Even though they can contract the delta variant, vaccinated people are far less likely to end up in the hospital.
The highly contagiousdelta variantis continuing to spread across the US, causing a spike in COVID-19 infections -- especially in areas with low vaccination rates. What's different about this variant? It's alsobreaking through to infect fully vaccinated people. Studies by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say the delta infection has similarly high viral loads in vaccinated and unvaccinated people. So what does that mean asmore of these breakthrough casescontinue happening?
Currently,167 million peoplein the US have been fully vaccinated, a little over half the country's total population. The CDC's researchsuggesting that vaccinated people infected with delta can also easily transmit the virus was the key factor motivating the new federal guidance that fully vaccinated individuals continue to wear masks indoors. At the same time, the CDC report underlines that the number of cases and deaths among fully vaccinated people is small compared with the unvaccinated.
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Should you be concerned about getting COVID-19if you've already been inoculated? Since there's more community spread and there are more breakthrough cases despite vaccination, new data suggests yes. We'll explain what a breakthrough coronavirus infection is, how it's possible for fully vaccinated people to become infected and what it all means. This information comes from the CDC, the World Health Organization and other experts.
A breakthrough COVID-19 infection is when a fully vaccinated person becomes infected with the coronavirus without any symptoms or experiences symptoms, is hospitalized or dies from the infection. A small percentage of fully vaccinated people can get COVID-19 if exposed to the virus, but they're much less likely to become sick, according to the CDC.
If someone's fully vaccinated and does test positive for coronavirus, it's likely they'll have milder symptoms (see below) or be asymptomatic asDr. Clare Rock, a Johns Hopkins medical professor, told me.
Now that it's been determined fully vaccinated people can be infected with high viral amounts of the delta variant, the CDC is concerned they can transmit the virus. If you do become ill, experts urge you to isolate yourself to prevent others from getting sick, especially people with medical vulnerabilities.
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Someone can become infected with COVID-19 just before or right after they get the vaccination, because it takes roughly two weeks before the vaccine is most effective. However, even after the immunity builds up, there's still a chance they can become infected, according to the WHO, since the vaccines aren't silver bullets against disease (though they're highly effective).
With millions of unvaccinated people around the world, new variants will emerge, Rock says. For example, the delta variant can pose a threat to people who are fully vaccinated -- especially those who have high-risk medical conditions (see the next section).
Dr. Anthony Fauci saidthat more COVID-19 testing needs to be done on fully vaccinated people to better understand the breakthrough cases.
Someone who's fully vaccinated has a much smaller risk of experiencing severe symptoms from COVID-19. People who've received all their doses of a vaccine are less likely to be hospitalized or die than those who haven't been vaccinated,the CDC says. Vaccinated people typically see symptoms like a runny nose, which they mistake for a sign of a common cold, Rock said.
But that's not to say serious cases can't happen. The CDC says some fully vaccinated people can still be hospitalized and die. This can include people who have medical conditions that make them immunocompromised, Rock said, including those with cancer and people who've had organ transplants -- in general, people who are more vulnerable. Data released in Israel by the Israeli Health Ministry shows that people who are unvaccinated are five times more likely to experience a severe infection, as opposed to the elderly who are fully vaccinated, Haaretz reported.
It's possible for a fully vaccinated person to become infected with COVID-19.
If you're fully vaccinated but worried about getting sick, you can take the following precautions.
Given the current circumstances, it's likely a booster shot will be necessary. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to authorize a COVID-19 booster shot by the weekend, but the CDC will need to also give authorization before booster shots can be distributed. The shot would be a third dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
Scientists are continuing to study the immunity of fully vaccinated people to get a better idea of how well the vaccines protect them.Moderna is currently researchingwhen a booster shot may be necessary. For instance, Rock said vulnerable people who don't have a robust immune system -- such as those with chronic medical conditions -- may need an additional shot.
Pfizer says it's working on a booster shot for its COVID-19 vaccine (PDF) to enhance immunity among those who've already received both doses. The UK is also prepping for booster shots, with vaccine experts in the UKsaying a booster shot may be needed before winter.
The variant causing the most concern right now is thedelta variant, which is now thedominant strain in the USand other countries. This variant has caused an increase in COVID-19 cases, which is also affecting people who are fully vaccinated.
In comparison with the alpha variant, researchers have found delta to be60% more transmissible, and hospitalization risks are much higher in unvaccinated people.
