Covid 19

[SteveH]

A new study has shown that people can catch Covid-19 more than once.

Having previously been infected with Covid-19 may not offer long-term protection against the disease, especially when it comes to the new variants, scientists have warned.

New government-funded research suggests that the immune response following natural infection can vary between individuals, six months after catching coronavirus.

The researchers said their findings, which are yet to be peer-reviewed, reinforce the need for everyone to get vaccinated for maximum protection against Covid-19, as vaccines generate higher immune response than natural infection.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/new-study-shows-people-can-20839677

[SteveH]

BETSI Cadwaladr Health Board (BCUHB) says it's more important than ever that people get Covid vaccinated amid a spike in cases of the Delta variant in North Wales.

The health board says the Delta variant, which originated in India, now accounts for 90 per cent of new North Wales cases and is 60 per cent more transmissible than previous variants.

Gill Harris, deputy chief executive and executive director of nursing and midwifery at BCUHB, said: "Vaccinations have become especially important in light of the emergence and continued spread of the delta variant of coronavirus, which is thought to be 60 per cent more transmissible than the previously dominant alpha variant, and now accounts for over 90 per cent of new positive coronavirus cases in North Wales.

"Those in younger age groups who feel no personal risk from Covid are reminded that vaccination is the best way to ensure that restrictions are eased and we can all return to normal life. It's now easier than ever for people to book their first and second dose vaccine appointments at a convenient date, time and location through the online booking service on our website.

“Having both doses of the Covid vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones. Owing to the threat posed by the delta variant, we’ve brought forward the second dose interval for the Pfizer vaccine to eight weeks."

[SteveH]

Welsh Government says Wales is now at the start of the third wave of coronavirus
Nearly 600 cases of the Delta variant have been recorded in Wales so far

Five Covid test collection points set up in community hit by outbreak of Delta variant
Public health officials today confirmed community transmission is occurring all across the country and Conwy has seen 198 cases of Covid in the 21 days to June 20

Responding to the growing issue, which Deputy chief medical officer for Wales Dr Chris Jones called "approaching the third peak" of the pandemic, Conwy county council has moved to get as many people tested as possible. It has now established collection points for lateral flow testing kits in five leisure centres.

They are:
Llandudno Swimming Centre - Mon to Thurs 6am-9pm; Fri 6am-8pm; Sat and Sun 8am-4pm
Llandudno Junction Leisure Centre - Mon to Fri 6am-9pm; Sat and Sun 8am-1pm
James Alexander Barr Tennis Centre - Mon to Fri 9am-9pm; Sat and Sun 9am to 12pm
Abergele Leisure Centre - Mon to Fri 6.30am-8.30pm; Sat & Sun 8.30am-1.30pm
Hwb yr Hen Ysgol Llanrwst (for LFD collection between 9am-5pm)
Cllr Charlie McCoubrey, leader of Conwy county council said: "Testing those without symptoms is an important tool in the fight against Covid-19.

"Each positive case identified can help prevent many more infections. These new collection points at locations across the county, will make it easier for everyone to access this rapid testing, free of charge."

full article  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/five-covid-test-collection-points-20867927

[SteveH]

A new variant of coronavirus has been detected in the UK.
The strain - dubbed Delta+ - was first found circulating in three states in India and has been labelled a variant of concern by health authorities there.

Delta+ has now been detected in the UK with over 100 cases of the strain confirmed by Public Health England.

At the time of writing, the strain has been labelled as a variant under investigation by health bosses over the border.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/delta-new-more-infectuous-coronavirus-20881460



India has classified a new variant of the coronavirus first identified in Europe as a "variant of concern", but it's too early to tell whether it poses a significant threat.
India's health ministry says studies showed that the so-called Delta plus variant - also known as AY.1 - spreads more easily, binds more easily to lung cells and is potentially resistant to monoclonal antibody therapy, a potent intravenous infusion of antibodies to neutralise the virus.

The variant is related to the Delta, an existing variant of concern, which was first identified in India last year and is thought to have driven the deadly second wave of infections this summer in India.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-57564560

[SteveH]

North Wales is on brink of 'return to normal life' - but needs almost 20,000 people to get it there
The aim is to get at least 75% of each category inoculated, with take-up of at least 80 per cent in all age groups above the age of 40

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health board wants an extra 10,173 people aged between 30 and 39 and an additional 8,609 aged 18-29 to come forward and be vaccinated.

In its latest update the board said almost half a million North Wales residents have had a first dose of one of the Covid-19 jabs, and 338,018 have been fully vaccinated.

The aim is to get at least 75% of each category inoculated, with take-up of at least 80 per cent in all age groups above the age of 40. However in the 30-39 age group on 62% have received a jab and 71% of those aged 18-29 have been vaccinated.

The health board said: "We want take up to be as high as possible, but are aiming for at least 75 per cent in each eligible age group, in order to achieve a level of community protection which will help us eventually return to normal life.

