Key Covid Updates for the Holiday Season

According to John Hopkins University, the current number of confirmed cases globally are more than 74.6 million with more than 1.6 million associated deaths. The US has reported 17 million cases — though they may be higher due to lack of testing; more than 309,000 people have died because of the virus.

The french president, Emmanuel Marcon, tested positive for COVID-19 on December 17 after a meeting with several european leaders, those of which included the French and Spanish Prime Ministers and the European Union Council president who are now all self-isolating after coming in contact with the president.

With a unanimous approval, the Moderna vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for emergency use on those over the age of 18 on December 18. It is another mRNA vaccine, with a 94% effectiveness rate — only 1% less than the Pfizer vaccine. This type of vaccine induces an immune response by creating small amounts of coronavirus spike proteins. The standards of safety during the review process were the same as with the Pfizer vaccine and this template will be used with any other COVID-19 vaccines that come on the market. 5.9 million doses are expected to be shipped to the US by next week and the dosing process will be similar to the Pfizer vaccine, 2 doses 28 days apart (Pfizer is dosed between 21 days).

The outstanding difference between both vaccines is that while the effectiveness rate across all of the same racial, ethnic, and gender groups are the same, the Moderna vaccine worked well with those at a high risk for severe COVID infections, which was a caution amongst those considering the Pfizer vaccine. Moderna also has strong evidence of preventing severe cases, which was still being researched with the Pfizer vaccine. Side effects similar to the Pfizer vaccine, headache, fatigue and muscle aches and pains at the injection site have been found with the Moderna vaccine; however, there have not been any reports of “anaphylactic or severe hypersensitivity reactions” as seen with Pfizer’s.

Another treatment option for COVID-19 are monoclonal antibodies, a drug that may prevent early COVID infections from progressing into a more severe case. Studies show that monoclonal antibodies may reduce hospitalization rates up to 70% if taken in time — this can be life-saving, especially for high risk individuals. This has been FDA approved since November, but awareness of this drug is low. It is best taken 10 days after symptom onset. Currently, only about 5–20% of the available supply is actually being used.

Even with all this, a winter surge is still expected. It is projected to be one of the most difficult times in US history due to holiday gatherings, which will spur on the surge. The former acting director of the CDC states “this vaccine, as wonderful as it is, is not going to change the trajectory of what we experience this winter,” masking, hand washing, and social distancing is still encouraged.

About Us

Here at HealthNeed Medical Urgent Care, our main goal is to provide an easy and friendly walk-in experience that will have you face to face with one of our many medical specialists within minutes of checking in and without an appointment. Our team of medical experts offers treatments anywhere from bandaging small scrapes and cuts to IVs. Come check out our offices that are open 365 days a year. We provide pediatric as well as senior medical care, with most health insurances accepted.

Queens Crossing
38–21 Main St, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354

Wheelchair Accessible Entrance:
136–17 39th Ave, Suite 1A
Flushing, NY 11354

Phone: (718) 888–1808

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