D&D and the rising pandemic

[Ryujin]

One of my co-workers just decided to retire. The university recently announced that everyone, staff, faculty, and students, must declare their vaccination status in order to come on campus, or they must be tested every time. This guy refuses to get vaccinated. The university has been paying for his Uber/Lyft/taxi on any days that he has to go on-site (typically just once a week). With us going back to multiple times on-site a week for the Fall semester and the covering of parking/transportation costs being dropped, he decided that it's easier to just retire. We've also got another guy who is going to retire in a couple of months, but hasn't told management yet. They both do the same job and there's no one else in our group who does, so things will soon be falling apart.

 

[Garthanos]

Seriously, I have to wonder how anyone expects this to go well right now. Even if Delta isn't harder for youngsters to resist proportionate to what earlier versions were, its more communicable overall, so its going to be hopping around amidst them like crazy, and we still don't have vaccines for those under 13 even if people were smart about getting it done. Add in the fact vaccinated people have a shorter but apparently just as contagious spreading period when they get a breakthrough case, and how is this possibly going to go well?

this right there....

 

[Thomas Shey]

this right there....

Yeah. Back before Delta, this might have landed in acceptable risk, but now? I just can't see it.

About the only hope we really have in this situation is the signs in some places that have already had it elsewhere that Delta burns hot but fast, but there's a price to pay for that and I wonder how many people are really willing that we pay it?

 

[Umbran]

and we still don't have vaccines for those under 13

Just because accuracy of information matters - it isn't like they are developing entire new vaccines for this age group. They have to run trials for safety and efficacy and dosage for the vaccines we already have.

A Shot Against COVID For Kids Under 12 — Your Questions Answered

A COVID-19 vaccine for children younger than 12 is not yet available, but research is well underway and the first shot for some kids in this age group is expected in the fall, doctors say.

www.npr.org

Meanwhile, on the other edge of the spectrum from DeSantis and Abbott, there's Washington State - Teachers need to be fully vaccinated by October 18th, or may lose their jobs.

Teachers In Washington State Must Get Fully Vaccinated — Or They Could Be Fired

The mandate, effective Oct. 18, applies to all K-12 teachers and staff in the state. The news comes as states around the country grapple with rising cases and the return of in-person schooling.

www.npr.org

 

[Thomas Shey]

Just because accuracy of information matters - it isn't like they are developing entire new vaccines for this age group. They have to run trials for safety and efficacy and dosage for the vaccines we already have.

Yeah, that's fair; I should have said "We still don't have authorization to use any of the vaccines for people under 13."

 

[Garthanos]

Accuracy is always important... technically correct is the only correct

 

[Zardnaar]

Sister in law got her first vaccine shot today. Formal Friday is a thing for some reason. She went along in an evening gown and tiara. Lockdown her favorite presenter was doing baking in a formal dress lol.

Second shot for me next Thursday.

 

[Hussar]

Yeah, that's fair; I should have said "We still don't have authorization to use any of the vaccines for people under 13."

Well, and, let's be fair, the requirements and safety issues involved in vaccinating children are far, far more stringent than adults. And rightfully so. Sure, if that vaccine increases your risk of cancer in thirty years, well, for an adult, that's pretty acceptable. Not so much for a 13 year old. So, yeah, it's going to take time to develop childhood vaccines.

I wonder if any breakthroughs in vaccines are being made that will have broader applications? Like a childhood flu vaccine that protects you like a Polio vaccine does. I have no idea. Just thinking out loud.

 

[Hussar]

BTW, just to mention since I said I got my second shot yesterday. This one hurts a lot less. My first one, I was pretty darn sore for about 24 hours. This one, a bit of stiffness and that's about it. Pretty happy to be honest.

 

[Zardnaar]

Bit stuck here in lockdown.