Thread by @ScienceUpFirst

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Q: How do I maximize my safety when school starts?

A (@DaveMGoldfarb): It’s good to consider that your decisions have impacts on others. Wearing a mask indoors, regular hand cleaning, as well as considering outdoor gatherings when possible can help keep everyone safe.

@DaveMGoldfarb Q: When will kids under 12 get vaccinated?
A (@DaveMGoldfarb):
Great Q. I wish I had a crystal ball. We need good safety data before broadly introducing it in younger pops. Clinical trials results expected in the fall, so I expect introduction by end of the year or early 2022.

@DaveMGoldfarb Q: What do we know about the long term side effects of the vaccines?

A (@zchagla): With mRNA, the vaccine itself degrades within a week or so. It’s not like other drugs, which can stick around in your body. What the vaccine leaves behind is a strong immune response. [1/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla Most of what we’ve seen are short-term side effects, many of which are common across all vaccines. These show that your immune system is responding well! COVID-19 has more worrying long-term risk. In 1 year+ of data for COVID vaccines, we haven’t seen any long-term effects. [2/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla Q: How can parents deal with the stress of sending their kids back to school?
A (@DrVlapointe):
Self-care isn’t just a buzzword. We need to do what we need to do to show up for our children.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @DrVlapointe: Be careful about how we consume information right now. We’re in a sea of fear and misinformation, so we need to be cautious about how we get information. Get it from good, reliable sources.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe Q: How to talk to your kids about their feelings about going back to school?

A (@DrVlapointe): Listen to your children, find out what they’re thinking/feeling. Instead of trying to fix the problem, try to listen and understand. Provide comfort without trying to fix right away.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe Q: Is cleaning and sanitizing toys between classes important?
A (@YaneValdezT):
Virus is transmitted through aerosols from one infected person to another person. So very low probability of transferring through papers or other objects.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @YaneValdezT: But younger, unvaccinated children may be more likely to put things in their mouths, so maybe disinfecting toys is a good precaution.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Do we have any data on transmission in schools comparing schools with and without masking?

A (@DaveMGoldfarb): We don’t have data on Delta yet. Approx 6 people can get infected by 1 person sick with Delta, they have more virus in them than previous versions of COVID. [1/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @DaveMGoldfarb (cont): Masking is important. Both staff and children in schools. There is no evidence that masking harms children. Being cautious and maximizing protection is our best defense! [2/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: If I have a friend who is not vaccinated, should I wear a mask when I’m with them?
A (@zchagla): Same mitigation measures still work. If you’re indoors with a large number of people, masks are a good idea. Remember that wearing a mask protects the unvaccinated person.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @zchagla: You can create environments where you can ventilate properly. Consider doing the event outside if possible, particularly with people whose status you don’t know. Use your bundle of controls.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Is it ok to ask someone if they’re vaccinated?

A (@DrVlapointe): This will change for each person, and their risk levels. Just because the question is awkward, doesn’t mean it’s not worth asking! Ask it neutrally, not with judgement, and people will respond accordingly.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: If we know vax status, how should parents interact with other parents?
A (@DrVlapointe): This comes down to individual decisions, but when we bring all of our bundle to those those interactions (masks, ventilation, vaccination) - not from fear, but from kindness and respect.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: How can I encourage my friends to get vaccinated?

A (@DrVlapointe): These are loaded topics! Approach them as a friend, & listen to their concerns. Their defensiveness should fall, and you can have a fact-based convo about the pros of vaccination.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Can I still get COVID-19 even if I am fully vaccinated?
A (@YaneValdezT): The probability is much lower, but not zero - particularly with Delta. But the vaccine is really good at preventing hospitalization and death.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine itself?

A (@YaneValdezT): No. The COVID vaccines don’t contain a live virus. They contain small pieces of genetic material, which our cells use to create an immune response.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Are the vaccines still effective against the Delta variant?
A (@YaneValdezT): Yes. They are slightly less effective at preventing symptoms, but still very good at stopping severe disease and death from COVID-19, even with the Delta variant.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Why are there breakthrough cases if the vaccines are effective?

A (@zchagla): No one said you couldn’t get COVID after the vaccine, but it lowers your risk. More COVID circulating, and the more infectious Delta variant, means more exposure. [1/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @zchagla (cont.): However, the breakthrough cases tend to be milder, and some people wouldn't even know they were sick. Vaccines are our best protection against COVID. [2/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Do we need to worry about more variants?
A (@zchagla): There is a world out there with virus circulating. And many places without the same access to vaccines.

