FDA panel unanimously endorses Moderna boosters for certain populations (https://www.axios.com/fda-moderna-covid-booster-vaccine-30ac25e5-6a15-4ba0-ae84-5fda6be53406.html)


Members of the Food and Drug Administration’s vaccine expert panel on Thursday endorsed boosters for Moderna recipients who are at high risk of severe COVID-19, occupational exposure to COVID-19 or are 65 years and older.

1,179 new cases today. Last several Fridays: 445 (a reporting anomaly); 1,452; 1,230; 2,124; 2,627; 3,080; 3,338.

7-day average now 1,299.

Hospitalizations are 788 (+13).

ICU is 246 (+5).

3,571 new cases for the 3-day period. Last several Mondays: 4,919; 3,839; 5,346; 5,998; 7,380; 7,827.

7-day average now 1,021.

Hospitalizations are 741 (-47).

ICU is 231 (-15).

Oklahoma health update to add more than 1,000 COVID deaths (https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-pandemics-oklahoma-centers-for-disease-control-and-prevention-5f23a5087834e8f4a8734531c0d0b20f)

422 new cases today. Last several Tuesdays: 595; 682; 648; 484; 1,029; 1,719.

7-day average now 1,082.

Hospitalizations are 674 (-67).

ICU is 218 (-13).

The Most Common Places COVID Is Spreading Right Now (And Where It's Not) (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/most-common-places-covid-spreading_l_6169b113e4b00cb3cbd29a91)

Press release:

*************

Flu Shot and COVID Vaccine Safe for Co-Administration

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) encourages all Oklahomans to get the flu shot as soon as they are able this flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states COVID-19 vaccines may be administered without regard to timing of other vaccines, meaning the flu shot and COVID vaccine can be safely co-administered the same day.

Previously, a waiting time of two weeks was suggested between administration of the COVID vaccine and any other vaccinations. It is now known adverse side effects are unlikely from co-administration of the COVID vaccine and others. It is considered best practice to administer the vaccines in separate limbs if possible.

The flu and COVID have very similar symptoms along with the common cold and seasonal allergies; it is also possible to contract both the flu and COVID at the same time. For this reason, it is important to protect yourself and others in the best way possible – through vaccination. The CDC and OSDH both recommend getting vaccinated for both the flu and COVID as soon as possible.

“Now is the time to get vaccinated,” says Dr. Fauzia Khan, director of OSDH Immunization Service. “With the holidays approaching, the flu and COVID both continue to be a threat to our families and communities. Stay safe this holiday season by protecting yourself and others through immunization.”

For protections against seasonal allergies and other upper respiratory illnesses, continue to wear a mask when social distancing is not possible and wash hands and wipe down surfaces frequently. You may also consult your health care provider to determine the best medication for allergies.

To learn more about finding flu and COVID shots in Oklahoma, visit vaccines.gov. Oklahomans can also call the 2-1-1 helpline or contact their county health departments for assistance.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health protects and improves public health through its system of local health services and strategies focused on preventing disease. OSDH provides technical support and guidance to 68 county health departments in Oklahoma, as well as guidance and consultation to the two independent city-county health departments in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

895 new cases today. Last several Wednesdays: 1,218; 1,096; 1,500; 2,244; 1,966; 1,310; 2,538.

7-day average now 1,035.

Hospitalizations are 632 (-42).

ICU is 210 (-8).

The Most Common Places COVID Is Spreading Right Now (And Where It's Not) (https://www.huffpost.com/entry/most-common-places-covid-spreading_l_6169b113e4b00cb3cbd29a91)
If this study is accurate, and I feel it probably is, then this is actually a positive. Bars and restaurants are operating at full capacity. Football has been going for 5, 6 or 7 weeks depending on the level. Add outdoor and indoor concerts. And our numbers nationally and here in OK are still going down. Gives me hope that we might actually control this thing.

Hospital staffing shortage in Oklahoma hits over 30% of hospitals (https://www.publicradiotulsa.org/post/hospital-staffing-shortage-oklahoma-hits-over-30-hospitals#stream/0)

"34% of hospitals across Oklahoma now have staff shortages according to an Oct. 15 report from the White House, CDC, and other federal agencies.

