Thursday, August 26, 2021

Covid 53, More scientific studies on vax safety/non-safety

 Some materials I encountered recently, should be helpful to people reading on their own.
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(1) Study: Fully Vaccinated Healthcare Workers Carry 251 Times Viral Load, Pose Threat to Unvaccinated Patients, Co-Workers

A preprint paper by the prestigious Oxford University Clinical Research Group, published Aug. 10 in The Lancet, found vaccinated individuals carry 251 times the load of COVID-19 viruses in their nostrils compared to the unvaccinated.

By Peter A. McCullough, M.D., MPH  8/23/2021 
https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/vaccinated-healthcare-workers-threat-unvaccinated-patients-co-workers/


(2) Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Delta Variant Among Vaccinated Healthcare Workers, Vietnam 
31 Pages Posted: 10 Aug 2021 
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3897733  

Nguyen Van Vinh Chau, Nghiem My Ngoc, Vo Minh Quang, Dao Bach Khoa, Nguyen Thanh Phong, Le Mau Toan, Bui Thi Ton That, Huynh Phuong Thao, Tran Nguyen Phuong Thao, Vo Trong Vuong, Tran Thi Thanh Tam, Nguyen Huynh Thanh Truc, Ngo Tan Tai, Ho The Bao, Huynh Thi Kim Nhung, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Minh, Nguyen Thi My Tien, Nguy Cam Huy, Dinh Nguyen Huy Man, Dinh Thi Bich Ty, Le Thi Tam Uyen, Tran Nguyen Hoang Tu, Nguyen Thanh Dung, Le Manh Hung, Nguyen Thanh Truong

 – all from Hospital for Tropical Diseases

Lam Anh Nguyet, Nguyen Thi Han Ny, Nguyen Thi Thu Hong, Nguyen Thi Kim Tuyen, Voong Vinh Phat, Le Nguyen Truc Nhu, Marc Choisy, Nguyen To Anh, Lam Minh Yen, Tran Tan Thanh, Guy Thwaites, Le Van Tan

-- all from Hospital of Tropical Diseases - Oxford University Clinical Research Unit

OUCRU COVID-19 Research Group

Abstract

Background: Data on breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant infections are limited.

Methods: We studied breakthrough infections among healthcare workers of a major infectious diseases hospital in Vietnam. We collected demographics, vaccination history and results of PCR diagnosis alongside clinical data. We measured SARS-CoV-2 (neutralizing) antibodies at diagnosis, and at week 1, 2 and 3 after diagnosis. We sequenced the viruses using ARTIC protocol.

Findings: Between 11th–25th June 2021 (week 7–8 after dose 2), 69 healthcare workers were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. 62 participated in the clinical study. 49 were (pre)symptomatic with one requiring oxygen supplementation. All recovered uneventfully. 23 complete-genome sequences were obtained. They all belonged to the Delta variant, and were phylogenetically distinct from the contemporary Delta variant sequences obtained from community transmission cases, suggestive of ongoing transmission between the workers. Viral loads of breakthrough Delta variant infection cases were 251 times higher than those of cases infected with old strains detected between March-April 2020. Time from diagnosis to PCR negative was 8–33 days (median: 21). Neutralizing antibody levels after vaccination and at diagnosis of the cases were lower than those in the matched uninfected controls. There was no correlation between vaccine-induced neutralizing antibody levels and viral loads or the development of symptoms.

Interpretation: Breakthrough Delta variant infections are associated with high viral loads, prolonged PCR positivity, and low levels of vaccine-induced neutralizing antibodies, explaining the transmission between the vaccinated people. Physical distancing measures remain critical to reduce SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant transmission.

(3) Does the FDA think these data justify the first full approval of a covid-19 vaccine? 
Peter Doshi, senior editor, The BMJ
August 23, 2021

The FDA should demand adequate, controlled studies with long term follow up, and make data publicly available, before granting full approval to covid-19 vaccines.

https://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2021/08/23/does-the-fda-think-these-data-justify-the-first-full-approval-of-a-covid-19-vaccine/

Prior to the preprint, my view, along with a group of around 30 clinicians, scientists, and patient advocates, was that there were simply too many open questions about all covid-19 vaccines to support approving any this year. The preprint has, unfortunately, addressed very few of those open questions, and has raised some new ones.

I reiterate our call: “slow down and get the science right—there is no legitimate reason to hurry to grant a license to a coronavirus vaccine.”

FDA should be demanding that the companies complete the two year follow-up, as originally planned (even without a placebo group, much can still be learned about safety). They should demand adequate, controlled studies using patient outcomes in the now substantial population of people who have recovered from covid. And regulators should bolster public trust by helping ensure that everyone can access the underlying data.

