinated. (Loftus, 11/7)
AP: Pfizer Says COVID-19 Pill Cut Hospital, Death Risk By 90%
Pfizer Inc. said Friday that its experimental antiviral pill for COVID-19 cut rates of hospitalization and death by nearly 90% in high-risk adults, as the drugmaker joined the race for an easy-to-use medication to treat the coronavirus. Currently most COVID-19 treatments require an IV or injection. Competitor Merck's COVID-19 pill is already under review at the Food and Drug Administration after showing strong initial results, and on Thursday the United Kingdom became the first country to OK it. (11/5)
NBC News: Covid Antibody Drugs Could Protect People With Weak Immune Systems
Even as the Covid delta wave ebbs in the U.S., millions of people with compromised immune systems remain trapped in an anxious and sequestered limbo. A considerable portion of this population, research indicates, remains highly vulnerable to the coronavirus even after three or four vaccine shots. Many immunocompromised Americans, including people with cancer, autoimmune disorders and transplanted organs, are impatiently awaiting what could be their ticket back to some semblance of normalcy: the ability to receive periodic injections of long-acting monoclonal antibodies. This, research suggests, could provide them the substantial protection against Covid-19 that in their cases vaccination may not. (Ryan, 11/7)
The Boston Globe: Pregnant Women With COVID-19 Face Higher Rates Of Severe Illness And Preterm Birth. Why Are So Few Vaccinated?
During the final month of her pregnancy last March, Amanda Piantedosi faced a dilemma. Her doctor urged her to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Her husband, parents, in-laws, and friends argued strongly against it. Pregnant women infected with COVID-19 face higher rates of severe illness, preterm birth, and other complications. But her family members, although willing to get vaccinated themselves, worried about whether a new vaccine would be safe for the baby. (Freyer, 11/7)
Covid even affects pets —
CIDRAP: Pets Also Vulnerable To COVID-19 Cardiac Complications
Domestic pets are susceptible to the Alpha SARS-CoV-2 variant (B117) and can experience severe illness, according to a case series of cats and dogs published by researchers from the United Kingdom yesterday in Veterinary Record. The study examined illnesses in six pets, which included four cats and two dogs. All had experienced acute cardiac disease onset, including severe myocarditis. The animals tested positive for the Alpha variant or had antibodies 2 to 6 weeks after illness. Many of the owners had been sick with COVID-19 before their pets became ill. (11/5)
