121 – Update: COVID Vaccination in Aging (7.29.21 Edition)

In This Episode:

This video update includes my thoughts on the Delta variant and the latest CDC announcement regarding guidance for fully vaccinated adults, what to know about “breakthrough” COVID cases in nursing homes and elsewhere, recent studies on the efficacy of vaccines in older adults (and why some touted study results may not apply to older adults), who might not be well protected by the vaccine, and more.

(View the show notes page to watch my subtitled talk and my slides.)

This episode covers:

A recap of the current COVID & vaccine situation

What to know about Delta & the latest CDC mask update

“Breakthrough” COVID cases

Updates on COVID safety & efficacy in older adults and the immunocompromised

Whether boosters will be needed and whether to get one if available

My latest recommendations for older adults & families

Note: Since I recorded my update, the Washington Post has reported on the CDC’s internal presentation covering why they are so concerned about the Delta variant. The data presented is interesting and can be found here.

Related Resources:

BHWA:

COVID Vaccination for Aging Adults: What to Know & Do

CDC:

CDC COVID Data Tracker (to check your local transmission rates)

Internal CDC presentation on Delta variant and breakthrough infections (July 29, 2021)

CDC: When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated

Nursing Home Covid-19 Data Dashboard

CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (meeting slides on vaccine safety and efficacy topics are usually very informative; browse for the latest ones here)

COVID-19 Vaccine Effectiveness studies (May 12, 2021; includes some nursing home studies)

From medical journals:

Covid-19 Breakthrough Infections in Vaccinated Health Care Workers (July 2021)

Effectiveness of Covid-19 Vaccines against the B.1.617.2 (Delta) Variant&n