Covid-19 news: Conflicting results raise questions over PCR tests

By Michael Le Web page
, Clare Wilson
, Jessica Hamzelou
, Sam Wong
, Graham Lawton
, Adam Vaughan
, Conrad Quilty-Harper
, Jason Arunn Murugesu
and Layal Liverpool

Newest coronavirus information as of 12pm on 13 October

UK authorities examine discrepancies between PCR and lateral stream assessments

The UK Well being Safety Company is investigating reviews of individuals testing constructive for the coronavirus in lateral stream assessments however getting adverse outcomes on PCR assessments, lots of whom even have signs of covid-19. Below present guidelines, those that have adverse outcomes on PCR assessments would not have to self-isolate, however scientists are more and more involved that PCR assessments could also be giving false assurances.

PCR assessments are usually thought of to be the “gold commonplace”, however some research counsel they provide false adverse outcomes to as many as 30-40 per cent of people that even have the virus. Nonetheless, the proportion of lateral stream positives that had been confirmed by PCR assessments dropped in the latest NHS Check and Hint statistics, suggesting one thing else in addition to false PCR negatives is going on, Oliver Johnson on the College of Bristol instructed The Guardian.

Some have speculated {that a} new variant isn’t getting picked up by PCR assessments, however that is thought of unlikely. Genomic surveillance has not detected a brand new variant and PCR assessments goal three elements of the viral genome, making it unlikely {that a} new variant might emerge that may have mutations in all three.

One risk is that lateral stream assessments are responding to a unique seasonal coronavirus. Alternatively, there could also be an issue with the PCR testing course of, resembling a defective batch of reagents.

Different coronavirus information

The US will reopen its land borders with Canada and Mexico for absolutely vaccinated travellers subsequent month. Solely important journey has been permitted for the reason that begin of the pandemic. The US will settle for travellers who’ve been immunised with any of the vaccines authorized by the World Well being Group, not simply these within the US, in response to the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. Important travellers resembling truck drivers may also need to be vaccinated, however this requirement is not going to come into pressure till January, officers mentioned.

Round one in three UK medical doctors don’t imagine their organisation is prepared for the challenges of winter, a medical doctors’ group is warning. A ballot for the Royal Faculty of Physicians discovered that medics additionally felt personally unprepared to cope with upcoming pressures, with many experiencing exhaustion and feeling demoralised. Within the ballot of greater than 800 medical doctors, eight out of 10 of whom had been consultants and most of whom labored within the NHS, 36 per cent mentioned their organisation was under no circumstances ready for winter. Some 27 per cent of medical doctors mentioned they had been personally unprepared, and nearly two-thirds mentioned they had been feeling drained or exhausted. 

Dashboard: Use our covid-19 dashboard to remain updated with deaths, instances, and vaccination charges world wide.

Important details about coronavirus

The place did coronavirus come from? And different covid-19 questions answered

What’s covid-19?

Covid-19 vaccines: All the things you could know in regards to the main pictures

Lengthy covid: Do I’ve it, how lengthy will it final and may we deal with it?

What’s the fairest technique to share covid-19 vaccines world wide?

Covid-19: The story of a pandemic

What to learn, watch and take heed to about coronavirus

New Scientist Weekly options updates and evaluation on the most recent developments within the covid-19 pandemic. Our podcast sees skilled journalists from the journal focus on the largest science tales to hit the headlines every week – from expertise and house, to well being and the surroundings.

The Soar is a BBC Radio 4 collection exploring how viruses can cross from animals into people to trigger pandemics. The primary episode examines the origins of the covid-19 pandemic.

Why Is Covid Killing Folks of Color? is a BBC documentary, which investigates what the excessive covid-19 dying charges in ethnic minority sufferers reveal about well being inequality within the UK.

Panorama: The Race for a Vaccine is a BBC documentary in regards to the inside story of the event of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine towards covid-19.

Race In opposition to the Virus: Hunt for a Vaccine is a Channel 4 documentary which tells the story of the coronavirus pandemic by the eyes of the scientists on the frontline.

The New York Instances is assessing the progress in improvement of potential drug therapies for covid-19, and rating them for effectiveness and security.

People of COVID-19 is a undertaking highlighting the experiences of key staff on the frontline within the struggle towards coronavirus within the UK, by social media.

Stomach Mujinga: Trying to find the Fact is a BBC Panorama investigation of the dying of transport employee Stomach Mujinga from covid-19, following reviews she had been coughed and spat on by a buyer at London’s Victoria Station.

Coronavirus, Defined on Netflix is a brief documentary collection analyzing the coronavirus pandemic, the efforts to struggle it and methods to handle its psychological well being toll.