In most instances, the cases are happening in areas with low vaccination rates. For instance, US states like Louisiana and Florida havelow vaccination ratesand their COVID-19 cases are surging again.
Wearing a mask can help you protect yourself from COVID-19.
The breakthrough infections don't mean the vaccines aren't powerful.
"The effectiveness against severe disease is still substantial," Fauci said during a White House press briefing July 22. "Get vaccinated. It offers good protection against disease."
The main reason for breakthrough cases is the number of people who still haven't been vaccinated. Once more people are fully vaccinated, the virus likely won't infect as many people. Until then, the virus can continue to mutate and spread, creating new variants.
For more information, here's everything to know about the delta variant. Also, here are more details about a potential COVID-19 booster shot, and info on the debate over whether fully vaccinated people should wear masks.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
Over the 14-day period from July 25 to August 8, there were 138 people in the Juneau community who tested positive for COVID-19 (thats down from 169 during the previous two weeks):
The overall community risk level is modified Level 3 High. The 7- and 14-day case rates remain elevated at the very high alert level. The Delta variant is driving case transmission locally and statewide. The community is urged to be cautious. Everyone regardless of vaccination status is now required to mask when indoors in public places. It is highly recommended that individuals limit social contact to mitigate disease spread and allow for effective contact tracing. Individuals should test immediately if they have even mild symptoms. Travelers arriving/returning to Juneau are also encouraged to take a free test at the airport. The single most effective strategy to mitigate COVID-19 is to get vaccinated.
Vaccine update:
For more information, read the full Emergency Operations Center Reports, which include weekly recaps, here.
Everyone age 5 and up is required to wear a mask when in indoor public settings in Multnomah County whether vaccinated or not. Read more about the mask mandate.
Masks and physical distancing are still required state-wide in
Childcare operations
K-12 schools
airports and public transit
adult and youth detention facilities
healthcare settings
shelters and transitional housing
How to get a vaccine
Face coverings, masks and COVID19
Visit multco.us/covid19
Here's a sample of performers you'll find this year at Summerfest 2021
Here's just a small sample of performers you'll find this year at Summerfest
Lou Saldivar, Wochit
If you want to go to Summerfest 2021, you're going to have to have a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.
Milwaukee World Festival Inc., which operates the Milwaukee music festival, the largest in the United States, announced Tuesday morning thata COVID-19 vaccination or negative COVID-19 test result will be required to attend Summerfest, which runs Sept. 2 to 4, 9 to 11, and 16 to 18.
The requirement also covers the Wednesday standalone "preview" concerts before those dates at the American Family Insurance Amphitheater, as well as a Milwaukee World Festival-produced concert with Little Big Town and the BoDeans Aug. 13.
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Summerfest's move comes as more music venues and performers push for more safety measures as COVID-19 cases surge again in Wisconsin and around the country.
We collaborated with national health experts and music industry executives and determined this was the best course of action for Summerfest. Don Smiley, president and chief executive officer of Milwaukee World FestivalInc., said in a statement.
Milwaukee World Festival has been a community leader and a tremendous partner in prioritizing the health of festival staff, vendors, performers, and attendees throughout their planning, Milwaukee Health Commissioner Kirsten Johnson said in the same statement. We are pleased with their proactive decision to implement these additional safety measures and ensure festivalgoers can feel comfortable attending this beloved music fest responsibly.
Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on Tuesday praised Summerfests decision, saying it was made based on science and out of concern for the safety of participants and the community.
Asked whether Summerfest should be postponed altogether given concerns about rising case numbers, Barrett said:From my perspective, I think people are still looking at the numbers, and we have to see whats going to happen over the next several weeks. It remains a very fluid situation, not in the right direction.
According to Milwaukee World Festival's statement, Summerfest attendees will be asked at the entry gate to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or proof of a negative test. An original vaccination card, a printed copy of a valid vaccination cardor a negative test will be accepted. Documentation may also be digital,such as a screenshot or photoon a phone.
For patrons who are not fully vaccinated, a negative COVID-19 test result must be obtained within 72 hours of attending the festival.
Masks will also be required for all children 12 and younger, according to a Summerfest spokeswoman. Children younger than 12 are not yet eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.
Also, children younger than 12 will not be required to provide a negative COVID-19 test.
Summerfest is not requiring masks for visitors over the age of 12,although in its statement the festival urged, per current Centers for Disease Control and Preventionguidelines, that attendees wear masks in indoor spaces on the Summerfest grounds. The CDC also recommends masks for unvaccinated people when they're at large gatherings.
