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FDA Revokes Authorization of J&J’s COVID-19 Vaccine Due to Blood Clot

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fda revokes authorization of j&j's covid-19 vaccine due to blood clot

Last Updated on June 10, 2023 by Nurse Vicky

FDA Revokes Authorization of J&J’s COVID-19 Vaccine Due to Blood Clot Concerns and Reduced Demand

The FDA has decided to retract the authorization of the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine. This decision was due to reports of rare cases of blood clotting and a significant decline in demand for the vaccine. The development comes after approximately 19 million Americans have already received the J&J vaccine.

Background:

The controversy surrounding J&J’s COVID vaccine began early on due to health concerns and reports of contamination, which caused the public’s trust in the vaccine to diminish considerably. Notably, these concerns led to a brief suspension in 2021 following the reporting of severe blood clots in vaccine recipients.

Details on the FDA’s Decision:

Johnson & Johnson’s parent company, Jannsen, requested that the FDA withdraw the vaccine’s authorization when it was disclosed that the remaining 12.5 million doses had expired.

This was not surprising, as approximately 231 million Americans had already received either a single J&J shot or two mRNA vaccine doses from Pfizer or Moderna.

As vaccination fatigue has started to affect the U.S., and considering the challenges faced by J&J’s single-dose vaccine, including production problems and health concerns, the pharmaceutical company has decided to step back from the COVID-19 vaccine field.

The issues faced early in the vaccine’s life, such as the disposal of about 60 million doses due to manufacturing difficulties, have further complicated J&J’s situation.

Comparative Analysis of Vaccines:

comparative analysis of vaccines: comparative analysis of vaccines: comparative analysis of vaccines: comparative analysis of vaccines: comparative analysis of vaccines: comparative analysis of vaccines:

In terms of the number of people vaccinated, J&J’s vaccine trails behind other vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. Approximately 367 million Americans have received a Pfizer shot, and over 232 million have received a dose of Moderna’s vaccine.

On the other hand, only about 19 million of the total shots administered in the U.S. since early 2021 were made by J&J.

Issues Surrounding J&J’s Vaccine:

The J&J vaccine was plagued by controversy since it entered the market in February 2021, with more than 2.1 million mRNA shots already having been administered. These shots, produced by Pfizer and Moderna, set a high standard that J&J found difficult to match.

The controversy further intensified when a rare but severe blood clotting disorder called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) was linked to the vaccine.

Symptoms of TTS typically appear between four and 42 days after vaccination, leading the FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to pause administering the vaccine temporarily.

Despite reassurances from both agencies that the vaccine was safe and effective in preventing COVID-19, the damage was done. Public trust in the vaccine suffered, leading to a drastic reduction in demand.

The situation was exacerbated when a Baltimore-based manufacturing plant ruined approximately 15 million doses due to cross-contamination with the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Public Perception and the Future:

The reputation of the J&J vaccine suffered significantly despite the lift of the recommended pause by the federal government. Its single-dose nature became the object of ridicule, with comedy superstar Dave Chappelle even making a joke about it.

However, it’s important to note that the J&J vaccine was initially considered a game-changer for people experiencing homelessness and others who may have had difficulty accessing the second dose of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccines.

In December 2021, the CDC’s panel of vaccine experts recommended the Moderna and Pfizer mRNA vaccines over the J&J vaccine due to increasing reports of TTS. As of May 2022, the FDA restricted the use of the J&J vaccine to adults aged 18 and older who were unable to receive an mRNA vaccine due to allergy or unavailability.

 

Conclusion:

The revocation of the FDA authorization for the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against the pandemic.

This situation underscores the importance of rigorous safety measures and transparency in vaccine development and distribution. The current scenario also underlines the necessity for effective public communication strategies to ensure public trust in vaccinations remains high.

In the face of dwindling public enthusiasm for vaccines, health organizations and governments worldwide must redouble their efforts to disseminate accurate information and ensure that as many people as possible are vaccinated. Only by doing so can we hope to bring an end to this devastating global pandemic.

