Our New Normal: Embracing Safer Practices

The path to normalcy is paved with vaccines and boosters, allowing us to mitigate restrictions and fears. However, we must adapt our behaviors to maintain a "safeR" environment. This will be my guiding principle for the foreseeable future: achieving a "safeR" state. While complete safety is unattainable—due to the highly contagious Delta variant and unvaccinated individuals—we can certainly aim to be "safeR."

To achieve this, we must be vigilant, especially around unvaccinated populations. Engaging with vaccinated individuals presents a significantly lower risk, though it's important to remember they are not entirely without risk.

Our decisions should reflect the current case numbers in our vicinity. Indoor gatherings require careful consideration, and masking should be prioritized in areas experiencing high transmission rates. Conscious choices will help us maintain a "safeR" environment.

Okay Booster: The Recent Developments

Recent scientific advancements have contributed to our journey towards being "safeR." The FDA's independent panel reviewed data on booster efficacy and safety, followed by the CDC's evaluation. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the head of the CDC, endorsed initial guidelines for Moderna and J&J boosters, as well as the mixing of vaccines.

However, we must remember that the science is still evolving. Current guidelines stem largely from lab studies focusing on antibody responses, which represent just one component of our immune system. There hasn't been ample time to gather extensive "real-world evidence" on booster effects, and the studies conducted thus far are relatively small compared to large-scale vaccine trials.

Here are some essential recommendations for boosters:

• Everyone aged 65 and older SHOULD receive a booster.
• Individuals aged 50 and older, particularly those at risk for severe Covid, SHOULD also get a booster.
• Anyone over 18 who received the J&J vaccine SHOULD get a booster.
• Those over 18 at high risk for Covid (e.g., frontline workers, healthcare professionals, teachers, and retail workers) can receive a booster.
• Mixing vaccines appears to be safe and effective.

I anticipate that soon, booster shots will be recommended for everyone, similar to other vaccines like hepatitis and MMR.

Additional CDC guidelines on mixing vaccines are forthcoming. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

• If you received the J&J vaccine, you should get boosted at least two months later.
• If you had the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines, consider a booster after six months.
• You can receive both a flu shot and a Covid booster simultaneously (and it’s advisable to do so).
• Shingrix and Covid boosters can also be administered together.

Although uncertainties remain about the optimal approach to boosters, it is clear that they will enhance our safety, contributing to a growing list of positive developments regarding Covid-19:

• Vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe illness and fatalities, having saved countless lives.
• There is no substantial evidence of significant adverse effects from the vaccines, especially after over 400 million doses administered in the U.S.
• Vaccines do not seem to impact fertility or pregnancy.
• Hospitalization rates continue to decline, a critical metric for assessing the pandemic’s status.
• Vaccinated individuals are less likely to be infectious for extended periods, reducing their risk to others.
• Home testing options are becoming more accessible and reliable, which is timely as we approach holiday gatherings.
• Currently, there are no alarming new variants.
• The CDC has stated that children can safely participate in Halloween activities, provided they adhere to safety measures like wearing masks and maintaining distance from vulnerable individuals.

With these encouraging developments, many of us can start to embrace a "trying-to-be-safeR" new normal by:

• Wearing masks in indoor settings and during high-risk situations.
• Proactively discussing vaccination status with friends (e.g., "Are all guests at the wedding vaccinated?").
• Finding creative ways to socialize (e.g., "Let’s go for a walk" or "Let’s keep the windows open").
• Evaluating travel, dining, and gym options based on community transmission and vaccination rates, along with our individual health considerations.
• Considering at-home testing more frequently (especially for gatherings like Thanksgiving).

Although the fight against Covid-19 is ongoing, we are making strides towards being "safeR." Progress is being made.