Quarterly Scientific Recap on COVID-19: November 2023
Year three of COVID-19 has brought a greater understanding of the COVID-19 virus. Scientists have gained insight into the transmission risk of variants, vaccinations, and health effects. The result of these findings has led to impactful pharmacological and medical advances in combating the potentially deadly disease.
Combination COVID-19 and Flu Vaccine
Researchers at Pfizer-BioNTech conducted a phase 1/2 clinical study focused on the effectiveness of a combination vaccine that targets COVID-19 and influenza1. The study (Clinicaltrials.gov – NCT05596734) enrolled roughly 990 good health participants aged 18 to 64 years. The study was randomized, with some participants receiving the combination vaccine or licensed influenza and Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccines were administered intramuscularly during the same visit.
The results of those who received the combination vaccine are promising. The combination vaccine obtained a strong immune response to influenzas A and B and the COVID-19 strains1. The safety and tolerability findings were equally favorable. The combination of influenza and COVID-19 vaccine are consistent with the safety profile of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine.
Researchers believe the success of the phase 1/2 clinical trial can potentially decrease the effects of the two respiratory diseases with one vaccine. The immunization process may be lessened for medical professionals, patients, and healthcare organizations. A phase 3 clinical trial assessing the combination vaccine is set to begin soon. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted the study a Fast Track designation1.
New COVID-19 Variants
COVID-19’s Omicron variant continues to produce subvariants. The latest to become dominant is HV.1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states the new variant has replaced EG.5 as the most prevalent diagnosed COVID variant in the United States2. HV.1 is diagnosed in approximately 25% of new COVID-19 cases, while EG.5 trails at about 22%.
The two COVID-19 variants are subvariants of the XBB strain. While the latest COVID-19 vaccines target the XBB.1.5, researchers and medical professionals say the latest vaccine should offer protection against HV.1 and EG.5.
Experts encourage people, especially high-risk people, to update their COVID-19 vaccination. The HV.1 variant may be slightly better at spreading than EG.5 even among those with prior immunity3.
Researchers are tracking another new COVID-19 variant called JN.1. This variant was discovered in September 2023 and is raising concerns. The CDC notes that JN.1 comprises 0.1% of the new cases reported in the United States. But the variant’s infection rates are fast growing in other countries. The variant is currently found in the United States and 11 different countries. The founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute stated, “JN.1 is “separating from the pack” with possible enhanced contagiousness.”4
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Lockdowns and Asthma Rates in Children
Studies were conducted to discover the effect COVID-19 lockdowns had on children with asthma. Researchers looked at four studies that focused on the amount of emergency department (ED) visits during COVID-19 lockdowns. The results included:
- One study reported a 69% reduction in the number of ED visits.
- Another found a decrease in visits from 2019 (34.4%) to 2020 (11.0%).5
The researchers said, “In this systematic review and metanalysis, we have shown that pediatric asthma symptoms control, asthma exacerbations, ED visits, hospitalizations, and other endpoints such as asthma medication use or treatment adherence were significantly improved during the COVID‐19 lockdowns compared to the period before them.”5
Conclusion
As we enter the height of the cold/flu/COVID-19 season, there is a greater need to increase vaccination rates. The rise of HV.1 and JN.1 Omicron variants increases the risk of infection among the general and high-risk populations. Medical professionals advise all to schedule an appointment with their healthcare provider for the latest vaccine.
References
- Park, Brian PharmD. (2023, October 26). Combo vaccine for influenza and COVID-19 looks promising in early study. Medical Professionals Reference (MPR).
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020, March 28). COVID Data Tracker..
- A new Covid variant has become dominant amid slow uptake of the updated shots. (2023, October 27). NBC News.
- HV1 is Now the Top COVID-19 Variant As Emerging JN1 Raises Concern (no date). MSN.
- Kouis P, Lemonaris M, Xenophontos E, Panayiotou AG, Yiallouros PΚ (2023). The impact of COVID‐19 lockdown measures on symptom control in children with asthma: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational cohort studies.Pediatric Pulmonology, 58(11), 3213–3226.
Christina Sisti, DPS, MPH, MS, is a bioethicist and health care policy advocate. She works to create awareness and improve healthcare policy for those with long-term health issues.