References:

  1. U.S Food and Drug Administration: Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine
  2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Information about Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine
  3. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
  4. Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
  5. Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
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Alpha-Gal Syndrome: The Hidden Threat Triggered by Tick Bites Could Impact Thousands

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Alpha-Gal Syndrome: The Hidden Threat Triggered by Tick Bites Could Impact Thousands

 

Tick-borne illnesses are not uncommon, but a little-known and potentially life-threatening food allergy called Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) is causing concern among health authorities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning, shedding light on this mysterious condition that could be affecting hundreds of thousands of Americans. AGS, also known as the “red-meat allergy” or the “tick bite meat allergy,” has been linked to the bite of the Lone Star tick, predominantly found in Southeastern and Eastern states.

alpha-gal syndrome

Unmasking the Alpha-Gal Syndrome

When the Lone Star tick bites, it injects a sugar molecule called alpha-gal into the body, which leads to allergies against certain types of red meat and mammal-derived products. This includes popular foods like pork, beef, rabbit, lamb, cheese, milk, dairy products, and even gelatin. Astonishingly, individuals with AGS can experience serious allergy symptoms within a few hours of consuming such foods.

The Alarming Lack of Awareness

Despite the rising number of suspected cases, AGS remains largely unfamiliar to many medical professionals. The CDC’s epidemiologist, Dr. Johanna Salzer, reveals that their survey showed almost half of physicians had never heard of the syndrome, while another third lacked confidence in diagnosing or managing patients with AGS. This knowledge gap contributes to the underreporting of cases, and the actual number of affected individuals could be as high as 450,000.

alpha-gal syndrome

The Spectrum of Reactions

AGS does not manifest consistently among individuals. Some may only experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms, while others can suffer from severe anaphylactic reactions. The perplexing nature of this condition makes it challenging for both patients and healthcare providers to pinpoint the exact triggers and tailor appropriate management.

Untangling the Lone Star Tick’s Trail

The geographic distribution of AGS aligns closely with the habitats of the Lone Star tick. The South, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions are hotspots for this syndrome. However, there have been clusters of cases in unexpected areas like Minnesota and Wisconsin, indicating the potential involvement of other tick species or unidentified pockets of the Lone Star tick population.

alpha-gal syndrome

Promoting Prevention and Awareness

To protect against tick bites and the subsequent risks of AGS, experts recommend using EPA-approved insect repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding grassy and wooded areas. Regular tick checks and thorough showers after outdoor activities can also be effective preventive measures.

alpha-gal syndrome

The Critical Need for Timely Diagnosis and Management

AGS patients often face a lengthy journey to obtain a proper diagnosis, taking an average of seven years to identify the condition accurately. Access to allergists can also be a barrier for many individuals seeking appropriate treatment. While there is currently no cure for AGS, healthcare providers can assist in managing symptoms and mitigating severe reactions through measures like Epi-Pens.

Conclusion

Alpha-Gal Syndrome poses a significant health risk, lurking in the shadows of tick bites, yet remaining unnoticed by many healthcare providers. Raising awareness about AGS is crucial to safeguarding public health and ensuring timely diagnosis and management. With increased knowledge and preventive measures, individuals can protect themselves from this potentially life-threatening “red-meat allergy” and its hidden triggers.


Sources: https://www.foxnews.com/health/mysterious-illness-triggered-tick-bite-affect-thousands-many-doctors-unaware

 

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Selena Gomez’s Heartfelt Olive Branch to Francia Raisa

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selena gomez's heartfelt olive branch to francia raisa

Selena Gomez’s Heartfelt Olive Branch to Francia Raisa

 

Selena Gomez Reaches Out on Francia’s Birthday Amidst Past Tensions

In a surprising turn of events, Selena Gomez, the renowned singer, and actress, seems to be making amends with her former friend and organ donor, Francia Raisa, on the occasion of Francia’s birthday.

The two had experienced a falling out recently, but Selena’s heartfelt message on social media suggests a possible reconciliation.

The post, shared on Selena’s social media accounts, features an endearing throwback picture of the duo, radiating joy and camaraderie. Selena captioned the photo with a touching message, “Happiest of birthdays to this special human being. No matter where life takes us, I love you.

Raisa: From Organ Donor to Estranged Friend

The apparent rift between Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa came to light when Francia publicly acknowledged the breakdown of their friendship.

selena gomez's heartfelt olive branch to francia raisa

This revelation had left fans and followers perplexed, as the two had been close for many years, with Francia even going to great lengths to support Selena in her health struggles.

Back in 2017, when Selena Gomez faced a severe health crisis due to her battle with lupus, Francia Raisa proved to be a true friend by selflessly donating one of her kidneys to save Selena’s life. This act of courage and kindness further strengthened their bond at that time.