Due to the fluidity of the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, Summerfest's safety protocols and procedures could change, the spokeswoman said. The festival plans to keep fans updated on its website.
Summerfest also said it would have information on refunds for general-admission and concert tickets on its website "in the days to come."
Summerfest 2021 had been set for its usual June-July dates but was postponed until September in the hopes of getting out from under the COVID-19 pandemic. It returns next month after being canceled in 2020, the first cancellation in the festivals 53-year history.
The pandemic also forced music venues in Milwaukee and much of the country to abruptly close their doors in March 2020. Only this summer have they begun to host shows again, prompted by growing vaccination rates and a decline in COVID-19 cases this spring.
But as cases have surged across the country in recent days with the rise of the more-contagious delta variant, music venues, and some performers, have beenpushing for more safety protocolssuch as requiring masks or proof of vaccination.
The Cactus Club began requiring proof of vaccination for all events beginning this week, and patrons must wear masks. Some touring artists coming to Milwaukee this year including Umphreys McGee at the Riverside Theater Friday, Jason Isbell at the Riverside in December,and Japanese Breakfast at Turner Hall Ballroom next month will also requireproof of vaccination or a negative test.
The number is bound to grow. Last week, Live Nation, the largest concert promoter in the world, openedthe door for artists to require masks and proof of vaccination or negative COVID tests for their tour stops.
Last month, Lollapalooza, the giant music festival on Chicago's lakefront, put in place restrictions similar to those Summerfest announced.On Tuesday, theBonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, which is scheduled for Sept. 2 through 5, announced the same requirements.
But not everyone is on board with those policies just yet. In fact, Milwaukee World Festival is hosting multiple shows at the amphitheater and BMO Harris Pavilion outside of Summerfestthathave yet to announce a vaccine or negative test requirement.
Those include: Chris Tomlin(Aug. 15 at the pavilion); Maroon 5 (Aug. 19 at the amphitheater); Doobie Brothers (Aug. 24, pavilion); Hall & Oates (Aug. 28, amphitheater); KISS (Sept. 5, amphitheater); Mt. Joy and Trampled by Turtles (Sept. 24, pavilion); Slipknot (Sept. 29, amphitheater); Alice Cooper (Oct. 1, pavilion) and Primus (Oct. 8, pavilion).
Ticket holders will be notified of any new protocols for those shows, and any new information will be posted on the amphitheater and pavilion websites.
Alison Dirr of the Journal Sentinel staff contributed to this report.
Contact Chris Foran at chris.foran@jrn.com. Followhimon Twitter at @cforan12.
RELATED: Here are all the Milwaukee concerts, venues that will require masks, proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test
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NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) James Overton with American K-9 Interdiction trains dogs to detect explosives, drugs and bed bugs.
But the COVID-19 virus? They apparently can do that, too.
I was extremely skeptical of it, he said. Then the dogs proved him wrong.
10 On Your Side went to watch a training session at Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center in Portsmouth. Inside a large room, he had seven buckets set up with tubes attached. Inside each of the tubes was a sample taken from a cheek swab of patients. Six were COVID-19 negative and one was positive.
Overton and his training partner brought in the dogs one by one and let their sniffers go to work.
What the dogs are looking for is what they call a volatile organic compound, VOC, thats what gives off the odor for everything in the world and we know that the viruses dont have a lot of molecular weight behind them, so it gives off a very small amount of VOC. That was our concern initially going into this, Overton said.
Miles, a 3-year-old chocolate lab, started sniffing and went right to the positive sample. He did it again and again.
There are three dogs in the program. Theyve been training for about five months, and right now theyre about 90% accurate, according to Overton.
Its been really interesting watching, said Jan Phillips, the vice president of nursing with Bon Secours Mary Immaculate in Newport News, one of the hospitals providing the samples. The trainers are also getting samples from other Bon Secours and Sentara hospitals through a partnership with the Eastern Virginia Healthcare Coalition.
Ive seen the dogs perform a couple of times and they are spot on, Phillips said. She added that their patients are happy to volunteer samples. If something good can come out of this illness [theyre] suffering with, then [they] would like to help.
The plan is to use the dogs at sports stadiums, concerts, airports, cruise ships any large public event where COVID-19 could spread. People would swab their cheeks, maybe 10 at a time, and then the dogs could go to work.
If the dog alerts to COVID-19, the person would be taken for a PCR COVID-19 test to confirm.
