COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
As you likely heard, Colin Powell— the nation’s first Black national security advisor, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and U.S. secretary of state—died of complications from COVID-19 this week. He was vaccinated but had not yet received a booster shot. He was also 84 and had multiple myeloma and Parkinson’s disease.
Some are focusing on the fact that he was vaccinated. However, Powell’s death—tragic, as are all COVID-19 deaths—reaffirms what we already know, that people over 65 and those who are immunocompromised are at greater risk from the virus.
One final thought: I speak of Colin Powell because his high profile has led to him being a topic of much discussion. But, he is one of more than 720,000 Americans we have lost to this deadly pandemic. His death is a reminder that the pandemic is not over, and we must stay diligent in protecting those around us who are vulnerable.
I encourage you and your families to do what you can to protect yourselves from COVID-19. That starts with getting a vaccine and wearing masks.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
THE THREE VACCINESThis week, the FDA approved boosters for the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The following chart provides an overview of the three booster shots.
|
|
|
|
MIXING AND MATCHINGThe FDA advisory committee also approved a “mix and match” booster dose. This means that you can get a booster dose of any of the vaccines regardless of the vaccine you received initially. This approval was based on a clinical trial conducted by the National Institutes of Health that focused on if this approach was safe and effective. Not enough data has been collected to determine if “mixing and matching” is better than sticking with the same vaccine or if one combination offers more protection than another.
The takeaway is this: If you are in the population approved for a booster, this gives you more flexibility to get a booster based on what is available to you. Again, you should speak to your doctor about whether getting a booster is right for you. There are certain things in medicine that are not always clear cut, but we all agree to follow the edict, “primum non nocere” (first, do no harm).
SCIENCE AND POLITICS, OR POLITICAL SCIENCE The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the delicate relationship between public health and politics. We want our government to be informed by science, but we do not want public health decisions to be swayed by politics. Even the slightest appearance of the latter erodes the public trust in our institutions like the CDC and FDA. That is where advisory committees come in, comprised of independent experts who provide advice and recommendations.
The FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) and the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are two of these panels. First, VRBPAC meets to discuss approval of medical treatment like a vaccine booster before the FDA approves it. After that, ACIP meets to discuss how the treatment should be administered, followed by the CDC announcing an official recommendation.
FLU REBOUNDIn a typical flu season, 290,000–650,000 people worldwide die of the illness. However, last year flu deaths plummeted, and most researchers connect the downward trend to COVID-19 precautions like mask-wearing and social distancing. This year, there is much concern about a “flu rebound” due to people easing their adherence to these safety measures. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases, another seasonal respiratory illness, did experience a pronounced “rebound” effect.
That’s why it is imperative to get a flu vaccine and why we require students, staff, and faculty to get a flu shot. As a reminder, today (Oct. 22) is the deadline by which students must either get vaccinated or submit an exemption. Staff and faculty have until Nov. 17, but why wait? For more information on where you can go to get the flu shot, click here.
COPING WITH SETBACKS
It’s safe to say that we have all encountered setbacks, whether they are personal or professional. Life is unpredictable and just when we think we have things figured out, there is a bump in the road, or we’re forced to take a detour. Perhaps someone in your life did something unexpected, work is more challenging than ever, or a pandemic creates uncertainty. Whatever the cause, frustration and disappointment can get the best of us all. The key is building emotional resilience and focusing on what is and is not in your control. For instance, you can’t change someone’s actions or make the virus go away. But you can control your response to those things. Focus on the positive, surround yourself with people and things that bring you joy and remain flexible. Life is a journey that we all
take together. |
|
|
|
|
|
We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition. |
|
|
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Students, faculty, and staff on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses who are experiencing possible symptoms consistent with, or who have been potentially exposed to, COVID-19 should contact the University's COVID-19 hotline at 305-243-ONE-U, where UHealth physicians and providers are available to answer your questions and provide telemedicine services if needed.
Members of the Medical Campus should contact 305-243-8378.
For additional University of Miami COVID-19 information and resources, visit coronavirus.miami.edu.
If you are a student in distress or need counseling services, the Counseling Center provides mental health services through HIPAA-compliant teleconferencing platforms. Counselors are certified and available to help any time by calling 305-284-5511. Additional resources are also available by visiting counseling.studentaffairs.miami.edu.
If you are a faculty or staff members in need of support visit fsap.miami.edu. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
