Where We Stand Now, On The COVID Booster

 

According to the NYT, the FDA has been very clear that no one under 65 that does not have an underlying health condition will be eligible for the booster - even if you live with someone with an underlying condition. 

The FDA did not specify what those conditions are.

The CDC advisory board could override this decision in practice and typically release their guidelines the same day as FDA approval.

However, in this case, with the shake-up at the CDC yesterday, it may be some time before we see those guidelines.

The NYT claims that if you want the shot, not to go to a pharmacy - they operate under very strict federal guidelines.

It's better to try a doctor's office - as they often prescribe medications "off label." However, keep in mind that if they do this, your insurance may or may not cover it.

Whether they will prescribe it for you is at their discretion - some will fear legal retaliation if they do. 

Thus, barring doctors getting together and suing the federal government for access, our only choice currently is that your doctor is either willing to prescribe the vaccine "off label" - OR gives you a diagnosis that can be considered an "underlying health condition" - and since the FDA label did not specify which conditions these are, it's fair game.

Keep in mind, however, if your doctor does the latter, diagnoses you with an "underlying illness" because the FDA label was so vague, that diagnosis will stay on all your electronic medical records for all your providers to assess when treating you. 

It is a shame that we don't even have a choice whether or not to get vaccinated now. 

What's also a shame is RFK Jr. tarnishing his father and uncle's legacy. 

Because he has absolutely no education OR experience whatsoever in medicine or science - he was an environmental attorney.

With much on the line, putting wholly unqualified people in high-ranking government positions they have zero experience in out of cronyism/loyalty IS going to cause a train wreck.

It's not a question of if, but when.

_______________________

PS - 

If you've been reading the bombshells in the Lexington Herald Leader, this week, you know that what's going on at Fayette County Public Schools is a prime example of unqualified cronyism/loyalty rewards and corruption run amuck finally resulting in train wreck.

There is a budget crisis and the sh*t is hitting the fan publicly.

My husband, as well as most of my neighbors, work for FCPS. They have known since the new superintendent took over after Manny died that buddies were getting hired in at high pay despite being unqualified, along with other strange perks and bonuses, and that this has been going on, but have been afraid to whistleblow.

(In fact, my husband took a pay cut and switched departments to  try to avoid it.)

And the person who did try to whistleblow about unusual spending entries and "perks" for certain people - the actual budget director - was placed on leave - and is suing FCPS.

See?

Not a question of IF there will be a train wreck because of placing unqualified buddies into high-level positions for rewards out of loyalty, but when.