COVID-19: The Pandemic that By no means Ought to Have Occurred, and The right way to Cease the Subsequent One by Debora Mackenzie is about how the pandemic occurred and why it’s going to occur once more if we don’t do issues in another way in future.

The Guidelines of Contagion is in regards to the new science of contagion and the shocking methods it shapes our lives and behavior. The writer, Adam Kucharski, is an epidemiologist on the London College of Hygiene and Tropical Medication, UK, and within the ebook he examines how ailments unfold and why they cease.

Earlier updates

12 October

French research finds three covid-19 vaccines extremely efficient at stopping hospitalisation

Vaccination cuts the danger of dying or being hospitalised with covid-19 by over 90 per cent, in response to a French research that’s the largest of its variety but. The analysis in contrast 11.3 million vaccinated individuals over the age of fifty with the identical variety of age-matched unvaccinated individuals between December 2020 and July 2021. The effectiveness was comparable for the Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines, and didn’t diminish throughout the five-month interval of the research.

The delta variant emerged in France only one month earlier than the top of the research,  however the outcomes counsel that on this interval, the vaccines had been 84 per cent efficient for these aged 75 and over and 92 per cent efficient for these aged 50 to 74.

Different coronavirus information

Members of parliament have criticised the UK authorities’s response to the covid-19 pandemic in a wide-ranging report revealed as we speak, accusing ministers of adopting a “fatalistic strategy” to how a lot it might sluggish the unfold of the virus. The report says the federal government made critical errors together with ending neighborhood testing in March 2020, ready too lengthy to implement a lockdown, and permitting contaminated individuals to be despatched from hospitals to care houses. Learn our full story for extra particulars. 

The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has signed an government order prohibiting any entity from implementing covid-19 vaccine mandates within the state. The order conflicts with new guidelines being drawn up by the Biden Administration requiring employers with greater than 100 staff to make sure their workers are vaccinated or examined weekly for the virus. 

11 October

Unvaccinated pregnant girls make up one in six of essentially the most critically sick covid instances

One in six critically sick covid-19 sufferers in England are unvaccinated pregnant girls, in response to new figures from July to September. Of the 118 covid-19 sufferers in England who acquired additional corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) throughout this time, 20 of them had been pregnant. ECMO is normally given to critically sick individuals who haven’t responded to occurring a ventilator.

Of the 20 pregnant girls who acquired ECMO, only one had been vaccinated – although she had solely acquired one dose, NHS England mentioned. In April, the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation suggested that pregnant girls ought to be supplied covid-19 vaccines, ideally the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna jabs. 

Out of the opposite 98 individuals who acquired ECMO between July and September, solely seven individuals had been absolutely vaccinated, and three had acquired one dose of a vaccine.

Different coronavirus information

The strict lockdown in Sydney, Australia, ended as we speak. Town has had tight restrictions for 4 months in an effort to deal with the delta variant. Over 70 per cent of individuals aged 16 and over are actually absolutely vaccinated, and day by day new an infection numbers are falling.

An infection numbers are rising in New Zealand because the nation continues to ease restrictions. On Sunday 60 new instances of coronavirus had been reported – 56 of them in Auckland. “We’re nonetheless on the knife-edge,” Michael Plank on the College of Canterbury in Christchurch instructed Stuff. The federal government introduced plans to calm down Auckland’s lockdown final Monday – successfully ending its elimination technique. Consultants concern the virus might unfold out of town to much less vaccinated populations. 

Covid passports might be required in Wales to attend massive occasions or nightclubs from as we speak. They are going to be obligatory for over-18s and can present whether or not individuals are absolutely jabbed or have examined adverse for the virus just lately. Wales’s rugby recreation towards New Zealand on 30 October might be one of many first mass occasions to require Covid passes.

7 October

Vaccines are as much as 94 per cent efficient over 6 months in individuals who’ve additionally had covid-19

Individuals who had been contaminated with covid-19 after which acquired two vaccine doses have increased immunity towards the virus than those that by no means had a pure an infection.

Figures from customers of the Zoe Covid Symptom Examine App counsel that individuals who obtained two Pfizer/BioNTech jabs after having the sickness noticed a 94 per cent discount of their possibilities of an additional an infection inside six months of their second dose, in contrast with 80 per cent safety for individuals who hadn’t ever had covid-19.

For the AstraZeneca/Oxford vaccine, individuals who’d had covid-19 had been 90 per cent protected, in contrast with 71 per cent in individuals who hadn’t caught it. 

The figures additionally point out that having covid-19, however not getting vaccinated, provides 65 per cent safety towards getting contaminated – and this didn’t wane for as much as 450 days after being contaminated. 

