What's That Rash? - TopPodcast.com

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Boost me baby! Should we all actually have three doses? Sep 03, 2021

Show notes

It's well known by now that you need to have both doses of whatever vaccine you have for the best possible protection against coronavirus.

But what if it actually takes three shots to get there?

We are learning more and more about immunity against COVID-19 from overseas experiences, including a successful booster program in Israel.

So might the ol' two dose vaccine regime actually take three? That's on today's Coronacast.

Victoria gives up on donut days forever Sep 02, 2021

Show notes

There are to be no large changes to Victoria's lockdown restrictions, after a large jump in cases overnight and Government acceptance that the Delta outbreak can't be brought back to zero.

Apart from some small changes, such as reopening playgrounds, people in Melbourne will remain in lockdown until vaccine levels get high enough.

But that's not to say the lockdown in both Victoria and NSW has been without success. Modelling has shown many tens of thousands of cases have been prevented with the extreme social distancing.

So on today's Coronacast, what happened in Victoria and what could it mean for other states?

Also on today's show:

* An interesting study from Hong Kong on eye sight and lockdowns.

* My kid's best friends come from a family that's vehemently opposed to the vaccine. We hang out all the time. I'm not going to convince them and I don't want to stop being with them but I'm concerned there is additional risk there for us. What should I do?

From COVID-zero to the ultimate balancing act Sep 01, 2021

Show notes

The Victorian Government will today announce details around how it plans to manage COVID-19 cases as it rushes to vaccinate as many people as possible.

Yesterday, Premier Daniel Andrews said he'd be meeting with health officials to develop thresholds for the easing of the lockdown, where possible.

It's a move away from the COVID-zero goal of the past, as it appears unlikely that the state will manage to eliminate the spread of the Delta variant.

So on today's Coronacast, is this a new medium term strategy of balancing caseloads with the hope enough people will be vaccinated before the health system crumbles?

Also on today's show:

* Is there any research on having a mRNA shot first followed by Astra in terms of efficacy and safety?

* An interesting study on COVID-19 and immune-mediated inflammatory diseases

Why is the "worst month" for NSW in October? Aug 31, 2021

Show notes

It was another record day yesterday for NSW in COVID-19 cases, and the wave is showing no signs of slowing down.

And yesterday in even more grim news, the Premier Gladys Berejiklian flagged that October would be the worst month for hospitals and ICU units.

That's despite the vaccination rate in NSW charging ahead thanks to a population rushing forward to be vaccinated and additional supply helping things out.

So on today's Coronacast, why is October being tipped to be bad when the vaccine rate is growing so quickly?

Also on today's show:

* What can we learn about long-COVID from the people who've lived with it longest?

* I am confused by the target of 70 to 80 per cent immunisation before opening up. There is a very big difference between 70 and 80. Can you explain please?

* What's the likelihood that our third doses of mRNA vaccine will have been changed to specifically target the Delta variant?

Didn't Victoria do everything right? Aug 30, 2021

Show notes

Case numbers in both Victoria and NSW continue to climb, with both states yesterday posting new daily records for this year.

While Victoria's daily cases are far behind NSW, Victoria is on a similar trajectory as NSW was - despite locking down hard and early.

So what's going on? Why are cases continuing to rise?

Also on today's show:

* ATAGI recommends vaccinations for 12-15 year olds

* With kids getting the vaccines, what will that mean for the 70/80 per cent targets (as more people are now getting vaccinated)

* What is the likelihood of an even more transmissible or deadly strain emerging and what should we be doing to be ready for it?

Despite 1000+ cases, a sliver of freedom for NSW Aug 27, 2021

Show notes

Fully vaccinated NSW residents will be given a very small increase in freedoms, after the state reached more than 6 million vaccination doses earlier this week.

The state's Premier Gladys Berejiklian yesterday revealed that from mid-September, people who are fully vaccinated will be able to meet more people or spend more time outdoors - depending on where they live.

But it wasn't all good news, with the state revealing more than 1000 new COVID-19 cases - the highest it's been in Australia at any point of the pandemic.

So on today's Coronacast, is this a turning point in how lockdowns operate as we move on from trying to eliminate COVID spread?

Also on today's show:

* How are we supposed to keep following the rules when we get nothing in return?

* Please tell us about Lambda and AY3. Should we be concerned?

Does Pfizer wear off more quickly? Aug 26, 2021

Show notes

You might have heard a friend or family member say 'I'm waiting for Pfizer', on the assumption that the mRNA vaccine works better than others.

But according to a recent study from the University of Oxford, immunity from the Pfizer vaccine may actually start to wane faster than AstraZeneca.

A month ago, Israel began a program of booster shots, giving older people a third shot of the vaccine to try and help tame a growing outbreak of the Delta variant.

So on today's Coronacast, what do we know about how long immunity may last?

Also on today's show:

* What effect would it have on our community if those who are fully vaccinated were given some benefits, such as reduced restrictions?

* When do we stop contact tracing altogether?

What are the assumptions in the Doherty Model? Aug 25, 2021

Show notes

The Doherty Institute Model is the hottest ticket in town, with everyone from politicians to punters talking about what happens when we reach 70 and 80 per cent vaccination levels.

But there are a lot of assumptions that have to be made to come up with a model, and Doherty Institute's plan is no different.

Among other things, it assumes a certain level of cases, a functioning contact tracing system even at high numbers and vaccines that keep us immune to COVID-19.

But on today's Coronacast, how valid are those assumptions in the real world?

Are kids getting sicker with Delta? Aug 24, 2021

Show notes

A glance at the headlines reveals some worrying news: it seems the Delta coronavirus variant is affecting young people and kids far more than previous strains.

And it's true, but while more kids are getting Delta, they're not getting more sick.

Data from NSW shows that the infection rate is around 10 to 15 times higher, but the rate of hospitalisation is about the same at roughly 2 per cent.

So what could be going on? And what does should we aim for in regards to vaccinating kids?

Also on today's show:

* From hard lockdowns to softer ones?

* Do old strains of coronavirus disappear after it has mutated into the new strain? Is there only the Delta strain now?

Australia's vaccination rollout goes for gold! Aug 23, 2021

Show notes

Australia's vaccine rollout got off to a rough start. It slow to begin and was plagued with problems regarding patchy supply and shifting eligibility.

But in the last few weeks, we've really hit our stride with data from the ABC showing that NSW is now vaccinating more people per million each week than the UK and the USA at their peak.

So on today's Coronacast, with increased supply of Pfizer and Moderna due next month and young people running out to get AstraZeneca, can we maintain the pace and will it help us end lockdowns forever?

Also on today's show:

* Can you do an update on exactly what vaccination does and doesn't do in terms of protecting individuals and society?

* I have had one dose of Pfizer. Do I have any protection against the virus yet?

* I'm in Tasmania and over 60 years old but worried about AstraZeneca. Is there any possible alternative?

* Norman always says lockdown early. Can you please explain how Melbourne numbers are going up so quickly despite locking down at the first case?

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