The Rotary joint meeting had Dr. Michael Osterholm, Director of the Center of Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at the Universtity of Minnesota speak. He started by talking about the challenges that are being faced. Low-income countries are struggling to get the vaccines. They don't have the same resources as high-income countries. In addition, the lower-income countries do not understand the need to get vaccinated. This also leads to the ongoing transmission that creates variants.
These Variants are another one of the challenges that are being faced. Mike explained that the variance is one of the most recent concerns as they each look different. One of the most prominent variants is the Uk B117 strand. One of the solutions that are occurring is vaccine producers are greater booster shots to account for the varients. Mike announced that Moderna just stated that they were creating a new booster vaccine. Mike informed the clubs that 791 schools are reported to have B117 -Uk strand. Currently, with a lot of schools containing the Uk strand, it is hard to keep schools open. Mike predicts that in the next 4-8 weeks the midwest is really going to get hit and he is going to be keeping an eye on it.
Mike suggested that once you are vaccinated and your friends are vaccinated you should "party." While doing this, you should still keep in mind that a lot of viruses is still out there as vaccines only protect so much. One should enjoy being vaccinated while also being careful. With that said, Mike talked about how is not strongly suggesting restaurant fully reopen, but he stated that he supports restaurants financially.
Then Mike talked about the interesting pattern of transmission. He stated how the pattern has been alternating severity between the midwest and southern states. He also has seen a pattern change to more young adults, ages 30-53, getting more severe cases.
Next, he talked about what we can be doing to end the pandemic. He suggested getting out accurate and timely information. He also encouraged holding more webinars as the one offered. Mike then talked about his podcast that offers weekly updates on COVID-19.
Lastly, he talked about his thoughts on the Johnson & Johnson vaccines. The findings are true. There have been blood clots seen between women 18-49 usually after 8 days after getting vaccinated. He then stated how the same risk of receiving blood clots through COVID-19 is similar to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. He emphasized the importance of getting vaccinated. He also stated how he hopes they continue to work and update the Johnson & Johnson vaccine as it is going to be prominent for lower-income countries.