I think it’s time for another vaccine update. What’s going on?
From some countries placing limitations on those who received mixed vaccines to the Delta variant heightening fears of a fourth wave, we have you covered on the latest COVID-19 news.
Hey there, and welcome to the 42nd issue of The Supplement, a newsletter that fills in the gaps of your other news intake. This is Sierra, one-third of the Supplement team!
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This week, we’re tackling this question: I think it’s time for another vaccine update. What’s going on?
TL;DR: Mixed vaccines are messing up travel plans. While this is the least important thing we care about right now, some of the doses being given to poorer countries might eventually prevent them from traveling as they still struggle to get doses administered in general. The WHO has also asked for countries to stop administering booster shots for fear of widening the global gap in access to vaccines. All this matters because the Delta variant is causing fears that a fourth wave could be near.
Mixing vaccines might mess up some travel plans
Even though research has proven success in mixing a viral vector vaccine (AstraZeneca) and an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna), there are some countries — like many in Europe — that don’t recognize certain combinations. This means those who mixed vaccines might not be counted as fully vaccinated elsewhere and could face limitations like being denied boarding on cruises.
The EU’s vaccine passport also doesn’t recognize certain vaccines, such as Covishield, which has been a huge part of the COVAX program (remember that?). Canadians who took the Covishield version of AstraZeneca or mixed the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine with a different dose are frustrated to be forced to cancel trips. At the beginning of this week, 3.6 million Canadians have received a combination of vaccines.
By extension, it means that poorer countries (who already are struggling to vaccinate their populations in general) could face more barriers even traveling compared to wealthy countries who have had more options.
No booster shots
In response to these travel issues, Quebec took an unusual step in late July of offering an extra dose to people who wanted to travel to countries that don't recognize their vaccination status.
But on Aug. 4, the World Health Organization announced they want countries to stop providing booster shots until at least September, as the disparities between wealthy and poor countries continue to be pronounced. The organization said that in May, 50 doses for every 100 people had been administered in wealthy countries compared to 1.5 doses for every 100 people in poorer countries.
Delta is the talk of the town
According to Yale Medicine, the one unique thing about the Delta variant is how quickly it spreads. This new strain is spreading 50 per cent faster than Alpha, which is also 50 per cent more contagious than the original strain. There is also the Delta plus variant, which is believed to be even more transmissible.
In BC, Delta is now the most common variant. University of British Columbia’s prof. Sarah Otto told the CBC that the fourth wave in B.C. has started, but will grow depending on people’s behaviour. She is an expert on the mathematical models of pandemic growth and evolution.
Vaccinated people can still catch and spread the variant, but they are much less likely to do so and to develop a serious case. Mask-wearing also helps prevent transmission.
A fourth wave is also the talk of the town
This worry of a Delta-driven fourth wave is also making the feds step into action. The eligibility period for both the emergency wage and rent subsidies has been extended to Oct. 23.
If provinces open too quickly (cough, Alberta and Saskatchewan), experts say it could mess everything up.
On Aug. 5, Quebec announced plans to implement a vaccine passport system because of rising cases in the province. Non-essential services, like gyms and restaurants, are likely going to require it.
Here’s someone to follow:
Every time Sharine Taylor’s work appears on my TL, I know something good is about to follow. She’s an award-winning music and culture writer/critic and filmmaker (site here). I’ve mostly read her writing on music, but it’s more than that. I remember reading a story about how we can’t let pop stars steal dancehall in 2016. Another memorable one for me is her piece on how architecture has always been a part of hip hop’s history.
Here’s a story to check out:
For The Globe and Mail, Crime and Justice reporter Molly Hayes took a look at how the construction industry is facing a reckoning over racism and hate in general. She writes about incidents of anti-Black graffiti using a racial slur and calling for a “purge.” Half a dozen nooses were also found around the city of Toronto. And despite pledges for change and investigations into past problems, casual racism still seems to fester in the industry.