That’s a 5% increase from the previous week. It puts Oklahoma in the ‘red,’ or the second highest level of concern established by the metrics. The state has been in this category since early August."

Thank God the infections are coming down.

Thank God the infections are coming down.

Amen!!!!

1,148 new cases today. Last several Thursdays: 1,181; 1,501; 1,880; 2,361; 2,263; 2,452; 3,274.

7-day average down to 862.

Hospitalizations are 642 (+10).

ICU is 208 (-2).

Nice, average below 1,000 now. Hopefully it keeps getting lower and lower.

Nice, average below 1,000 now. Hopefully it keeps getting lower and lower.

i was hoping we would be seeing more below 1000 new cases aday days.

Pfizer vaccine very effective against Delta variant in adolescents in Israel (https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/pfizer-vaccine-very-effective-against-delta-variant-adolescents-israel-study-2021-10-21/)

1,049 new cases today. Last several Fridays: 1,179; 445; 1,452; 1,230; 2,124; 2,627; 3,080.

7-day average now 1,012.

Hospitalizations are 627 (-15).

ICU is 206 (-2).

If this study is accurate, and I feel it probably is, then this is actually a positive. Bars and restaurants are operating at full capacity. Football has been going for 5, 6 or 7 weeks depending on the level. Add outdoor and indoor concerts. And our numbers nationally and here in OK are still going down. Gives me hope that we might actually control this thing.

I hope restaurants are requiring workers to wear masks. Mexico Joe's in Stillwater does.

I hope restaurants are requiring workers to wear masks. Mexico Joe's in Stillwater does.
None in OKC do that I've been to or know of except some fast food places. And judging from retail stores I've been in lately I think masks in most places for most people are history. At least even with this the numbers are still going down.

None in OKC do that I've been to or know of except some fast food places. And judging from retail stores I've been in lately I think masks in most places for most people are history. At least even with this the numbers are still going down.

We still wear masks out. Employees at Walgreens, OSO, Scratch, Target, Chow's, Sprout's, and BBB all have been wearing masks. Customers at any of those places - not so much except at Walgreens.

I'd say 75%+ of the places I frequent (could be self-selection on my part), which are generally located in the Paseo/Uptown/Western, still have everyone wearing masks.

We still wear masks out. Employees at Walgreens, OSO, Scratch, Target, Chow's, Sprout's, and BBB all have been wearing masks. Customers at any of those places - not so much except at Walgreens.

We still mask up too at the stores we go to. Mostly Homeland on 122nd, Walmart and Home Depot on NW Exp. Homeland is maybe 30% customers wearing masks. Walmart is 20% and Home Depot on a good day is 10%. I've actually had pretty stare at me at Home Depot even though employees there are required that wear masks.

2,094 new cases for the 3-day period. Last several Mondays: 3,571; 4,919; 3,839; 5,346; 5,998; 7,380.

7-day average now 741.

Hospitalizations are 618 (-9).

ICU is 208 (+2).

446 new cases today. Last several Tuesdays: 422; 595; 682; 648; 1,029.

7-day average now 677.

Hospitalizations are 535 (-83).

ICU is 188 (-20).

FDA says benefits outweigh risks for Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in children (https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/pfizerbiontech-covid-19-vaccine-shows-907-efficacy-trial-children-2021-10-22/)


NEW YORK, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Scientists at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said on Friday that the likely benefits of giving the Pfizer (PFE.N)/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine to 5 to 11 year olds clearly outweigh the risks of rare cases of heart inflammation.

Earlier on Friday, the vaccine makers said their shot showed 90.7% efficacy against the coronavirus in a clinical trial of children 5 to 11 years old.

The details were in briefing documents published ahead of a meeting of a panel of outside experts scheduled to vote on Tuesday whether to recommend the FDA authorize the shots for the young age group.

If the FDA authorizes the Pfizer/BioNTech immunization for children 5 to 11 years old, it would be the first COVID-19 vaccine for the age group and shots could be available in the United States in early November.

865 new cases today. Last several Wednesdays: 895; 1,218; 1,096; 1,500; 2,244; 1,966.

7-day average now 800.

Hospitalizations are 512 (-23).

