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New cases of COVID-19 are down 90% from the peak, with under 75,000 new cases reported last week across the U.S.
"What we're observing is a pretty dramatic suppression of cases," explains Dr. Gregory Poland, head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. "This is good news, but we need to be cautious."
Dr. Poland warns that there are still people who are vulnerable to COVID-19 infection, including people who are immunocompromised; children under 5 who cannot yet be protected by COVID-19 vaccination; and the more than 30% of the U.S. population that is not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to Mayo Clinic's COVID-19 tracking tool data.
"'I'm as weary of COVID-19 as everybody else," says Dr. Poland. "But we still need to take this seriously."
On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Poland discusses the latest COVID-19 news, including new COVID-19 vaccines coming for approval; the latest on long COVID; and his recent commentary with his colleague, Dr. Richard Kennedy, a Mayo Clinic internist, on the need for more research infrastructure and research funding in order to maintain public confidence in vaccines.
To practice safe social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, this interview was conducted using video conferencing. The sound and video quality are representative of the technology used. For the safety of its patients, staff and visitors, Mayo Clinic has strict masking policies in place. Anyone shown without a mask was recorded prior to COVID-19 or recorded in an area not designated for patient care, where social distancing and other safety protocols were followed.
Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland.
Connect with others talking about the pandemic and supporting one another in the COVID-19 support group.
Information in this post was accurate at the time of its posting. Due to the fluid nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, scientific understanding, along with guidelines and recommendations, may have changed since the original publication date.
For more information and all your COVID-19 coverage, go to the Mayo Clinic News Network and mayoclinic.org.
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With efficacy from the Covid vaccine waning over time, when do you expect elderly people will be able to get a second booster? My husband is 7 months out from his booster and has comorbidities including heart disease.
Hi Gail,
Here's the guidance about boosters from Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/coronavirus-covid-19/vaccine-boosters
"An additional primary shot of a COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for people who are vaccinated and might not have had a strong enough immune response. In contrast, a booster dose is recommended for people who are vaccinated and whose immune response weakened over time. Research suggests that getting a booster dose can decrease your risk of infection and severe illness with COVID-19.
People who have a moderately or severely weakened immune system should get an additional primary shot and a booster shot."
It sounds like your husband qualifies for a second booster or 4th shot now.
Is your husband a patient at Mayo? They have announced that they will be contacting people eligible for second booster and having them come in for the shot. I am under the impression that the second shot right now is for immunocompromised people. Has his doctor told him he is immunocompromised?
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1 ReactionActually, the 4th shot is for immunocompromised folks like me. I have had my booster (4th shot). My husband is not immunocompromised, but with efficacy waning and his heart issues, we would certainly like for him to have that 4th shot (2nd booster.)
We are both Mayo patients.
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1 ReactionI too feel I should have a second booster shot soon. Not officially labeled immunocompromised but feel the time is right for me. I’m staying home almost all the time, with very brief trips to grocery store with n95 mask. Medical visits locally are getting harder with staff not wearing proper masks properly. Mayo is four hours away and there are no mask compliance issues there. A friend of 53 years wants to visit but I am scared.
I understand. Many of my friends are in the same situation. If you have COPD does that mean you are immunocompromised?
I am behaving similarly. Always wear a Kn95 in public. I feel comfortable walking outdoors with friends. But, in my community, very few people wear masks. I wonder how quickly the virus will spread with folks being so relaxed. I’m not comfortable going out to eat or to indoor events due to “relaxed” attitude. Hoping the recommendation for 4th shot is released soon.
I don’t know, would like an answer to that, thanks.
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1 ReactionFinally! I have read an article about the second booster. The AARP article said that the Biden administration is working on getting us our Moderna/Pfizer booster eight months out from out last shot. This needs a final sign off from the FDA. I’m already more than eight months out, but because of recently had Covid (with no symptoms) my provider wants me to wait two months until the inflammation dies down. If you want to read the article, google “AARP and second booster shot”.
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1 ReactionGreat find, @mpeters. Is this article from AARP about boosters that you're referring to?
- What to Know About the Coronavirus Vaccines https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-vaccine-research.html
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