New data released by NSW Health shows that unvaccinated people were 16 times more likely to die or be seriously sick from COVID-19 compared with vaccinated people during the Delta outbreak. The rate of COVID-19 cases amongst fully vaccinated people was 49.5 per 100,000; amongst unvaccinated people it was 561 per 100,000. That is more than a tenfold difference.
The Pharmacy Guild of Australia has warned Australians that we may need to get COVID-19 booster shots every 6-12 months for the foreseeable future to keep the pandemic at bay. Pharmacy Guild president Mr Trent Twomey explained that it may take a couple years to reach a steady vaccination program, but that “in time we will treat Covid like many other viruses that have been around for decades, and a Covid-19 shot will just be another element of the Australian vaccination program.”
Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder caused by interruptions to breathing during sleep. Symptoms include snoring, gasping for air during sleep, daytime tiredness and waking up with a headache.
Did you know the US loses up to an estimated $411 billion and 1.2 million work days a year because of sleepy employees? Aside from the company’s loss, you may be affecting your own salary due to unproductivity.
Novavax has finally concluded their submission seeking provisional approval of their COVID-19 vaccine. The Novavax vaccine is a more ‘traditional’ protein sub-unit vaccine that could help increase vaccination rates amongst those sceptical of the mRNA and viral vector vaccine technology. So far, phase 3 clinical trials have shown promising results – an efficacy of 90.4% against illness and 100% protection against severe illness amongst 30,000 participants.
A raft of restrictions are being eased weeks ahead of schedule in NSW thanks to continued low case numbers and soaring vaccination rates. From November 8, there will be no limit on home visitors, no rules for outdoor gatherings less than 1000, business capacity limits will double, nightclubs will reopen dance floors, and caps will be removed for all settings except gyms and dance classes. However, these freedoms will only be enjoyed by fully vaccinated people in the state.
Australia has now formally recognised two more vaccines – the BBIBP-CorV vaccine from China and the Covaxin vaccine from India. This has opened up the way for people vaccinated with either to establish their vaccination status when travelling to Australia. Both vaccines provide protection against COVID-19, and potentially reduce the likelihood of people transmitting the virus to others.
Israel – the first to vaccinate, first to reopen, first to offer booster shots. Now, just 6 weeks after a dangerous COVID-19 wave due to the Delta variant, Israel is returning to life close to normal. Deaths and infections have plummeted – largely thanks to booster shots and vaccine passports.
