COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
Throughout this pandemic, you have all collectively inspired me with your dedication to each other. Your determination to keep everyone safe so that we could eventually resume and continue to have in-person classes proves that we are a true ’Canes community. I thank you for that.
For more than 18 months, we’ve shared information with you on a weekly basis to explain decisions, keep you informed, keep you safe, and sometimes keep you smiling. This will be our last regularly scheduled newsletter.
We are watching local numbers to determine if we will continue with surveillance testing. Once we have enough data, we will reassess and announce any policy changes.
Even though you will not hear from me every week, we will communicate as needed. We will also continue to check the COVIDCMO@miami.edu email inbox. So, please, if you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact me. No request is too small.
Remember to stay healthy, be well, and care for one another.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
BA.2 UPDATEThe omicron subvariant does continue to gain traction over the original in the United States. According to the CDC, BA.2 now accounts for almost 35 percent of all cases country-wide and 21.4 percent of cases in the southeast. However, data so far shows that while more transmissible, it is not more severe.
It also appears that if you were infected with the original omicron strain, reinfection with BA.2 is rare. Many experts believe that BA.2 will not cause another surge in cases since so many people were infected in the last surge.
Regardless, staying up-to-date with vaccinations and wearing masks if you or someone in your household is at risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 is the best way to protect yourself and others. If we see a rapid increase in cases, we may consider returning to stricter mask use in the short term. Remember, this is an action you can take regardless of whether or not it is mandated.
VACCINE PROTECTIONA study out of Qatar reports that while protection against symptomatic BA.2 infection waned to less than 20 percent after a second dose, a booster increased effectiveness to 70 percent. However, protection against severe illness remained at 68 percent or higher for at least seven months, even in people who had only received two vaccine doses but shot up to over 80 percent after a booster dose.
Studies are ongoing about any need for a second booster, but the CDC does not recommend it even for those moderately to severely immunocompromised. However, for those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised, they suggest that those older than 5 get three shots (either Pfizer or Moderna), and those older than 12 get three shots and one booster.
CHILDREN AND VACCINES According to a study printed by the CDC, two doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine reduced the risk of omicron infection by 31 percent in children aged 5–11 years and by 59 percent among persons aged 12–15 years.
On Wednesday, Moderna announced that it would be submitting a request to the FDA in the coming weeks for an emergency use authorization for a COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 6 months to 6 years. The company released data that showed two 25-microgram doses trigger a robust immune response similar to that seen in adults to the virus, including the omicron variant.
SPRING CLEANING March 21 marked the first day of spring, which makes it a perfect time to discuss clearing your mental and physical space. It coincides with a true sense that we are finally emerging from the confines of a pandemic.
But, as we shake off the doldrums of the past two years, it is still with a bit of apprehension. And, it can’t be denied that the world is still filled with upheaval.
I think that a little bit of “spring cleaning” is in order with all this in mind. Perhaps being isolated, being forced to give up enjoyable routines, and watching the trend toward division and uncivil discourse have all taken their toll. Now is a good time to clear out the clutter and take inventory of what is important to you. Figure out what “sparks joy,” so to speak. Ask yourself if you are spending your time and energy on things that are really important to you. If not, maybe it’s time for a change.
TWO YEARS LATER Two years … TWO YEARS! I can’t believe it has been that long. Many things happen in the span of two years, but somehow these typical milestones were somewhat disjointed due to COVID-19, which is why our perception of time is slightly off.
When we look back at this period, I think that we will view many things as “before COVID” and “after COVID.” Before COVID, many people went to work or school even when sick, putting productivity over public health. After COVID, most people now know they should stay home and rest. Before COVID, many companies were wary about allowing employees to work from home. After COVID, many companies have decided to continue to give employees some flexibility. Before COVID, many people didn’t mind packing in like sardines for events, on public transportation, or in elevators. After COVID, some find themselves giving this a second thought.
The world keeps turning, and society will continue to morph and adapt. It’s reassuring to know that we’re all part of this ’Canes family and will face it together.
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We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition. |
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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. |
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