Clues to rare vaccine allergic reactions
Experts continue advocating universal precautions against COVID, noting that the new strain in the UK may spread easier but does not cause more severe illness.
Here are today’s COVID-19 stories worth noting:
The CDC published a scientific brief on the new strain of the virus that causes COVID-19 found sweeping across the United Kingdom. The agency says, “At this time, there is no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness or increased risk of death.”
Public health experts say that travel bans are likely coming too late to prevent this latest mutation from circulating in other countries.
A compound that covers lipid nanoparticles in both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines is being investigated as a possible cause of the small number of severe allergic reactions that have been observed, according to Science. The compound, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is widely used in drugs and many consumer products. Drugs are “PEGylated” typically to extend their active lifespan in the body. Even with the allergic reactions, the CDC and others say the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines far exceed the risks.
More insights into how the COVID-19 vaccines were developed so fast and what this means for other vaccines: Nature explains how the messenger RNA “platform” had been under study for years, and COVID-19 presented a perfect opportunity to try it.
Facebook has changed its generic approach to removing COVID-19 misinformation. Now, a user who posts misinformation will get a specific message about the post and why it was removed.
Keep practicing safe six, please.