"In the coming week we will be writing to approximately 80,000 people who have not received a first dose. This will include those who have previously told us that they do not wish to be vaccinated.

"We hope that some of these people have changed their mind, because of the new threat posed by the Delta variant."

The latest data shows a single jab reduces the chances of catching the virus and needing hospital treatment buy around 75% and by around 90% after both doses of the vaccination

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/north-wales-brink-return-normal-20885940?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

A mix-and-match approach to Covid vaccines - using different brands of jab for first and second doses - gives good protection against the pandemic virus, a UK study has found.

The Com-Cov trial looked at the efficacy of either two doses of Pfizer, two of AstraZeneca, or one of them followed by the other.

All combinations worked well, priming the immune system.

This knowledge could offer flexibility for vaccine rollout, say experts.

The trial results also hint that people who have already received two doses of AstraZeneca vaccine could have a stronger immune response if they were given a different jab as a booster if recommended in the autumn.

The UK's deputy chief medical officer, Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, said there was no reason to change the current successful same dose vaccine schedules in the UK, however, given vaccines were in good supply and saving lives.

But he says it might be something to look at in the future: "Mixing doses could provide us with even greater flexibility for a booster programme, while also supporting countries who have further to go with their vaccine rollouts, and who may be experiencing supply difficulties."

Some countries are already using mixed doses. Spain and Germany are offering the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines as a second dose to younger people who have already received a first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, following concerns about rare but serious blood clots, rather than about efficacy.

cont  https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-57636356

[SteveH]

Booster jabs for those most vulnerable to coronavirus are poised to take place this autumn, the Welsh Government has confirmed.

Health minister Eluned Morgan has confirmed ministers have been given interim advice which recommends an autumn booster campaign begins in September 2021.

The advice, from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation, states the booster jabs should be considered in order to maximise protection for the most vulnerable ahead of winter

Early evidence also supports giving people the coronavirus booster and winter flu jab at the same time, however Baroness Morgan said this advice is not yet firm.

She has also outlined how the priorities for the third jab will work.
The following people should be offered a third dose booster vaccine and the annual influenza vaccine, as soon as possible from September 2021:

adults aged 16 years and over who are immunosuppressed
those living in residential care homes for older adults
all adults aged 70 years or over
adults aged 16 years and over who are considered clinically extremely vulnerable
frontline health and social care workers
And the following people should be offered a third dose booster vaccine as soon as possible after Stage 1, with equal emphasis on deployment of the influenza vaccine where eligible:

all adults aged 50 years and over
adults aged 16 – 49 years who are in an influenza or Covid-19 at-risk group
adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
As most younger adults will only receive their second vaccine dose in late summer, the benefits of booster vaccination in this group will be considered at a later time by the JVCI, she said.

She added that vaccines designed specifically against variants of concern will not be available in time for this re vaccination phase in the autumn and will be considered by JCVI over the coming months.

The JVCI will consider further evidence over the coming months before final advice is provided.            ref DP

[SteveH]

A woman whose life has been completely altered by Long Covid, is calling for more support.

Paige Christoper contracted coronavirus towards the end of 2020, but her symptoms weren’t severe and after 10 days in isolation, she headed back to work

But in January of this year, she began to feel unwell again. She began suffering from palpitations and breathlessness but wasn’t sure why.

Six months later the 25-year-old is still struggling, with the long term effects of the virus and has been left so week that she can’t drive and even has to have her mum help her to wash her hair.

Doctors have told her that she is suffering from Long Covid, and she now wants more to be done to help sufferers.

"I had Covid back in November, but I didn't even know I had it because I wasn't very unwell. I had a headache for a couple of days and it was only because I took a test that I realised I was positive,"

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/woman-long-covid-went-climbing-20939091?IYA-reg=49560bcd-5a9c-47f0-8fc5-ba2e71710589

[SteveH]

Most of the UK's supplies of the AZ vaccine come from plants in north Wales and Staffordshire.

But five million doses were shipped from India as part of the UK's 100-million-dose AZ order.

The batches were produced by the Serum Institute of India (SII) - but the Department for Health says they were not called Covishield.

An amendment was made to the agreement between AstraZeneca and the MHRA (the UK regulator) listing three SII batch numbers and stating they were being "assessed and are treated as Covid-19 Vaccine AstraZeneca".

The batch numbers are 4120Z001, 4120Z002 and 4120Z003.

If you received the AZ vaccine, it's possible,

A quick way of checking which batch you have had is to look at the paper card you were given after vaccination.

The person who jabbed you should have written the batch numbers in boxes on the back.

You will also see batch numbers listed on NHS Covid Pass letters which show you are fully vaccinated, and which you will need when travelling abroad to some countries.