“That is actually constructive information for general immunity ranges within the UK and implies that massive numbers of individuals could have efficient and lengthy lasting safety from covid-19,” Tim Spector at King’s Faculty London, who’s the lead scientist on the Zoe app, mentioned in a press release. “That is additionally sturdy proof to assist the necessity for vaccination, even for many who have already had covid-19.”

Different coronavirus information

Greater than 400,000 individuals within the UK say they’ve had lengthy covid for a yr or extra, in response to new figures from the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics. The most typical signs had been fatigue, shortness of breath, lack of odor and issue concentrating. About 1.1 million individuals or 1.7 per cent of the inhabitants had been experiencing self-reported lengthy covid of any length, outlined as signs lasting for greater than 4 weeks after the primary suspected coronavirus an infection.

International locations are dashing to purchase provides of molnupiravir, the primary antiviral drug proven to cut back the danger of extreme covid-19 that may be taken when individuals first get contaminated. Australia, Malaysia, South Korea and Singapore have introduced offers to purchase five-day programs of the drugs, with Taiwan and Thailand additionally in talks with US-based producer Merck. When taken twice day by day, the drug halves individuals’s possibilities of needing hospital remedy or dying.

6 October

Examine explains why virus could result in pores and skin situation on fingers and toes

The pores and skin situation referred to as “covid toe” could also be a aspect impact of the immune system’s response to combating off the virus, a research has discovered. The symptom ends in chilblain-like irritation and redness on the fingers and toes, which may final for months at a time. It sometimes develops inside per week to 4 weeks of being contaminated and may end up in toes and fingers changing into swollen or altering color.

Researchers behind the research, which has been revealed within the British Journal of Dermatology, examined 50 individuals with covid toes and 13 with comparable chilblain lesions that arose earlier than the pandemic. They discovered one mechanism behind each kinds of the situation concerned the physique producing an immune response with excessive ranges of sure auto-antibodies, which mistakenly goal and react with an individual’s personal cells and tissues in addition to the invading virus. Additionally they discovered a hyperlink with kind I interferon, a key protein within the antiviral response.

Cells lining blood vessels that provide the affected areas additionally appeared to play a vital function within the improvement of covid toes and chilblains.

Covid toe was a standard symptom within the early phases of the pandemic, however has been seen way more hardly ever after vaccination, a spokeswoman for the British Pores and skin Basis instructed BBC Information.

Different coronavirus information

One in seven most cancers sufferers globally had probably life-saving operations postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, in response to a research revealed within the journal Lancet Oncology. Researchers analysed information on greater than 20,000 sufferers in 61 international locations with 15 frequent cancers. Throughout full lockdowns, 15 per cent of sufferers didn’t obtain their deliberate operation for covid-related causes, in comparison with 0.6 per cent in periods of “mild restrictions”. The research authors referred to as for plans to be put in place in order that, within the occasion of one other public well being emergency, pressing surgical procedures can proceed to happen.

Covid passes might be required to enter nightclubs and sure massive occasions in Wales after the Welsh Authorities gained a decent vote within the Senedd yesterday. From 11 October, the rule will apply to adults attending indoor, non-seated occasions for greater than 500 individuals, resembling live shows or conventions, out of doors non-seated occasions for greater than 4000 individuals and any setting or occasion with greater than 10,000 individuals in attendance. The NHS Covid Cross should be used to indicate that somebody is absolutely vaccinated or has had a adverse lateral stream take a look at outcome throughout the final 48 hours.

Newest on coronavirus from New Scientist

New Zealand: Consultants concern the nation’s deliberate transfer away from its “elimination technique” will result in a spike in instances that may overwhelm the well being system.

5 October

Immunity wanes six months after second dose of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine

The Pfizer/BioNTech covid-19 vaccine is extremely efficient at stopping hospital admission even with the delta variant, new analysis reveals – although its effectiveness towards an infection nearly halves after six months. Two doses of the jab are 90 per cent efficient towards covid-19 hospital admission for all variants for at the very least six months, in response to the research. However effectiveness towards an infection fell over the research interval, dropping from 88 per cent inside one month of receiving the second dose to 47 per cent after six months.

Researchers analysed greater than 3 million digital well being data from the Kaiser Permanente Southern California well being system between December 2020 and August this yr. They discovered that the drop in vaccine effectiveness towards an infection over time might be resulting from waning immunity, and never the delta variant escaping the safety supplied by the jab.The research, carried out by Kaiser Permanente and Pfizer, is revealed in The Lancet.