There is still a lot of work to be done. The study will go into a double-blind phase with outside experts in both the medical and dog training fields in the next couple of weeks.
Overton told WAVY if all goes as planned, you could see the dogs before your next flight or concert within the next few months.
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NEW YORK, Aug 10 (Reuters) - Shares of Pfizer Inc (PFE.N) hit a record high on Tuesday for the first time in more than 20 years as shares of COVID-19 vaccine makers have surged amid rising coronavirus cases in the United States.
Pfizer shares were last up 4.9% at $48.25, climbing as high as $48.57 during the session. The stock's previous intraday high was $47.44, reached on April 12, 1999.
The percentage gain was the stock's biggest one-day rise since Nov. 9, when Pfizer released positive data for its COVID-19 vaccine.
I think they are finally getting credit for the vaccine," said Jeff Jonas, a portfolio manager at Gabelli Funds, which owns Pfizer shares.
While investors had treated the vaccine before as "a one-time cash infusion ... it is really going to be a durable business, unfortunately," Jonas said, adding that Pfizer should be able to leverage the vaccine's technology for use against other types of disease as well.
Pfizer's share gains come as those of another coronavirus vaccine maker, Moderna Inc (MRNA.O), have also been on a tear.
While Moderna's shares were down 4% on Tuesday, they have soared some 78% since mid July, when S&P Dow Jones Indices announced it was adding the biotech company's stock to the benchmark S&P 500 index (.SPX). read more
U.S.-traded shares of Pfizer's partner on the vaccine, Germany's BioNTech (22UAy.DE), were down over 5% on Tuesday, but have climbed about 30% this month.
Shares of Novavax (NVAX.O), which last week delayed its timeline for its COVID-19 vaccine, were up 11% on Tuesday. read more
The rapid spread of the Delta variant of the coronavirus has pushed cases and hospitalizations in the United States to a six-month high. read more
"The Delta variant has scared a lot of people into getting inoculated," said Peter Tuz, president of Chase Investment Counsel and an investor in Pfizer.
Pfizer in late July raised its 2021 sales forecast for its COVID-19 vaccine by 29% to $33.5 billion. read more
Ashtyn Evans, a healthcare analyst at Edward Jones, said Pfizer will be able to use the cash flow from the vaccine "for both internal research and development and for acquisitions to strengthen their pipeline."
Additional reporting by Noel Randewich in San Francisco; Reporting by Lewis KrauskopfEditing by Marguerita Choy
Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
A mandate issued by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) will now require visitors to go through some extra screening steps in order to enter hospitals or nursing facilities.
Hospitals like Lompoc Valley Medical Center (LVMC) and really every hospital and nursing facility across California will now require visitors to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours starting Wednesday. The mandate was created in an effort to protect patients and staff.
Staff at LVMC are already preparing, according to Chief Executive Officer Steve Popkins.
"At our screening areas at the entrances in our hospital we will have someone there requesting the proof of vaccination or negative tests," Popkins said.
Some people are not too happy about the news.
"I don't like it. For people to show proof is an act of tyranny, it's California you know, try this in Texas, it won't work," said Lompoc resident Julian Chavez.
The new mandate will tighten foot traffic inside health care facilities and will only apply for visitors, not patients.
For example, Popkins says those getting lab work done or simply going in for a check-up won't be turned away but if they bring someone with them, the person tagging along will need to comply, including children.
In a statement, CDPH Officer Tomas Aragon said in part:
As we continue to see an increase in cases and hospitalizations due to the Delta variant of COVID-19, its important that we protect the vulnerable patients in these settings."
Others agree and say they're OK with it.
"They said if I could bring photo proof, so I went on my phone and my wife had downloaded a picture of my vaccine card, so I'm down with it. I think it's wonderful," said Dan Emmett, who is visiting his dad at the hospital in Lompoc.
Health officials at LVMC say although it's not listed in the public health order to make rapid tests available for visitors, they plan on making that happen there.
"Rapid COVID testing for visitors and within 15 minutes get the results and if they are negative, they can go ahead and come in. We are in the works of that. Hopefully it'll be available tomorrow if not the next day," Popkins said.
According to health officials, this order does exclude those who may be visiting critically ill patients where death may be imminent. They add its best to check in with your medical center or nursing facility before visiting.
Hospitals like Tenet Health Central Coast, Dignity Health and Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital all have to comply with the mandate, which goes into effect at midnight.
