The global pandemic isn’t over, and just when things seem like they are getting back to normal, COVID-19 mounts a comeback. Dr. Adam Weston, an infectious disease specialist at Lowell General Hospital and a clinical leader in the hospitals’ pandemic response and Mass Vaccination Program, provides some perspective on the virus and vaccines.
COVID-19 the virus + vaccines
Is COVID-19 here to stay?
The models show that it is unlikely to be 100% eradicated. We expect it will get down to much more manageable levels that may return seasonally like influenza. But we don’t shut down the whole world for influenza every year. If we get sufficient immunity in the population, the overall spread will be much more manageable. Having as many people as possible immunized is critical to getting to that place.
Lowell General Hospital offers COVID-19 vaccines at our Chest and Immunization Center.
What do you expect to see this fall/winter with COVID-19 + flu?
We know the flu vaccine is only 40-60% effective depending on the strains that are around, and thus not quite as good at the COVID-19 vaccine. But we saw virtually no flu last year, primarily because of all the things we did to control COVID also do a good job controlling flu. I expect we’ll see a smaller flu season this year, because not all of those precautions are going to be gone.
With the safety measures in place, why did almost no one get the flu, but so many got COVID-19?
It speaks to the increased contagiousness of COVID-19 compared to flu. It’s just that much more contagious, and these new variants are believed to spread even more easily. COVID is believed to be about twice as contagious as influenza, and the Delta variant may be two times as contagious as the original COVID virus.
Do you expect flu will return this year?
Not only was there no flu last year, there was almost none of the other regular upper respiratory viruses. With most restrictions lifted, we are already seeing the return of normal respiratory viruses and we can expect to see more flu as the weather gets colder. I expect we may see less flu than in past years, but it will return.
What should women who are pregnant or trying to get pregnant know about the COVID vaccine?
The Circle Health and Lowell General Hospital Infectious Disease doctors are favor of pregnant women getting the COVID-19 vaccine and there is science and data to back that up.
We know COVID-19 is bad in pregnancy. It has increased risk of poor outcomes for the mother and an increased risk of premature delivery of the child. Studies looking at vaccination in pregnant women show no increased risk. Pregnant women get vaccines all the time. The benefits outweigh any risks. If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, it’s an even better time to get it before you have to worry about vaccination during pregnancy. There is no evidence the COVID vaccines have any effect on fertility.
Watch our COVID-19: Vaccinating Our Community Videos and learn the Top Three Things to Know about Pregnancy, Pediatrics and the COVID-19 Vaccine.
The CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccines while pregnant or breastfeeding.
What is the best way to talk to someone who is hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The best way is to try to understand what their concerns are. If you come at them aggressively, they will just dig in harder. Maybe they aren’t getting information from the best source. People get spooked over a report of a side effect, and what gets lost in the shuffle is the massive benefit we’re seeing.