Within the UK, Pfizer/BioNTech booster jabs are at the moment being supplied to those that had their second vaccine at the very least six months in the past and reside in residential care houses for older adults, are over 50, or are frontline well being and social care staff. Folks aged 16 to 49 with underlying well being circumstances that put them at increased threat of extreme signs. and adults who’ve family contact with immunosuppressed people, are additionally being supplied third doses.

Different coronavirus information

The European Union’s medicines regulator has advisable that folks with weakened immune techniques ought to have a 3rd dose of Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines. The company additionally mentioned a booster shot of this vaccine might be thought of for adults with regular immune techniques round six months after the second dose, however left it to member states to resolve whether or not the broader inhabitants ought to get boosters.

AstraZeneca has submitted a request to US regulators to authorise a brand new remedy to stop covid-19 in individuals who have an impaired response to vaccines. The remedy, referred to as AZD7442, incorporates lab-made antibodies designed to remain within the physique for months. Trial outcomes counsel that it cuts the danger of individuals creating any coronavirus signs by 77 per cent, the corporate has reported. 

4 October

Vaccine rollout will permit New Zealand to scrap strict lockdowns, says prime minister

New Zealand will shift away from its “zero-covid” technique to at least one through which virus transmission is managed utilizing vaccines, prime minister Jacinda Ardern has introduced.

Because the begin of the pandemic, the nation has sought to get rid of the virus by imposing strict lockdown measures in response to any outbreak. The strategy was largely profitable till August this yr, when the arrival of the extra infectious delta variant made it tougher to stamp out transmission. Over 1300 instances have been recorded within the newest outbreak, which started in August.

“With this outbreak and delta, the return to zero is extremely troublesome,” Ardern instructed a information convention as we speak. “This can be a change in strategy we had been at all times going to make over time. Our delta outbreak has accelerated this transition. Vaccines will assist it,” she mentioned.

Restrictions will begin to be lifted on Wednesday in Auckland, the nation’s largest metropolis, which has been in lockdown for nearly 50 days. Folks will be capable of go away their houses and meet outdoor in teams of as much as 10.

About 2 million individuals have been absolutely vaccinated thus far, or 48 per cent of the eligible inhabitants, which is everybody aged 12 and over. Strict lockdowns will finish as soon as 90 per cent of eligible individuals have been vaccinated, Ardern mentioned.

Different coronavirus information

An antiviral tablet developed by Merck cuts the danger of hospitalisation or dying in covid-19 sufferers by about half, in response to interim trial outcomes. The trial concerned 775 adults with gentle to average covid-19 who had been thought of high-risk for extreme illness. Half of the group got a five-day course of molnupiravir, taken twice a day. The outcomes had been so encouraging that impartial consultants monitoring the trial advisable that it’s stopped early. The corporate will search emergency authorisation from US regulators within the subsequent two weeks. If authorized, the drug could be the primary oral antiviral treatment for covid-19.

New guidelines making it simpler to journey to the UK have come into pressure as we speak. The site visitors mild system involving inexperienced, amber and purple lists has been scrapped, with areas categorised as both on the purple checklist or not. Absolutely vaccinated residents – and unvaccinated below 18s – from greater than 50 international locations and territories can now enter the UK without having to finish a pre-departure lateral stream take a look at, take a day-eight post-arrival PCR take a look at, or self-isolate at residence, with only a single day-two post-arrival take a look at wanted. Folks arriving from a purple tier vacation spot will nonetheless be required to spend 11 nights at a quarantine resort costing £2,285 for solo travellers.

1 October

Vaccines for flu and covid-19 can safely be given at identical appointment

It’s secure for individuals to get coronavirus and flu vaccines on the identical time, a medical trial has discovered. The reported negative effects had been primarily gentle to average and there have been no adverse impacts on the immune response to both vaccine when each got on the identical day, in several arms.

Researchers say the outcomes reinforce present coronavirus booster vaccine steerage within the UK, which is for each jabs to be given collectively the place it’s virtually potential.

The research, involving 679 volunteers in England and Wales, checked out two covid-19 and three flu vaccines, in six totally different mixtures. Examine individuals had been over the age of 18 and had already acquired one dose of both the Pfizer/BioNTech or the Oxford/AstraZeneca jab, and had been awaiting their second dose.

One group acquired their second dose of the covid-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine at their first research go to, then a placebo at their second go to. A second group acquired their second dose of the covid-19 vaccine and a placebo at their first go to after which the flu vaccine at their second go to.

The immune responses to each the flu and covid-19 vaccine had been preserved when given collectively, the outcomes confirmed, and 97 per cent of individuals mentioned they might be prepared to have two vaccines on the identical appointment sooner or later.

