Aug. 27 - New K-9 program at UCI, COVID-19 booster shot timeline
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Cliff, from UCIPD’s K-9 unit, is busy on the job. Photo by UCIPD.
Each day, a UCI expert will answer one of your questions about COVID-19, vaccinations, variants or the future of work. Submit questions via email.
Today’s question is fielded by Jonathan Watanabe, professor of clinical pharmacy:
When will I be able to get a booster shot of the vaccine?
The White House is now recommending adults 18 years and above who have completed their two-shot Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna mRNA vaccination series to get a booster. Booster vaccines are expected to be available in late September, pending FDA evaluation and CDC recommendation. Details are still being fleshed out, but it appears that it's going to be first for older adults, residents in chronic care facilities, healthcare workers, and then people who received the vaccine more than six to eight months ago. This was partially motivated by data that suggested a small reduction in vaccine efficacy over time in the vaccine clinical trial data.
For moderate to severely immunocompromised individuals, booster shots have already been authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC for those who have had their second mRNA vaccine at least 28 days prior. This is because studies had shown a diminished production of protective antibodies after being vaccinated for some patients that were immunocompromised. Some data has also shown a sizable increase in antibodies to fight COVID-19 for patients that had received a third shot, including antibodies against the delta variant. Importantly, some data from the UK showed that a longer wait time between doses was associated with larger antibody response, so it is possible that the delay prior to a booster could lead to improved protection.
UCI ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWS
Cliff (no relation to Clifford) helps launch new K-9 unit at UCI
When off the clock, Cliff, a 2-year-old chocolate lab, enjoys playing with a tennis ball and Kong chew toy. On the clock, he’ll be working to detect firearms and explosives as part of UCIPD’s K-9 unit. Eventually, he’ll also be trained in tracking to help with missing and lost person calls. Just don’t rush up to pet Cliff — first ask permission from his handler, UCIPD Officer Jordan Leyland, who can make a proper introduction.
National grant funds UCI study of new O.C. Jail program
A new program aims to reduce the rates at which young men released from jail reoffend and end up behind bars again. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is launching Road to Reentry with a five-year, $1.5 million grant from the National Institute of Justice, and UCI Professor of Criminology, Law and Society Elizabeth Cauffman will help assess the effectiveness of the program.
UC NEWS AND GENERAL NEWS
Monday is deadline to register to vote in gubernatorial recall
Make your voice heard in the recall election on Sept. 14. Register to vote today! If you’re already registered, make sure your address is current.
Friday fun fact
Searching for solutions: UC has received nearly 100 awards from the National Institutes of Health to conduct COVID-19 research on topics ranging from lung disease to primate studies.
California considers statewide COVID-19 vaccination mandate
State lawmakers are now considering requiring Californians to show proof of vaccination to enter many indoor business establishments and forcing workers to get vaccinated or regularly tested, the Los Angeles Times reports. The proposal is still in draft form and has not been introduced in a bill yet.
UCI IN THE NEWS
Studies identify social and racial disparities in Orange County during first COVID-19 surges
Daily Pilot, Aug. 26
Cited: Daniel Parker, assistant professor of public health
The delta surge begins to wane in California
KCBS Radio, Aug. 26
Cited: Andrew Noymer, associate professor of public health
Virginia Republicans file suit over McAuliffe’s paperwork
AP, Aug. 26
Cited: Rick Hasen, Chancellor's professor of law
COVID-19 NOTIFICATION AND RESOURCES
Five new campus cases
Three on-campus employees and two on-campus students tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. For more information, visit the UCI COVID-19 dashboard.
Remember to upload your vaccine record
Vaccination is a critical step toward our campus's fall return. Help our community by uploading your vaccine record.
Potential workplace exposure
UCI provides this notification of a potential workplace COVID-19 exposure. Employees and subcontractors who were in these locations on the dates listed may have been exposed to the coronavirus. You may be entitled to various benefits under applicable federal and state laws and University-specific policies and agreements. The full notification is available on the UCI Forward site. If you have been identified as a close contact to a COVID-19 case, the UCI Contact Tracing Program will contact you and provide additional direction.
For COVID-19 questions
UCI Forward - information on campus status and operational updates
UCI Health COVID-19 Updates - important information related to UCI Health
UCI Coronavirus Response Center - available at covid19@uci.edu or via phone at (949) 824-9918
Contact Tracing and Vaccine Navigation Services - assistance with vaccines and vaccine uploads; available at contacttracing@uci.edu or via phone at (949) 824-2300
Program in Public Health chatline - answers to questions about COVID-19
For questions specific to your personal health situation, please contact your doctor or healthcare provider.