David B Rubin, MD

10/01/2022

Super cool idea. This tech has been out for a while, but the state is now making it available. Consider downloading for your smart device. [One you get the QR code, take a screen shot, open it in your photo app, and long-press the image to add to your wallet.]

04/01/2022

I sadly think we will be seeing this shortage of tests for a while. There is a high probability of COVID if you have fever and respiratory symptoms, even mild ones. If you’re feeling generally well, seek testing… but keep in mind that there were over 30,000 positive tests reported YESTERDAY alone in (almost 0.5% of the state population, and more than we saw in the first MONTH of the pandemic), and a positive test won’t change management for most people. If you're not sure, assume you are positive. Quarantine for at least five days, take Tylenol if needed, call if you need guidance, and don’t panic.

Provides important information about COVID-19 testing procedures.

29/12/2021

28/10/2021

25/09/2021

If you had a Pfizer COVID vaccine more than 6 months ago, and are 65+ or otherwise at high risk for complications, consider a . If you have other questions, they’re likely answered here. Thanks to NPR for an excellent and thoughtful review.

With the back and forth on boosters from government agencies, many Americans are wondering if they really need an extra shot. Here is what the science says about who needs a booster now — and why.

22/09/2021

Today, we amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine to allow for use of a single booster dose, to be administered at least 6 months after completion of the vaccine’s primary series in certain populations. https://bit.ly/3EIJWvb

The EUA allows a booster dose for individuals:
➡️ 65+ years old
➡️ 18-64 years old at high risk of severe COVID-19
➡️ 18-64 years old whose frequent institutional/occupational exposure to SARS-CoV-2 puts them at high risk of serious complications of COVID-19 including severe COVID-19.

The FDA-authorized Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is the same formulation as the FDA-approved Comirnaty, and the vaccines may be used interchangeably.

11/08/2021

Good analysis for anyone still on the fence.

Many Americans say they want to “make sure the shot is safe” before getting vaccinated. That data is already in, and it is overwhelming. 

05/08/2021

Another good one, from Virginia. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus/covid-19-data-insights/covid-19-cases-by-vaccination-status/
42 breakthrough deaths in 6 months = 7 per month or one every four days.
In a state of 8.5 million…
• 4.6 million are fully vaccinated, with 1,566 cases. (1/30th of a percent.)
• About 4 million are not fully vaccinated, with 203k cases. (About 5%.)

05/08/2021

Good data from https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/covid-19-vaccine-breakthrough-cases-data-from-the-states/?fbclid=IwAR0V7x8VUHBSK6qpPOK81zS-E5ejkzTCmRs-T2NHQmIbPmomPbAH7czr8lg — if you’re still on the fence about vaccinating, look how low your risk of COVID becomes.

29/03/2021

https://www.axios.com/mrna-covid-vaccines-effective-real-world-conditions-492ac016-1220-4276-aacc-967492a4e117.html

The data show how well the vaccine performs in non-clinical trial settings.

16/03/2021

Spent part of the weekend at the Atrius Health COVID-19 immunization clinic. Once again, another great experience. The highlight: a husband, wife, and her sister, accompanied by two family members. “Does this mean we can spend Easter together?” And with a little quick math and review of the new CDC guidelines, the answer is a resounding yes.

Vaccination is such a big deal for so many people. I hope access to it continues to improve so we – like the folks I describe above – can return to some sense of normalcy this spring and summer.

13/03/2021

has launched a website to register for the -- check it out.