The most typical negative effects had been ache across the injection web site and fatigue. Some covid-19 and flu vaccine mixtures noticed a rise within the quantity of people that reported at the very least one aspect impact, however the reactions had been largely gentle or average, the analysis discovered.

“This can be a actually constructive step which might imply fewer appointments for many who require each vaccines, lowering the burden on those that have underlying well being circumstances and would normally be supplied the influenza vaccine,” mentioned research writer Rajeka Lazarus at College Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Basis Belief. The outcomes have been revealed as a preprint in The Lancet.

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Scotland’s newly launched vaccine passport app has been hit by technical issues. From as we speak, individuals attending massive occasions and nightclubs might want to present proof they’ve had two doses of vaccine utilizing the app earlier than they’re allowed in. The NHS Scotland Covid Standing app was made accessible to obtain on Apple and Android gadgets on Thursday afternoon. However simply hours after the app’s launch, feedback circulating on social media advised many customers have been unable to register on it. The Scottish authorities mentioned the big quantity of individuals accessing the app without delay might be a purpose for the glitch.

Australia will calm down its guidelines on worldwide journey for residents and everlasting residents in November, having had extreme restrictions in place since March 2020. Folks might be allowed to depart the nation as soon as their state’s vaccination price reaches 80 per cent, prime minister Scott Morrison has mentioned. On returning to Australia, vaccinated residents might be allowed to quarantine at residence for seven days as an alternative of getting to remain in a resort for 14 days. No timetable has been introduced for opening the border to international travellers. 

Solely 15 out of 54 African international locations have met the aim of vaccinating 10 per cent of their inhabitants by the top of September, the World Well being Group has mentioned. Simply 2 per cent of the greater than 6 billion vaccines given globally have been administered on the continent.

30 September

Evaluation helps vaccinating youngsters aged 12 to 17

The advantages of providing two doses of covid-19 vaccine to all youngsters aged 12 to 17 in England clearly outweigh the dangers given the present excessive case charges, in response to a brand new evaluation. Youngsters aged 12 to fifteen are at the moment being supplied just one dose of covid-19 vaccine until they’re thought of excessive threat.

Researchers estimated the covid-19 hospital admissions and deaths, plus instances of lengthy covid, that may be prevented over 4 months by absolutely vaccinating all youngsters on this age group. On 15 September, the case price amongst 10 to 19-year-olds in England stood at 680 instances per 100,000. If the speed rises to 1000 per 100,000, vaccination might avert 4420 hospital admissions and 36 deaths over a 16-week interval, the research estimated. At a decrease case price of fifty per 100,000, vaccination might avert 70 admissions and two deaths over the identical interval.

Vaccination would avert between 8000 and 56,000 instances of lengthy covid, the research suggests, assuming that between 2 and 14 per cent of youngsters with covid-19 go on to expertise lengthy covid. The research might be revealed as we speak within the Journal of the Royal Society of Medication.

“This evaluation reveals that, on medical dangers alone, vaccination is warranted for 12 to 17-year-olds in England,” mentioned Deepti Gurdasani of Queen Mary College of London, lead writer of the research. “Whereas we wait to grasp the long-term results of covid-19 on youngsters, the precautionary precept advocates for shielding all youngsters from publicity to this virus and vaccination is a vital a part of that safety.”

The speed of coronavirus transmission within the UK is at the moment regarded as highest amongst secondary faculty age youngsters, with 2.8 per cent on this group testing constructive in essentially the most current figures from the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics on 18 September. 

The UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) beforehand determined that, whereas the advantages of vaccination of youngsters aged 12 to fifteen do outweigh the dangers, these advantages aren’t large enough to justify a vaccination programme for this age group. Nonetheless, it wasn’t within the JCVI’s remit to think about how vaccination of 12-to-15-year-olds would forestall faculty absences or curb the unfold of the virus in communities. Taking components like these under consideration, the UK’s Chief Medical Officers advisable that 12-to-15-year-olds be supplied a single dose of the vaccine.

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The UK authorities’s furlough scheme, which has helped pay the wages of 11.6 million staff for the reason that begin of the pandemic, is ending as we speak. Practically a million staff had been anticipated to be nonetheless on the scheme on the finish of September, in response to the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics. Economists have predicted that the top of the scheme will result in an increase within the price of unemployment, which stood at 4.6 per cent final month.

YouTube says it’s going to take away movies that comprise misinformation about all vaccines, increasing its insurance policies round well being misinformation which had been strengthened throughout the coronavirus pandemic. The Google-owned video platform mentioned its ban on covid-19 vaccine misinformation, which was launched final yr, has seen 130,000 movies eliminated thus far in consequence, however extra scope is required to clamp down on broader false claims about different vaccines showing on-line. Below the brand new guidelines, any content material which falsely alleges that any authorized vaccine is harmful and causes persistent well being issues might be eliminated, as will movies that embody misinformation in regards to the content material of vaccines.