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) Another Maine hospital has decided to limit visitations as cases of COVID-19 continue to grow in the state.
Northern Light Mercy Hospital in Portland said it will limit visitations for adult inpatients to one visitor daily between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. The changes were set to go into effect on Wednesday.
The hospital said in a statement that there is no limit to the length of the visits, and the rest of the visitation policy remains the same.
Maine Medical Center in Portland announced a few days previously that it would limit visitation to one visitor daily starting on Monday.
Both hospitals said the changes were made because of the rising number of coronavirus cases in the state. Northern Light Mercys statement said the changes are being made for the safety of patients, staff, and care teams as community transmission of COVID-19 rises.
Cases of the virus remain low in Maine compared to many other states, but in recent days the number of daily case counts has been double the number from July.
AUSTIN (KXAN) Video of a large indoor gathering of Georgetown Independent School District teachers and staff has left some parents worried about the upcoming school year.
The video, taken at their annual Teacher Convocation, was posted with the caption: THIS is how you kick off the school year! It pictured hundreds of employees some wearing masks and some not gathered in a gymnasium and listening to a live band.
Comments on the post revealed dozens of parents upset about the gathering and wondering if their childs classroom will be safe, amid the rise of the delta variant of the coronavirus.
The mother of a GISD third-grader and kindergartner told KXAN her family is now reconsidering their back-to-school plans in large part because of the video, which she describes as hard to watch.
We went back and forth about whether he should go to school or not, and he said, I dont want to go; Im scared,' she said. Its like this pandemic doesnt even exist to Georgetown.
Other parents and commenters on the post praised the district for starting the year off positively. Some pointed out that under Gov. Greg Abbotts executive order, mask wearing is optional.
A spokesperson for Georgetown ISD told KXAN, As you know, we are under governors orders to not require masks,though we support each individuals choice to wear one.
She said masks and hand sanitizer were provided, along with frequent cleaning for high touch surfaces throughout the brief event. She went on to say employees could also choose to join the event remotely, by a livestream the district offered.
The district had previously posted its COVID-19 safety protocols to its websites homepage, but after conducting a survey of families, they are now reviewing the feedback and making updates.
I anticipate we will have an updated plan to release next week, the spokesperson said.
On Tuesday night, the GISD superintendent penned a brief letter to families reiterating that masks are still optional, ahead of an upcoming school board meeting.
After the Austin Independent School District moved to require masks on campus, school districts around Central Texas began to grapple with difficult decisions about how to handle COVID-19 safety protocols, amid mounting pressure.
Round Rock ISD put out survey on Tuesday for parents on masks that closes this Friday. Meanwhile, the agenda for the Del Valle ISD Board of Trustees meeting notes a discussion on its policies on Thursday, along with a meeting planned between families and superintendent.
Tuesday night, a group of doctors, many who have children at Eanes ISD schools, gathered at an Eanes ISD Board of Trustees meeting.
To say Im very nervous is probably an understatement, Dr. Chesney Castleberry, a pediatric cardiologist with Dell Childrens, told reporters before the meeting. Ive seen children who were previously healthy, who now have long-term consequences of COVID.
The board was not scheduled to discuss COVID-19 safety protocols, but the superintendent addressed many of these parents concerns.
Dr. Tom Leonard said they follow the guidance of the various government entities, and for a long time they were all mostly aligned. However, he went on to say the governors orders supersede other recommendations or guidelines.
He also told the meeting attendees how difficult it is to ask their staff to enforce something such as a mask mandate without the states backing.
He went on to guarantee they would provide in-person learning with their cleaning, sanitation and positive case procedures staying the same. They will be limiting visitors, while still working to get parents back in the building. He said they will have assigned seats on buses and assigned lunch seating for elementary school children. Students can request Plexiglass around their desk, and positive cases on a classroom or bus will trigger a email to parents of students in those rooms. He said they would not be canceling all assemblies, but award ceremonies could be broken down into smaller groups.
At this time, neither Georgetown nor Eanes will be offering a virtual option for families.
Meanwhile, Leander ISD announced an expansion of its virtual offering Tuesday. The district added space for about 2,025 additional students currently on the waitlist. The virtual learning program will be offered to these kids in kindergarten through sixth grade through Oct. 8.
We are continuing to explore options for 508 students in grades 7-12 who expressed interest in remote learning on our waitlist, a news release from the district read.
Some school districts will have COVID-19 testing on campuses for students.
