Dr. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease professor at the University of California, San Francisco, subtly hints mRNA vaccines are of little to no use anymore as they provide no meaningful efficacy as boosters against Omicron. Instead, she suggests Covaxin, a fully inactivated, whole virus vaccine. All that via her newsletter this morning. So what does this mean?
Importantly, Dr. Monica has been a huge proponent of mRNA vaccines like Pfizer and Moderna since their inception. However, as the data has changed in light of Omicron, so has her position unlike other physicians. You see, there are many doctors who’s unwavering support for mRNA vaccines stay regardless of new information. That said, the science is now clear. Specifically, because of the nearly 50 mutations in Omicron, antibodies conferred from Pfizer and Moderna are next to useless against the new variant. Considering waning efficacy, it makes sense why the Biden administration gave up the OSHA mandate the other day.
Unfortunately, the vaccine Dr. Gandhi referred to Covaxin is not approved for emergency use in the United Stated yet. Moreover, it has been in an “EUA pending at FDA” status since November 5th. It seems there has been no recent push to have this finalized. However, if approved it will be available in the USA.
What’s the takeaway? A COVID centrist, and prominent proponent of mRNA vaccines has come out and said NO. This could be a sign of things to come.
I don't understand why we are even talking about vaccines for a disease with well over a 99% survival rate, and especially with Omicron. Why are smart people not focusing on natural immunity which clearly must be present by now in the population to a high degree?
Oh....maybe because it isn't really about the virus or the vaccine, but it's about the passes.