Topic: Bivalent Booster

Dr. Jen Ashton reported on CDC data showing the bivalent COVID-19 booster has a 52% efficacy rate against symptomatic infection. The hosts criticize this figure, arguing that it is impossible to prove the booster saves lives without double-blind trials. They mock the presentation of the data and suggest that the pharmaceutical industry will eventually switch their slogan from "safe and effective" to "effective and safe" to maintain public compliance.

A new Omicron sub-variant, XBB.1.5, now accounts for over 40% of US COVID-19 cases. CDC officials and medical contributors on NBC News express concern that the variant may be more immune-evasive, potentially rendering previous infections and vaccines less effective. While cases are rising, the impact on hospitalizations and deaths remains the primary metric for public health monitoring.

Medical experts are urging the public to receive bivalent boosters, claiming "cross-reactivity" will provide protection against the XBB.1.5 variant. Only 15% of the eligible US population has received the new booster, with higher rates among those over 65. The technical nomenclature "XBB" refers to a cross-recombinant of BA.2.10 and BA.2.75, though AI tools like ChatGPT struggle to provide real-time updates on these specific variants.

A report from NTD News cites a German study published in Science Immunology regarding the effects of mRNA boosters on IgG4 antibodies. Dr. Robert Malone comments on the potential for these injections to cause more harm than good in young, healthy populations. The research suggests that repeated boosting may induce immune tolerance rather than active protection against infection.

Dr. David Agus appeared on CBS Mornings to advocate for the new bivalent COVID-19 boosters, noting that only 15% of eligible Americans have received them. He expressed hope that future vaccines will provide "mucosal immunity" to block viral spread and symptomatology. Critics noted the shift in language from vaccines "preventing" infection to "holding" against serious illness.

President Joe Biden received his latest COVID-19 booster, urging Americans to get vaccinated before Halloween to ensure holiday protection. However, researchers at Columbia and Harvard Universities report that the new bivalent boosters do not show significant superiority over original vaccines in neutralizing dominant Omicron sub-variants.

The FDA and CDC have expanded eligibility for bivalent COVID-19 boosters to include children as young as five years old. NPR's Rob Stein reported on the expansion, while noting that experts like Dr. Paul Offit have pointed out a lack of data proving the bivalent shots are superior to original versions. Public health officials expressed concern over low uptake, as only 15% of eligible adults have received the new booster since Labor Day.

Health experts warn that the 2022 flu season could be exceptionally severe due to reduced natural immunity following years of masking and social distancing. The CDC is urging all individuals over six months old to receive flu vaccinations, with high-dose versions recommended for those over 65. Simultaneously, U.S. airports have begun screening travelers from Uganda due to an Ebola outbreak involving a strain for which there is currently no vaccine.

Dr. Paul Offit, a member of the FDA's vaccine advisory committee, explained his vote against the new bivalent Omicron-specific boosters. Offit argued that the data presented—which relied on mouse studies—did not support the claim that the new boosters are significantly better than the original ancestral strain. He expressed concern that the vaccine's benefits are being "oversold" to the public without sufficient clinical evidence of reduced transmission.

White House COVID coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha is actively promoting the new bivalent boosters for all Americans over age 12. Meanwhile, reports indicate that Sweden has the lowest excess mortality rate in Europe, and a study suggests 90% of New York COVID patients on ventilators during the initial surge died.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addresses the transition from "boosters" to "updated vaccines" for individuals 12 and older. The messaging shift occurs as the FDA and CDC approve new bivalent formulas despite a lack of extensive human clinical trials. The discussion explores the regulatory implications of labeling these as new vaccines rather than traditional boosters.

The CDC has authorized new bivalent COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer and Moderna designed to target the BA.4 and BA.5 Omicron sub-variants. These shots are being rolled out to pharmacies and health centers across the U.S., with the government purchasing 170 million doses. Health officials noted that the new formulations were primarily tested on mice, as human clinical trial data was not yet available at the time of the rollout.

The FDA has authorized new "upgraded" bivalent COVID-19 boosters from Pfizer and Moderna designed to target the Omicron subvariants. Public health officials admit the new shots were primarily tested on mice rather than humans to speed up the rollout before a potential winter surge. Experts acknowledge that while the boosters may provide a modest benefit, they are unlikely to provide "super strong shielding" against infection.

White House COVID-19 Response Coordinator Dr. Ashish Jha indicated that Americans should expect annual COVID-19 vaccine updates similar to the flu shot. New bivalent vaccines targeting the BA.5 Omicron sub-variant are expected to be available for everyone over age 12. This shift suggests a "reset" of the definition of being fully vaccinated.

Moderna is developing a new "bivalent" booster shot designed to target both the original COVID-19 strain and the Beta variant. The hosts discuss reports of rising hepatitis cases and "AIDS-like" immune system degradation in highly vaccinated populations like Australia and New Zealand. They express skepticism regarding the long-term safety of mRNA technology.