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Booster vaccines: The proof on coronavirus booster pictures isn’t definitive but, but it surely suggests you actually ought to get an additional vaccine dose in case you are supplied one.

Vaccination technique: Prioritising individuals of color for the covid-19 vaccines once they had been in brief provide would have prevented extra deaths than rolling out the vaccine purely by age teams, a US modelling research suggests. 

29 September

Over a 3rd of individuals recovering from covid-19 have at the very least one lengthy covid symptom between 3 and 6 months after an infection, a research has discovered. The discovering relies on well being data from over 270,000 individuals within the US. The most typical reported signs had been nervousness or melancholy, in 15 per cent of individuals who’d had covid-19, adopted by irregular respiratory and belly signs, each seen in 8 per cent, and fatigue, in 6 per cent.

These signs usually are not essentially associated to covid-19, however the research in contrast their prevalence in individuals recovering from covid-19 and in individuals who’d had influenza, and located that, collectively, a set of 9 signs had been 1.5 occasions extra frequent after covid-19 than after the flu. Lengthy covid signs had been barely extra frequent in girls than in males, and extra frequent in those that had been hospitalised.

Makes an attempt to estimate the prevalence of lengthy covid have produced extensively various outcomes, relying on how the situation is outlined and measured. Current figures from the UK Workplace for Nationwide Statistics advised that 11.7 per cent of people that examined constructive for covid-19 described themselves as experiencing lengthy covid 12 weeks after an infection, however solely 3 per cent skilled signs constantly for at the very least 12 weeks.

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Folks receiving a 3rd dose of coronavirus vaccine expertise comparable charges of negative effects to these receiving their second dose, in response to the US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. Out of 12,500 individuals who accomplished a survey, 79 per cent reported native reactions resembling itching or ache on the injection web site, whereas 74 per cent reported systemic reactions, which had been primarily fatigue, muscle aches and complications.

Pfizer and BioNTech have submitted trial information for his or her covid-19 vaccine in 5-to-11-year-olds to the US medicines regulator, and say they are going to make a proper request for emergency authorisation in coming weeks.

The Scottish authorities will delay the enforcement of vaccine passports by two weeks, first minister Nicola Sturgeon has mentioned, giving companies till 18 October to adjust to the brand new regulation. Folks over 18 must present proof of vaccination to attend a nightclub or massive occasion below the coverage.

28 September

Survey of youngsters in England finds youthful ages extra hesitant about vaccination

Youthful youngsters look like much less prepared to have a covid-19 vaccination than older youngsters, in response to a survey of greater than 27,000 college students aged between 9 and 18 in England. Total, half the respondents mentioned they had been prepared to have a coronavirus vaccination, 37 per cent mentioned they had been undecided and 13 per cent mentioned they wished to choose out. Nonetheless, simply over a 3rd of nine-year-olds mentioned they’re prepared to have a covid-19 jab, in contrast with 51 per cent of 13-year-olds and 78 per cent of 17-year-olds.

The survey was carried out in faculties throughout Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Merseyside between Could and July this yr by researchers on the College of Oxford, College Faculty London (UCL) and the College of Cambridge. The findings come after 12-to-15-year-olds in England and Scotland final week began to get vaccinated.

Younger individuals who imagine they’ve had covid-19 already had been extra more likely to say they are going to choose out of getting a vaccine, the survey discovered. College students who had been extra hesitant about getting the jab had been additionally extra more likely to attend faculties in disadvantaged areas, report spending longer on social media, and say they really feel as if they didn’t determine with their faculty neighborhood.

Researchers are calling for extra sources and knowledge to be offered to communities and college students to make sure younger individuals know the covid-19 vaccine is secure. They are saying well being messaging about vaccine security and its results on youngsters ought to be shared by trusted sources on social media.

The survey discovered that almost all of children who mentioned they had been hesitant about getting the vaccine had been nonetheless undecided. “That may be a large alternative for us, but it surely additionally suggests that there’s threat,” mentioned Russell Viner, a research writer from UCL. “Younger individuals are probably weak to these pushing views which might be very strongly against vaccination.”

Some headteachers have reportedly been focused by hoax letters with misinformation in regards to the vaccine programme, which embody a faux NHS brand and a “consent guidelines” to share with college students. A college in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, has apologised for passing the letter on to oldsters in error.