When large numbers of people get COVID-19, it creates an environment where variants can emerge.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @zchagla: We have yet to see a variant that breaks through the vaccines. It is unlikely that one will evolve because the vaccine triggers so many arms of our immune systems.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @zchagla: Digest the news with a grain of salt, and rest assured that a fully vaxxed person has great protection against any variant around.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Are kids still at low risk for COVID?

A (@DaveMGoldfarb): Good news: yes, kids are at a lower risk of severe disease, even with Delta. However, being unvaccinated does put them at greater risk. [1/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @DaveMGoldfarb (cont.): Delta spreads among unvaccinated pops. We don’t know how Delta affects children yet.

We need to make sure children are given other safety measures, & adults need to make sure they’re vaccinated to protect the children around them who can’t be. [2/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: What about other shots - flu or MMR, for example? Could those protect?
A (@DaveMGoldfarb): I’ve seen a couple studies that looked at those who vaxxed against flu or MMR to see if there is an association. Some show there is, but there are lots of other reasons at play.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @DaveMGoldfarb: The MMR vaccine is great against MMR and the flu vaccine against flu, but neither will protect against COVID-19.

It's definitely a good idea, if eligible, to get those vaccines, but not because it will protect you from COVID-19.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Do vaccines alter our DNA?

A (@YaneValdezT): No. None of the COVID vaccines can alter your DNA or genome. mRNA is just a template for your cells to make an immune response, and it is destroyed very quickly. It has no way to integrate with your DNA. These vaccines are safe.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Can the Covid-19 vaccine affect fertility or menstruation cycles?
A (@zchagla): There is some data reported about slight menstrual irregularities. It’s being watched. The vast majority is very benign.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @zchagla cont'd -
We are seeing no difference in fertility. Actually, more people got pregnant who got the drug than those who got placebo in the clinical trials!

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @zchagla cont'd - We’ve got good data on lots of vaccinated pregnant women whose pregnancy and breastfeeding were normal.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @zchagla cont'd - Getting COVID-19 in pregnancy, particularly with Delta circulating, is a major risk factor. There are direct benefits to having vaccine immunity in your system for the babies through milk.

Great reasons to get vaccinated for anyone thinking about conceiving

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: What can parents look out for to know if their kids are struggling?

A (@DrVlapointe): Each kid will be impacted differently. Think of the 3 Rs: Rhythm, Routine, and Ritual. Keeping days consistent is important, what we do and how we do it. [1/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @DrVlapointe (cont.): Children who are struggling may show disruptions physically - in eating, sleeping, etc. or in behaviour - receding into themselves or acting out. Don’t shame, blame, or punish, make sure you’re supporting them through this. [2/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Info on the impact of COVID-19 on people with asthma or other respiratory diseases?
A (@zchagla): Higher risk of progression to more severe disease. Asthma is a risk factor, but the science is a bit unclear about people with well-controlled asthma.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Is it safe for kids to be unmasked and close together, ex during recess?

A (@DaveMGoldfarb): We need more data on Delta in schools to know for sure. For now, extra caution, masking, better ventilation and filtration, and vaccination for teachers and staff are critical.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: Is homeschooling an option, considering the social aspect of school?
A (@DrVlapointe): Kids who are homeschooled can have great outcomes. We have this idea that homeschooling is bad, but it’s not always true. Unless things at home are challenging, and then schools are better.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: How bad is Delta in infants?

A (@DaveMGoldfarb): Delta is still being studied in Canada. We aren’t yet seeing a surge of Delta cases for children. This is something we need to continue to monitor, but so far children’s hospitals are not seeing a surge, so we don't know yet.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: What can schools do to support student mental health?
A (@DrVlapointe): Relationship is the bottom line. Promote relationships between the child and the adults who can show up for that child. Helpful: a link through to home - notes, phone call, stories.

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT Q: What do we measure when we talk about needing boosters?

A (@zchagla): We don’t know the exact levels of waning antibodies after vaccination that would cause a new increased risk of COVID. Those who were vaccinated earlier have more breakthrough infections. [1/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT @zchagla (cont.): However, we have not seen a significant drop-off in protection for the average healthy individual. We need to balance the usefulness of vaccines as booster shots compared to shots for populations who haven’t been vaccinated yet at all. [2/2]

@DaveMGoldfarb @zchagla @DrVlapointe @YaneValdezT That's all, folks! If you still have questions, you can drop them here for our team to answer. And if you missed it, a recording will be available on scienceupfirst.com and on our social media channels! Be sure to check out our next #TakeScience townhall on October 7th.