ICU is 179 (-9).

696 new cases today. Last several Thursdays: 1,148; 1,181; 1,501; 1,880; 2,361; 2,263; 2,452.

7-day average now 736.

Hospitalizations are 511 (-1).

ICU is 172 (-7).

OU, OSU announce COVID vaccine mandate for employees
(https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/education/2021/10/29/oklahoma-university-vaccine-mandate-ou-osu-employees/6184641001/)

Oklahoma's two largest universities announced Friday they will require all employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to comply with a Biden Administration mandate.

The University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University said all employees must be fully vaccinated by Dec. 8, except those who legally qualify for a medical or religious exemption.

The mandates apply to student employees but not to OU and OSU's general student populations.

920 new cases today. Last several Fridays: 1,049; 1,179; 1,452; 1,230; 2,124; 2,627.

7-day average now 717.

Hospitalizations are 506 (-5).

ICU is 168 (-4).

1,374 new cases for the 3-day period. Last several Mondays: 2,094; 3,571; 4,919; 3,839; 5,346; 5,998; 7,380.

7-day average now 551.

Hospitalizations are 472 (-34).

ICU is 160 (-8).

Pete if you look at their website, today 0 new cases due to system change over. The 1374 is only a Sat/Sun total.

COVID-19 risks in kids are small, but vaccines can still save lives, experts say (https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-10-27/covid-19-risk-in-kids-is-small-but-vaccines-still-important)

The numbers continue to drop and the reporting is a bit erratic, so I'm going back to weekly updates.


For the week ending Friday, there were a total of 4,231 new cases. Last several weeks: 5,021; 7,085; 9,092; 7,563; 10,826; 14,762.

7-day average now 604.

Hospitalizations are 423. Last several Fridays: 506; 627; 788; 881; 1,077; 1,205; 1,381.

ICU is 143. Last several Fridays: 168, 206, 246, 268, 332, 347, 386.

US mandates vaccines or tests for big companies by Jan. 4 (https://apnews.com/article/covid-employer-mandates-us-29c2262c336bcfc38da2d14b251daf51)

US mandates vaccines or tests for big companies by Jan. 4 (https://apnews.com/article/covid-employer-mandates-us-29c2262c336bcfc38da2d14b251daf51)

and this is already on hold per the 5th Circuit court of appeals https://www.washingtonpost.com/context/read-the-5th-circuit-court-of-appeals-order-on-vaccine-mandate/5123c5c7-53aa-47e3-8ee8-d0cb318ccb06/

from their emergency order


Because the petitions give cause to believe there are grave statutory
and constitutional issues with the Mandate, the Mandate is hereby STAYED
pending further action by this court.

For the week:

4,522 new cases. Last several weeks: 4,231; 5,021; 7,085; 9,092; 7,563; 10,826; 12,317.

7-day average now 646.

Total of 11,633 reported deaths.

Hospitalizations are 417 (+7).

ICU is 140 (-3).

I hope we are not going to see an uptick in cases like some states. Also the health dept is no longer listing cases by city. I was keeping tract of cases locally, based off of this number was my decision to do in store late night shopping vs curbside pickup. ugh

My son’s school is having a post-Halloween wave right now. The cases have been really low all year, but they have risen by 10x’s this week.

Got my kids their first round this week. Feels like it's going to be a race against time to get their second one before this next wave hits, especially after Thanksgiving.

My son’s school is having a post-Halloween wave right now. The cases have been really low all year, but they have risen by 10x’s this week.

What district is your son in?

More bad news from the school district. We’re saw an additional 4x climb this week on top of what happened last week. This is deer creek.

I just want to remind people thing is still out there and going crazy. I’m vaccinated but I still haven’t gotten my booster and that will change soon. My dad’s coworker got it then my dad got it then I got it in my grandma got it and my grandfather got it. Nobody’s hospitalized yet thank God but this thing is kicking my ass. If I got it before during earlier pandemic it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as this.

Wear a mask and get vaccinated.

Through Wednesday, this week's new cases are 3,843 vs. 2,480 for the same period last week.