(4) Exacerbation of hyperglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes after vaccination for COVID19: Report of three cases 
Abha Mishra, Amerta Ghosh, Koel Dutta, Kanika Tyagi, and Anoop Misra
Published online 2021 May 25. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2021.05.024
PMCID: PMC8143905   PMID: 34186339 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8143905/

Discussion

Common side effects that have been reported with the Covishield™ vaccine include fatigue, chills, headache, fever, flu-like symptoms. Less common side effects include abdominal pain, enlarged lymph nodes, itchy skin, or rash. However, increase in blood pressure, or changes in blood glucose levels in diabetic or non-diabetic individuals have not been mentioned in the vaccine trial data [2]…

Overall, it appears that vaccine is a likely cause of sudden increase in blood glucose levels. Such a phenomenon, of mild to moderate elevation of blood glucose levels following vaccination has been theoretically discussed [1] but not described previously. In one case report, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state following vaccination has been reported following Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine [3]…

(5) Horowitz: Israeli government data shows natural immunity from infection much stronger than vaccine-induced immunity

DANIEL HOROWITZ  July 14, 202 
https://www.theblaze.com/op-ed/horowitz-israeli-government-data-shows-natural-immunity-from-infection-much-stronger-than-vaccine-induced-immunity#toggle-gdpr

Thus, dealing with variants like "Delta" by focusing solely on risk-fraught injections with questionable effectiveness is the most counterproductive strategy ever. The U.K.'s very thorough data updated last week shows just a 0.2% case fatality rate for Delta, and only 0.03% for those under the age of 50, lower than any other variant. If it's more transmissible, it's less deadly. Natural infection is the only phenomena that will ultimately burn out all variants, and the entire focus should be on getting seniors and other vulnerable people early treatment the minute they feel symptoms and even a prophylactic regimen of ivermectin or hydroxychloroquine when appropriate.

Just imagine if all of the trillions spent on lockdowns and vaccines had been used for cheap anti-viral and anti-inflammatory treatments to be used outside the hospitals. It's the only thing that hasn't been tried, because there is nothing to be gained but saving lives.

(6) Ten reasons why the jab must never be mandatory 
By Abir Ballan    August 21, 2021 
https://www.conservativewoman.co.uk/ten-reasons-why-the-jab-must-never-be-mandatory/

9.    Herd immunity can be reached through a combination of natural infection and vaccination. Natural immunity to SARS-CoV-2 is broad and long-lasting – more so than vaccine-induced immunity, especially in combating variants. Recovery from infection prevents serious illness if reinfected. It is not necessary to vaccinate the entire planet for the ‘greater good’ of society.

We face two scenarios. Either the vaccines work, delivering protection to the vaccinated and eliminating the claim that everyone needs to be vaccinated. Or the vaccines don’t work, and therefore no one should get vaccinated. On both counts, vaccine passports are a pointless ‘public health’ tool that will undermine trust in the medical profession and vaccination programmes. They seem to serve economic, financial, political and ideological agendas. Most fundamentally, they are unethical. They swing the gate wide open for totalitarian rule through a digital social credit system.

(7) Large-scale study of antibody titer decay following BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine or SARS-CoV-2 infection 
Ariel Israel, Yotam Shenhar, Ilan Green, Eugene Merzon, Avivit Golan-Cohen,  Alejandro A Schäffer,  Eytan Ruppin,  Shlomo Vinker,  Eli Magen

doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.08.19.21262111

https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.08.19.21262111v1

Abstract

Background Immune protection following either vaccination or infection with SARS-CoV-2 decreases over time.

Objective To determine the kinetics of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies following administration of two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine, or SARS-CoV-2 infection in unvaccinated individuals.

Methods Antibody titers were measured between January 31, 2021, and July 31, 2021 in two mutually exclusive groups: i) vaccinated individuals who received two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine and had no history of previous infection with COVID-19 and ii) SARS-CoV-2 convalescents who had not received the vaccine.

Results A total of 2,653 individuals fully vaccinated by two doses of vaccine during the study period and 4,361 convalescent patients were included. Higher SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody titers were observed in vaccinated individuals (median 1581 AU/mL IQR [533.8-5644.6]) after the second vaccination, than in convalescent individuals (median 355.3 AU/mL IQR [141.2-998.7]; p<0.001). In vaccinated subjects, antibody titers decreased by up to 40% each subsequent month while in convalescents they decreased by less than 5% per month. Six months after BNT162b2 vaccination 16.1% subjects had antibody levels below the seropositivity threshold of <50 AU/mL, while only 10.8% of convalescent patients were below <50 AU/mL threshold after 9 months from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions This study demonstrates individuals who received the Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccine have different kinetics of antibody levels compared to patients who had been infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, with higher initial levels but a much faster exponential decrease in the first group.

(8) Why you shouldn't rush to get a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot before it's your turn 
Health experts warn not to jump the gun -- or line -- in taking a third dose.
By Sasha Pezenik and Dr. Jess Dawson
21 August 2021, 23:16 
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/rush-covid-19-vaccine-booster-shot-turn/story?id=79526299&cid=social_twitter_abcn

Dr. Jeremy Faust, an emergency medicine physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital, is skeptical of boosters for the broader population so soon.