The Taylor Swift Interview Incident

However, the delicate friendship took a hit when Selena Gomez made a remark in an interview, stating that the only person she was genuinely close to in Hollywood was Taylor Swift.

This comment didn’t sit well with Francia, given the history they shared and the significant sacrifice she had made for Selena. As a result, Francia unfollowed Selena on social media, indicating her hurt and disappointment.

selena gomez's heartfelt olive branch to francia raisa

A Birthday Post as an Olive Branch

Selena’s recent birthday message to Francia has caught the attention of fans and media alike, with many speculating whether this is an attempt to mend fences between the two. Could this be the olive branch that initiates the healing process and leads to a reconciliation?

The heartfelt post is likely to stir emotions and curiosity among their supporters. While some are hopeful for a reunion, others wonder if Francia will respond positively to Selena’s gesture.

What’s Next for Selena and Francia?

As the news of Selena Gomez’s birthday wishes for Francia Raisa spreads like wildfire, people are eager to witness how this situation unfolds. Will Francia reciprocate the gesture and signal a fresh start for their friendship?

For now, the ball is in Francia’s court, and fans will have to stay tuned to see if the birthday post truly “moves the needle” and paves the way for a renewed bond between the former friends.

Conclusion

In the world of Hollywood, friendships and relationships can often be complex and fragile. Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa’s journey from close friends to estranged companions has been a rollercoaster of emotions.

With Selena’s heartfelt birthday message, there’s a glimmer of hope that they might find a way back to each other’s lives.

As fans and well-wishers, we can only hope that this sweet gesture marks the beginning of a new chapter for Selena Gomez and Francia Raisa—a chapter of forgiveness, understanding, and lasting friendship.


Source: https://www.tmz.com/2023/07/26/selena-gomez-francia-raisa-happy-birthday-organ-donor-former-friend/

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Understanding PTSD and Mental Health Implications Five Years After the Carr Fire

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Unseen Scars: Understanding PTSD and Mental Health Implications Five Years After the Carr Fire

SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — Half a decade ago, the Carr Fire engulfed Shasta County, California, leaving an unforgettable scar on the landscape and residents’ lives.

Although new neighborhoods have arisen from the ashes, the psychological wounds linger, often manifesting as anxiety and fear triggered by smoke or the sound of emergency vehicles.

Living in the Aftermath: Personal Perspectives

Among the countless families impacted, Todd Buck’s experience encapsulates the ongoing struggle. After losing their home to the Carr Fire, Buck and his family now find any hint of smoke raises their anxiety levels significantly.

Buck reflects, “Every time we see smoke, the anxiety level goes up. Some are affected more, my wife is really affected by it. I am as well.”

This anxiety is also familiar to Spencer Baker’s family who faced the devastating loss of their home shortly after moving to Shasta County. Baker acknowledges the nerve-racking reality, wondering, “It was devastating…what do you do?”

Unveiling the PTSD Aftermath: Insights from a Mental Health Professional

Peggy Alena Marie Farver, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), continues to aid clients grappling with PTSD symptoms stemming from the Carr Fire.

She notices a spike in anxiety levels, especially during certain times of the year. Farver states, “People, especially during this time of year, find an increase in anxiety. The symptoms don’t just disappear. It was just so intense. So traumatic.”

Baker’s family, living on a popular route for fire crews, regularly face the tension triggered by sirens and smoke. It’s this lingering fear that exemplifies the deep impact of the Carr Fire on residents.

PTSD Symptoms and Coping Mechanisms

Farver elucidates that PTSD symptoms often include fear of recurrence and strong physical reactions to triggers such as smoke or a red sunset.

She stresses the importance of acknowledging these feelings, finding an appropriate coping mechanism, and absolving oneself of any guilt.

Farver’s expertise in art therapy lends itself to powerful interventions, fostering effective coping skills to practice for life.

Looking Ahead: Healing and Hope Post Carr Fire

Buck, despite his ordeal, sees a silver lining. He credits the Carr Fire for fostering a closer community. Buck concludes, “That’s what keeps us going and as I said, it’s a process and we’re going to keep at it and every day is a new day.”

 


 

Original Source:https://krcrtv.com/news/local/a-look-at-mental-health-and-ptsd-five-years-post-carr-fire

 

 

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