Leander ISD announced it will have a Curative COVID testing facility at Gupton Stadium starting this week. A spokesperson said they plan to give more details Wednesday.
Austin ISD will have testing on all of its campuses.
Round Rock ISD said it will offer testing Monday through Friday at a centralized location in the district, but it has not finalized a location.
Last week, Manor ISD said it was providing testing through Oct. 3. The district is waiting to hear back from the TEA to see if it can continue past that, officials said.
Hutto and Pflugerville ISDs will also have on-site COVID testing available, spokespeople for the districts told KXAN on Tuesday.
Eanes will have a free testing COVID clinic this Friday for students and staff only.
A widely shared Facebook post claims that ivermectin, which has emerged as a controversial drug during the coronavirus pandemic, is effective in treating COVID-19.
"How long after the last day of fever with the Rona should I wait to return to work? I feel fine now just dont want to get the guys sick," the Facebook user says, with "Rona" being a reference to the coronavirus. "Btw less than a hour after taking Ivermectin paste per my body weight I was mostly symptom free.... Was in bad shape until then! This s*** works I dont care what anyone else says."
With the post is a photo showing a box and a syringe of ivermectin paste both labeled "for oral use in horses only."
The post was flagged as part of Facebooks efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Facebook.)
In the United States, ivermectin is approved for some uses in humans, but not to prevent or treat COVID-19. While some studies have asserted that the anti-parasite drug might work against COVID-19, researchers who have reviewed numerous ivermectin studies say there is not conclusive evidence that it is effective against the disease.
Since March 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has warned not to use ivermectin which is often used in the United States to treat or prevent parasites in animals to prevent or treat COVID-19:
"The FDA has received multiple reports of patients who have required medical support and been hospitalized after self-medicating with ivermectin intended for horses.
"FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans. Ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are on-the-skin formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an antiviral a drug for treating viruses.
"Animal drugs are often highly concentrated because they are used for large animals like horses and cows, which can weigh a lot more than we doa ton or more. Such high doses can be highly toxic in humans."
The World Health Organization, in its COVID-19 treatment guidelines, says: "We recommend not to use ivermectin in patients with COVID-19 except in the context of a clinical trial," citing "very low certainty evidence" about the drug.
We rated False a claim that "mountains of data" show ivermectin "basically obliterates" COVID-19 transmission.
Some limited studies suggested that ivermectin can help treat COVID-19; others show no significant impact. Overall, many of the studies had small sample sizes and other limitations. Some researchers have called for more study of the drug.
In June, one meta-analysis an analysis of results from other studies arrived at a different conclusion than another one did:
One meta-analysis concluded that "moderate-certainty evidence finds that large reductions in COVID-19 deaths are possible using ivermectin." That study was done by researchers affiliated with a group that is campaigning for ivermectin to be approved for COVID-19 use.
The other meta-analysis found that ivermectin "did not reduce all-cause mortality" when compared to standard of care or placebo. The study concluded that the drug "is not a viable option to treat COVID-19 patients."
After a preliminary December 2020 study claimed that ivermectin could reduce COVID-19 death rates by more than 90%, the publisher in July 2021withdrew the non-peer reviewed study "due to an expression of concern communicated directly to our staff. These concerns are now under formal investigation."
Also in July, researchers from Germany and the UK who examined studies on ivermectin and COVID-19 concluded:
"Based on the current very low- to low-certainty evidence, we are uncertain about the efficacy and safety of ivermectin used to treat or prevent COVID-19. The completed studies are small and few are considered high quality. Several studies are underway that may produce clearer answers in review updates. Overall, the reliable evidence available does not support the use of ivermectin for treatment or prevention of COVID-19 outside of well-designed randomized trials."
Meanwhile, a health economist and a consultant to pharmaceutical companies argued in an opinion article in the Wall Street Journal about ivermectin that "the statistically significant evidence suggests that it is safe and works for both treating and preventing" COVID-19, and so the FDA should give it emergency use authorization for use against COVID-19.
Our ruling
A Facebook post declares that ivermectin is an effective treatment for COVID-19.
Some studies have raised the possibility that the drug might work against COVID-19.
But reviews of numerous studies of ivermectin have found there is no conclusive evidence that it is effective against COVID-19, and public health authorities including the FDA have recommended against using it to treat the virus.
That doesnt exclude the possibility that ivermectin could work in isolated cases, but the post ignores critical facts that would give a different impression. The post contains only an element of truth. We rate it Mostly False.