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People who smoke are 80 per cent extra more likely to be admitted to hospital and considerably extra more likely to die from covid-19 than non-smokers, new analysis reveals. The research, revealed within the journal Thorax, is the primary of its variety to have a look at each observational and genetic information on smoking and coronavirus. It included 421,469 individuals within the UK Biobank research, with end result information as much as 18 August 2020. The outcomes confirmed that, in contrast with never-smokers, present people who smoke had been twice as more likely to die with covid-19 in the event that they smoked one to 9 cigarettes a day, whereas these smoking 10 to 19 cigarettes a day had been nearly six occasions extra more likely to die. Individuals who smoked greater than 20 a day had been over six occasions extra more likely to die in comparison with individuals who had by no means smoked.

Vaccine passports could be required for these attending nightclubs, music venues, festivals and sports activities grounds in England below the federal government’s autumn and winter contingency Plan B. The proposed plan, revealed as we speak, will solely be launched if the nation faces a troublesome winter with rising covid-19 instances within the colder months, the federal government mentioned. The federal government is asking for views from companies, occasion organisers, and venue operators on its proposals by 12 October.

27 September

Neutralising antibodies in breast milk could defend infants from covid-19 an infection

Breastfeeding girls who’ve had covid-19 secrete neutralising antibodies towards the virus into their breast milk for as much as 10 months after an infection, in response to analysis introduced at a convention. Rebecca Powell at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and her colleagues analysed breast milk samples from 75 girls who had recovered from a covid-19 an infection. They discovered that 88 per cent of the samples contained antibodies towards the SARS-CoV-2 virus, and generally they had been able to neutralising the virus. 

The findings, introduced on the World Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium on 21 September, counsel that breastfeeding might assist to guard infants from getting contaminated with covid-19. That is recognized to be the case for different respiratory ailments resembling influenza and pertussis. Whereas younger youngsters are at decrease threat from extreme covid-19 than adults, round one in 10 infants beneath the age of 1 require hospital care if they’re contaminated. Antibodies extracted from breast milk is also used as a remedy for adults with covid-19, Powell instructed The Guardian.

The research additionally discovered that almost all of ladies who had the Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna vaccines additionally had coronavirus-specific antibodies of their breast milk, however decrease ranges of antibodies had been seen in milk from girls who had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. This helps earlier analysis suggesting that vaccinations for breastfeeding moms can assist to guard their infants from covid-19 an infection, though this has not but been demonstrated conclusively.

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The covid-19 pandemic has led to the largest fall in life expectancy in western Europe for the reason that second world warfare, researchers have discovered. The research, revealed within the Worldwide Journal of Epidemiology, included information from 29 international locations, 22 of which noticed a drop in life expectancy that was higher than half a yr in 2020. The results had been bigger for males than girls in most international locations. Males within the US noticed the largest fall, with 2.2 years taken off their life expectancy in 2020 in contrast with 2019.

Australian authorities have introduced plans to raise restrictions progressively in Sydney, which has been in lockdown since June. Eating places, retail shops and gymnasiums can start to reopen on 11 October, however solely people who find themselves absolutely vaccinated might be allowed to renew purchasing, consuming out, and another actions. Round 60 per cent of individuals aged 16 and over are at the moment absolutely vaccinated within the state of New South Wales.

24 September

Deaths from covid-19 result in drop in life expectancy for boys born in UK

Life expectancy for males within the UK has fallen for the primary time in 4 a long time, as a result of influence of the covid-19 pandemic. New figures from the Workplace for Nationwide Statistics (ONS) counsel {that a} boy born between 2018 and 2020 is predicted to reside for 79 years, in contrast with 79.2 years for births between 2015 and 2017. For girls, life expectancy stays unchanged at 82.9 years. The estimates are calculated based mostly on present mortality charges, which had been unusually excessive in 2020, particularly for males.

The figures don’t imply a child born in 2018-2020 will reside a shorter life, says Pamela Cobb from the ONS Centre for Ageing and Demography. “To get a greater estimate of this we have to think about how mortality and subsequently life expectancy will enhance into the long run. It will likely be a number of years earlier than we perceive the influence, if any, of coronavirus on this,” she says.

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Covid-19 vaccines have prevented 123,100 deaths in England, in response to new estimates. The figures, which have been calculated by Public Well being England and the College of Cambridge, cowl the interval as much as 17 September. Earlier estimates had put the quantity at 112,300 deaths. Round 23.9 million infections have additionally been prevented by the vaccine rollout, together with 230,800 hospital admissions amongst individuals aged 45 and over. Greater than 89 per cent of all individuals aged 16 and over in England have now acquired at the very least one dose of vaccine, whereas practically 82 per cent are absolutely vaccinated.

