Virginia Hospital Center’s Dr. Lee (Chief Medical Officer and Sr VP) was back for another COVID-19 Update on February 23, 2021.
The Trend
COVID numbers are decreasing, nationally and locally. VHC is down to 40 patients hospitalized with COVID, and, hospital positivity rate has dropped to 3.1% over past 7 days which was 4.7% prior. We are on a downward trend of this third wave of infections. Dr. Lee believes we are heading in the right direction and expects it to continue. Vaccinations, the number of those who have already had COVID, and warmer temperatures will get us closer to herd immunity of 60-80% of population. Some experts are hoping to reach herd immunity by April. However, Dr. Lee expects it to be closer to this Fall.
The Vaccinations
Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are owned by the federal government. Vaccines are being distributed by population size, which means Arlington gets about 2,500 per week (state of VA gets 110,000 per week). This works out to about 500 vaccinations per day in Arlington being distributed. At this point, local health departments are still running vaccinations, not the hospitals.
Dr. Lee expects vaccine distribution to increase to 140,000 for the state – which will trickle down to more for Arlington county. Also, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine (single shot without temperature control) is expected to be approved by the FDA very soon. 13-15% of VA population have started the vaccination process. This is a good start, but we need to keep working towards more vaccinations.
If you’ve had COVID already, you have some immunity. However, the length of immunity is unknown. Dr. Lee recommends getting the vaccine despite already having COVID. Better to be safe. The vaccines being used now and the J & J vaccine are hypo-allergenic. Reactions are extremely low. Getting COVID is much worse than any reaction you’re likely to get from the vaccine.
The Variants
This virus, similar to the common cold virus, mutates quickly and frequently. This is why there is no cure. Most of the time variants do not have any effect on the virus’ contagiousness or severity. The vaccines we have are known to be effective against the original variant and reduce severity. The truth is, the data just isn’t there yet. As time goes by, and we have more data we will learn more and be more prepared. The takeaway message is, whichever vaccine you have access to is the one you want to get. It will absolutely help to protect you against the virus.
The M.O.D.A.K. Rules
VHC’s head of Infectious Diseases, Dr. Modak’s, advice to significantly reduce the spread. You should always strive to meet at least three of the five items.
Wear Masks
Gather Outside
Social Distance
Avoid crowds
Know your risk
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