"The risks are unknown, and the benefits are unknown. I can't, as a responsible physician, give someone advice, when I haven't been able to weigh those two things," Faust said, cautioning against taking a "shot in the dark."

(9) The Vaccinated Are Worried and Scientists Don’t Have Answers 
By Kristen V Brown and Rebecca Torrence
August 21, 2021, 5:00 PM GMT+8 Updated on August 22, 2021, 10:31 PM GMT+8 
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-21/science-can-t-keep-up-with-virus-creating-worry-for-vaccinated  

“Anecdotes tell us what the data can’t: Vaccinated people appear to be getting the coronavirus at a surprisingly high rate. But exactly how often isn’t clear, nor is it certain how likely they are to spread the virus to others.

Though it is evident vaccination still provides powerful protection against the virus, there’s growing concern that vaccinated people may be more vulnerable to serious illness than previously thought.”

(10) Ran Israeli @RanIsraeli 
Aug 24 2021  Are we doomed?

Israel's Prime Minister is crazy (or an idiot):

"People who received two vaccine shots walk around feeling like they are protected... they don't understand that the second vaccine has faded against the "Delta" - they must quickly get vaccinated with the 3rd dose!".

(11) Ron Paul @RonPaul 
Aug 24 2021
Even Mainstream Media Is Now Asking Big Questions About The Vaccines 
https://twitter.com/RonPaul/status/1429873193490296835?  

(12) Covid: What’s the best way to top up our immunity? 
James Gallagher Health and science correspondent
22/08/2021 
https://www.bbc.com/news/health-58270098

“Prof Adam Finn, a government vaccine adviser, said over-vaccinating people, when other parts of the world had none, was "a bit insane, it's not just inequitable, it's stupid".

Each time you're exposed, the immune system gets a little bit stronger, and this continues until old age, when the immune system starts to fail and the infections become a problem again.

"This isn't proven, but it could be a lot cheaper and simpler to let that happen than spend the whole time immunising people," said Prof Finn, who warns we could end up "locked into a cycle of boosting" without seeing if it was necessary.”

(13) Ultra-Vaxxed Israel’s Crisis Is a Dire Warning to America 
“I don’t want to frighten you,” Israel’s COVID czar Dr. Salman Zarka told parliament this week. “But… unfortunately, the numbers don’t lie.”
Noga Tarnopolsky   Updated Aug. 24, 2021 7:51AM ET / Published Aug. 24, 2021 3:38AM ET 
https://www.thedailybeast.com/ultra-vaccinated-israels-debacle-is-a-dire-warning-to-america  

“It is a combination of waning immunity, so that inoculated people get reinfected, and at the same time the very transmissible Delta variant,” (Sheba Hospital Professor Galia Rahav) Rahav said, adding that Israelis lacked the discipline to revert to mask usage as the numbers began rising. “But it is not an Israeli problem,” she added. “It is everywhere.”

(14) From Dr. Iggy Agbayan 
CDC Ph, 26 August 2021

My thoughts on what and why Science evidence show COVID-19 vaccines cant be made mandatory to all Filipinos as opposed to recommended only to a cohort of COVID-19 susceptible people

1) It doesnt work everytime or fully as initial real world findings show. (Some have weak immune response like the elderly and those with immune system disease)

2) It is dangerous or deadly to some individuals with allergy, underlying illness and other still unknown issues that can only be determined with long term observations

3) COVID-19 vaccination will likely be repeated at least annually based on Pharmaceutical industry information and it is too expensive and impractical to enforce with our country’s resources for health. We must also consider the other health problems that may be more life threatening to even more Filipinos like TB, Dengue, Heart disease and Diabetes when we allot a budget to vaccination to a single disease.

4) The Philippine Constitution ensures that our human rights must be respected and any exception made against this must be beyond reasonable doubt. The case of our country’s health emergency status is relative, debatable, moving and is highly dependent on many other factors that can change it. It can be managed through other means that do not equate to the entire countries surrender of individual rights. We have choices that are still untapped by this government such as (a)improving primary health care (b)increasing and improving infectious disease treatment facilities and health personnel (c) emphasis on correcting or treating diseases or comorbids that lead to worse outcomes for COVID-19 (d) maximizing methods that improve immune response to respiratory and infectious illness (e) banning smoking and regulating unhealthy foods like sugar, processed carbs and highly processed oils (f) minimize regulation and/or fast track potential treatment and preventive drugs for as long as they are proven safe within practical parameters for a health emergency.
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See also:
Covid 50, PH immigration, customs, coast guard, health, tourism shameless bureaucratic procedures, August 06, 2021 
Covid 51, CDC Ph 5-points agenda, Dr. Eva Roxas lecture, August 07, 2021 
Covid 52, PLOS paper in 2015, Joe Rogan, and more stories on vax injuries, August 08, 2021.

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