Full story https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/explainers-57665765?at_custom3=bbc_wales_news&at_campaign=64&at_custom2=facebook_page&at_custom4=FFCD73EA-DCD2-11EB-9656-C58896E8478F&at_medium=custom7&at_custom1=%5Bpost+type%5D&fbclid=IwAR0gCu41lgJIezsVaqDEhcDtYrsUz_1XgKXJq023TGPelLCQ2O9IkA5y2l8

[Ian]

Some time (possibly later this week) we'll cross the 4m dead boundary. 2% of those who catch Covid 19 die, which amounts to 1 in 50 of us. That's pretty serious.  The good news is that world-wide, three and a quarter billion people have had vaccinations. We still have a way to go, yet, and the relaxing of all the rules may well prove a step too far.

[SteveH]

ABOUT nine in 10 eligible adults in North Wales have had a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine while two-thirds have had the full protection of both doses.

Despite this success, at 69 per cent, first dose take up of the vaccine among people aged 30-39 is lower than it needs to be.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) is using a range of communications channels to urge those who have not yet come forward to get themselves protected, and have made it easier than ever for them to receive their first and second jab at a convenient date, time and location.

Gill Harris, executive director of Nursing and Midwifery, said: "If you turned down the vaccine when it was first offered but have since changed your mind, please book an appointment using our online booking service, or attend one of our drop in or mobile clinics (more on these below).

"We’ll be very pleased to see you and will take the time to discuss any concerns you have, before you decide whether to go ahead with vaccination."

cont  https://www.northwalespioneer.co.uk/news/19425503.latest-covid-19-vaccine-update-bcuhb-nine-10-adults-north-wales-eligible-jab-first-dose/

[SteveH]

Doctor's warning after fit and healthy ‘vaccine sceptic’ fights for life with Covid
The 34-year-old dad told doctors if he could go back and get jabbed he would

A senior doctor has issued a stark warning to anyone who is not planning on taking the vaccine after a fit and healthy dad was left fighting for his life.

Matthew Keenan was a self-confessed ‘vaccine sceptic’ until he caught the virus, according to Leanne Cheyne, the doctor caring for him.

With Matthews permission, doctor Cheyne, the respiratory consultant shared a photo of the 34-year-old football coach receiving oxygen in his hospital bed on Twitter - along with a warning.

cont  https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/doctors-warning-after-fit-healthy-21038451

[SteveH]

A lethal triple mix of COVID-19, influenza, and the respiratory virus Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), could push an already depleted NHS to breaking point this winter unless we act now, says a new report released today [Thursday 15 July].

The report* from the Academy of Medical Sciences brought together 29 leading experts alongside 57 members of the public** at the request of the Government Chief Scientific Adviser to forecast the greatest risks to health this winter. They include:

A potential surge in respiratory viruses could cause widespread ill health and put pressure on the NHS. New modelling carried out for the report suggests this winter influenza and RSV hospital admissions and deaths could be two times that of a ‘normal’ year and could coincide with an increase of COVID-19 infections, and their associated long-term consequences.
Dealing with the current third wave of COVID-19, as well as multiple subsequent outbreaks, between summer 2021 and spring 2022, meaning the NHS cannot catch up with the backlog of routine care.

The NHS is already under pressure, and so is likely to be less able to cope with extra winter health challenges. Before the pandemic, winter bed occupancy in the NHS regularly exceeded 95%. This year the NHS will also be operating with a reduced number of beds because of infection control measures. The report also highlights that the NHS is reporting a shortage of nearly 84,000 staff, and a shortage of 2,500 GPs. Staff fatigue and burnout will also be a challenge.

Full report   https://acmedsci.ac.uk/more/news/winter-viruses-and-covid-19-could-push-nhs-to-breaking-point-warns-new-report

[SteveH]

Several double vaccinated patients seriously ill in Welsh hospitals with Covid-19
One hospital has three people in intensive care with coronavirus who have had both doses of a vaccine

The fact that some patients are becoming seriously ill despite having a full dose of a coronavirus vaccine will clearly be a cause for concern, but it will also act as a reminder for people to continue to adhere to current restrictions which remain in place across Wales, especially as different variants potentially emerge.
cont https://www.dailypost.co.uk/news/north-wales-news/several-double-vaccinated-patients-seriously-21063311

[SteveH]

Israel's Health Ministry reported Thursday that the Pfizer vaccine's efficacy in preventing delta variant infections has dropped to 39 percent, while the vaccination was still 91 percent effective in preventing serious illness among those fully inoculated.

The latest figures are based on cases logged from June 20 to July 17, a period when the delta variant of COVID-19 spread throughout Israel.

The report has also reflected the decreasing potency of the vaccination, showing a mere 16 percent effectiveness against transmission among those vaccinated in January, compared to 44 percent of those vaccinated in February, 67 percent of those who received their shots in March, and 75 percent for those vaccinated in April.

The vaccine’s effectiveness at preventing severe cases for those vaccinated in January remains 86 percent, according to the figures, only slightly lower than those vaccinated in the following months.