The US Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) has endorsed booster vaccines for individuals aged 65 and over and people with underlying well being circumstances, following the authorisation from the Meals and Drug Administration on Wednesday. The CDC’s panel of advisers declined to assist booster vaccines for individuals in jobs with a excessive threat of publicity to the virus, resembling healthcare staff, however CDC director Rochelle Walensky determined to incorporate this class within the company’s suggestion. The recommendation applies to individuals who have already had two doses of Pfizer/BioNTech covid-19 vaccine at the very least six months in the past.

23 September

US regulator authorises boosters for older individuals, however rejects broader rollout

The US medicines regulator has authorised coronavirus booster vaccines for individuals aged 65 and over, individuals at excessive threat of extreme illness and people who are usually uncovered to the virus, resembling healthcare staff. The choice implies that these teams can begin to obtain a 3rd dose of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine 6 months after their second dose. Those that have had different vaccines must watch for additional approvals.

Pfizer had requested the Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) to permit additional doses for all individuals aged 16 and over, however the FDA panel concluded that there was inadequate proof to assist boosters for the broader inhabitants past high-risk teams. A separate advisory committee for the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention, which determines US vaccine coverage, is predicted to challenge steerage as we speak which can embody suggestions on which teams ought to qualify as excessive threat. The US has already given additional vaccines to over 2 million individuals with compromised immune techniques.

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The US will donate 500 million extra covid-19 vaccines to different international locations, president Joe Biden has introduced at a digital summit on the pandemic, bringing the nation’s whole donations to over 1 billion doses. Supply of the brand new tranche will start in January. At a United Nations Basic Meeting assembly yesterday, leaders from creating nations together with the Philippines, Peru and Ghana condemned wealthier nations for failing to share vaccines equitably.

New journey guidelines for England that require travellers from some international locations to quarantine even when they’re absolutely vaccinated have sparked outrage and bewilderment, The Guardian reviews. Below the principles, travellers to England who’ve been absolutely vaccinated with Oxford/AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna or Janssen vaccines within the US, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea or a European Union nation are exempt from quarantine, however individuals who acquired the identical vaccines in different international locations should quarantine for 10 days after arrival. Medical doctors and politicians from India, Brazil and Nigeria are amongst those that have expressed anger in regards to the guidelines.

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Winter forecast: A authorities scientific advisory committee has mentioned that the variety of individuals in England admitted to hospital with the coronavirus might rise to between 2000 and 7000 a day over the subsequent few months. Right here’s why the predictions for winter are so bleak, regardless of excessive vaccination charges.

22 September

A couple of in 100 faculty youngsters in England have covid-19, however absences are decrease than in July as a result of complete courses now not isolate

About 1.2 per cent of faculty youngsters in England had been absent resulting from confirmed or suspected covid-19 on 16 September, in response to new figures from the UK’s Division for Schooling. This compares with 1.0 per cent in July earlier than faculties closed for the summer time holidays. Most colleges reopened in September having eliminated some social distancing restrictions, together with mask-wearing and holding youngsters inside “bubbles” – small teams normally consisting of 1 or a number of courses. Below this method the entire bubble would bel despatched residence to isolate if one member examined constructive. Now, under-18s would not have to remain at residence and isolate if they’ve been involved with somebody who has examined constructive – provided that they themselves develop signs or have a constructive take a look at outcome.

The brand new guidelines imply that whereas there may be at the moment the next price of covid-19 infections amongst under-18s, fewer youngsters need to miss faculty due to isolation guidelines. The entire price of covid-19-related absences was 1.5 per cent on 16 September, in contrast with 14.3 per cent in July. “These nationwide figures masks some vital points arising at an area stage, and we already know of colleges which might be struggling to maintain courses open resulting from outbreaks occurring,” Paul Whiteman, normal secretary of the Nationwide Affiliation of Head Lecturers instructed The Guardian.

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Australia will reopen its borders for worldwide journey by Christmas on the newest, the nation’s Tourism Minister Dan Tehan mentioned as we speak. In the meantime within the state of Victoria, academics and childcare staff have been instructed that they should be absolutely vaccinated towards covid-19 earlier than they return to work subsequent month.

The Johnson & Johnson “single-dose” covid-19 vaccine is simpler after two doses, the agency mentioned yesterday. A second dose of the jab given eight weeks after the primary led to individuals being 94 per cent much less more likely to get a symptomatic an infection in contrast with those that had been unvaccinated, in a US trial. Only one dose was 66 per cent efficient within the first month after vaccination. Giving the second dose six months after the primary led to an even increased rise in antibodies.

See earlier updates from July to September 2021, June to July 2021, Could 2021, April-March 2021, February 2021, January 2021, November/December 2020, and March to November 2020.