It doesnt seem like a lot of folks are talking about this but as your statistics show, we are clearly starting another upswing in cases. I guess we are joining the national trend of an upswing in cases. Just look at the rising numbers in places like Minn. that is having the worst covid numbers since the pandemic began. I am thinking we will really see our numbers rise after the Thanksgiving holiday.

The US Food and Drug Administration on Friday authorized boosters of the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna Covid-19 vaccines for all adults.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/19/health/covid-vaccine-boosters-fda-cdc/index.html

Weekly numbers for the period ending Friday:


5,869 new cases. Last several weeks: 4,522; 4,231; 5,021; 7,085; 9,092; 7,563; 10,826.

139 additional reported deaths. Last several weeks: 152, 163, 220, 272, 210, 284, 307.

Hospitalizations are 449. Last several weeks: 417, 423, 506, 627, 788, 881, 1,077.

ICU is 148. Last several weeks: 140, 143, 168, 206, 246, 268, 332.

It doesnt seem like a lot of folks are talking about this but as your statistics show, we are clearly starting another upswing in cases. I guess we are joining the national trend of an upswing in cases. Just look at the rising numbers in places like Minn. that is having the worst covid numbers since the pandemic began. I am thinking we will really see our numbers rise after the Thanksgiving holiday.

This is from David Holt as of three days ago for OKC metro. Definitely rising again (following the trend everywhere else). Not great.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FEVtXJ4XwAEtgps?format=jpg

It's rising but at least the rise didn't start until November. Last year the rise to the January peak started in early September. So hopefully this one will be shorter lived. And not as severe. Hopefully.

Did anyone see this; covid going into the white tail deer population mutating and then spreading back to people

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/11/17/health/covid-deer-animals/index.html

Did anyone see this; covid going into the white tail deer population mutating and then spreading back to people

https://amp.cnn.com/cnn/2021/11/17/health/covid-deer-animals/index.htmlI hadn't seen that but I've heard similar stories on NPR and a couple of Sirius news channels. I don't know what this means for people. Somewhere between it doesn't matter to humans to it could really stretch this disaster out a great deal.

I'm convinced. I'm not inviting any white tail deer to Thanksgiving.

My wife brought up last night that we used to drive by a house all the time that had woods all around. The lady had tamed the deer in the woods to eat out of her hand. If she still does I hope she's very careful.

The Thunder have dropped their vaccine /negative test mandate for home games

The Thunder have dropped their vaccine /negative test mandate for home games

Just in time for the uptick surge.

The uptick is much more severe in the northern states so far. I imagine it will happen here soon, as we are not immune. Only about 52% of Oklahomans are vaccinated to date so there is a lot of low hanging fruit for the virus to feast on as folks go to family gatherings, NBA games, and other indoor activities.

The uptick is much more severe in the northern states so far. I imagine it will happen here soon, as we are not immune. Only about 52% of Oklahomans are vaccinated to date so there is a lot of low hanging fruit for the virus to feast on as folks go to family gatherings, NBA games, and other indoor activities.

And a lot of domestic travel this week to move it around.

^^^ Correct.

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03552-w

I have been cautiously optimistic that this delta wave would be the last big one as we haven’t seen much in the way of new variants that can put compete delta. There’s a lot still to learn here, but it looks like we may have seen our next big variant emerge. Why won’t this end??

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-03552-w

I have been cautiously optimistic that this delta wave would be the last big one as we haven’t seen much in the way of new variants that can put compete delta. There’s a lot still to learn here, but it looks like we may have seen our next big variant emerge. Why won’t this end??
Because too many people still won’t get vaccinated to help reduce the spread, leaving too many opportunities for new variants to emerge.

Because too many people still won’t get vaccinated to help reduce the spread, leaving too many opportunities for new variants to emerge.

You’re technically correct but this isn’t what’s happening here. South Africa doesn’t have access to vaccines like we do here. In fact, there were a lot in the medical community that didn’t think it was right that we pushed boosters when there are so many in the rest of the world that don’t have access to original vaccines. This is a disaster brewing that we’re all technically responsible for. Let’s just hope some of the early numbers coming out about this thing are based on incomplete data. Currently, this thing looks to have an Ro higher than measles, but it’s very likely that those numbers are based off statistical biasing…hopefully.