SocketRocket
Ryder Cup Winner
Got my jab notification today. I tried to find a vaccination hub in my area but there aren't any yet so have to wait to be notified from my GP.
Coronavirus - how is it/has it affected you?
- Thread starter drdel
- Start date
GB72
Money List Winner
A question for Ethan if he can help. How effective does a vaccine need to be classed as a viable option. I look at the 66% figures for the one shot and that seems low compared to the other options but, then again, that may be the norm and the others are just very high. Would be interested to hear what percentage is seen as acceptable. My mum got the Pfizer jab yesterday and was happy that was what was on offer.
Ethan
Money List Winner
The FDA said that in order to be approvable, a vaccine would have to reduce cases by at least 50%, so they pretty much all do that, including recently announced results from Novavax and J&J.
People focus on that headline number for the prevention of symptomatic Covid, and that is important. But the studies so far have shown that after a couple of weeks, when the vaccine effect kicks in, they also have a strong effect in reducing severity in those who still get it, in some cases eliminating hospitalisation or Covid-related death. It seems highly improbable that they do not reduce transmission as well. Even Chris Whitty more or less admitted that the other day.
At the outset of these development programmes, if companies had promised a 2/3 reduction in clinical cases, but more or less elimination of serious/severe Covid, we would have grabbed that with both hands, and all available vaccines do or exceed that.
Personally, if given a choice, and I won't be, I would opt for Pfizer too. It seems to get to a high initial effect faster and I think the vaccine tech is cool. But if offered the AZ, I will take it.
GB72
Money List Winner
Thanks, that really helps. As I mentioned, and based on much of what you have said on here, I was not worried which jab my mum got but felt the Pfizer one was the best option at this stage.
Helps to have a bit of information to help translate the media stories. When you put it as you have, a 2/3 reduction in clinical cases, it sounds such much more reassuring than the 66% effective headlines. Guess it is all semantics
Slime
Tour Winner
Silly question for Ethan, but what do you do for a living?
Obviously in the medical profession, but what?
Just curious because, for some reason going back a long time, I thought you were in the golf profession, heavily involved in golf club shaft technology! Not sure what gave me that idea, but hey!
Obviously in the medical profession, but what?
Just curious because, for some reason going back a long time, I thought you were in the golf profession, heavily involved in golf club shaft technology! Not sure what gave me that idea, but hey!
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
Well, he was known as Shaft for a while..Damn right.
Ethan
Money List Winner
I was a public health doctor, so know a bit about epidemiology, epidemics and vaccines, that sort of stuff, now in pharmaceutical clinical development (designing and running clinical trials).
SteveW86
Head Pro
Don’t forget to add GM Forum medical advisor to your CV
I think we all appreciate the expertise and sense you bring to this subject
Ethan
Money List Winner
I try not to give any medical advice, because I can't know the medical history of anyone here, I prefer to stick to commentary and interpretation of stories in the media.
GB72
Money List Winner
GM chief medical correspondent then?
srixon 1
Journeyman Pro
I was supposed to be getting my gallstones oiked out on Tuesday. Operation has been cancelled because the hospital is swamped with covid patients.
anotherdouble
Journeyman Pro
If you are in as much pain as I used to be, I really feel for you. Had my gallbladder removed some years ago.
srixon 1
Journeyman Pro
the last time they gave me grief the pain lasted for three days.
anotherdouble
Journeyman Pro
Sorry to hear. I used to have to end up on all fours and not move for sometimes 30 mins. At times I thought I was having a heart attack. I initially went to gp with chest pains. He sent me straight to a+e and I then didn’t see daylight for 7 days. Did not pass go or collect £200. Once they ruled out heart and hernias they then diagnosed gallbladder.
unfortunatly consultant said possible wait time 12 months. I could not last that long. On discharge I enquired about private. He said ring my secretary on Monday. Was under the knife within 2 weeks.
AliMc
Well-known member
Similar with me, absolutely horrific chest pains, given 2 doses of morphine just get me into the ambulance, had my gallbladder out the next day, all went well and 2 weeks later I was on the putting green looking forward to playing again, very next day chest pains again, rushed back into hospital with pancreatitis, recovering from that when I got C-diff in my bowel, hospital phoned my wife at 10:30 one night and told her i probably wouldn't survive the night, but I did, it was 13 years ago and now I'm fully fit and healthy, doesn't half change your outlook on things though, my kids were only 3 and 1 at the time.
anotherdouble
Journeyman Pro
Glad to hear you fit and well. Horrible time for you and the family ?
Captainron
Big Hitting, South African Sweary Person
Still don’t actual know anyone personally who has been badly affected by it. Loads have been tested positive but all went through with zero issues
hovis
Tour Winner
I said this a few months ago. Since then two people at work have died age 31 and 46 (no underlying conditions) and my neighbours either side have both lost their husbands. We've also had lots of watches get sent home for 10 days due to isolated outbreaks.
D
Deleted member 15344
Guest
Vaccine program going well - nearly 9 million have had the vaccine
The seven day average on cases still reducing
The level of deaths has plateaued and maybe on the way down
Number of hospital admissions for Covid also started to reduce
Paperboy
Mini Cam
Also almost half a million have had their second jabs.