Happy June 15th! Californians can now go maskless outdoors and indoors, depending on the policies of the businesses we visit. This allows us more freedom to enjoy time together, but we do need to be wary of new variants as the virus continues to evolve. For health centers this means the song remains the same, and we will continue to require mask wearing.
I am grateful to be able to say that members of my family, pod, and patients have managed to avoid COVID infection thus far. I’ve been fully vaccinated since March, and I encourage you to do the same if you have not done so already.
That said, there are legitimate medical reasons for not getting the vaccine. Those with over-active immune responses may be advised by their physician not to get vaccinated, and likewise, there is evidence that some immune-compromised people may not achieve optimal antibody response from taking only one standard vaccine dose.
One of the services I’ve been providing lately to patients who have not been vaccinated is a SARS-CoV-2 Semi-Quant Total Antibody Test at cost ($57) to see if they have antibodies to COVID-19. It appears that even mild COVID infection does create long-lasting immunity at a level equal or greater to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, but unfortunately the CDC’s policies are lagging behind the science.
If a patient’s test comes back negative for antibodies to COVID-19, I encourage them visit their doctor or a local free vaccination clinic to get vaccinated (unless they have outstanding immune disorders). If they are on the fence, I offer the following considerations that moved me to go ahead and get the vaccine:
1. The bottom line: Risks associated with COVID infection are much greater than the risks from side-effects of the vaccines. This article offers what I believe to be a fair assessment.
2. By getting vaccinated, we are protecting our families, friends, and communities with markedly decreased rates of infection along with milder symptoms of COVID should we become infected.
3. Unfortunately I missed the $50 incentive that everyone receives now when they vaccinated in CA. For some, even the offer a free beer will work! 🙂
4 We are helping to stop a global pandemic.
Lastly, while many people struggling with long-hauler symptoms may be feeling at a loss for solutions, both Eastern Medicine and Functional Medicine can be quite helpful for treating both these symptoms and their underlying causes. If you know of anyone that you think could benefit, please feel free send them my way. I offer free 15-minute phone/video consultations. My office hours are:
Mondays 10:00am – 7:00pm
Tuesdays 10:00 – 2:00pm (Telemedicine)
Wednesdays 9:00am – 7:00pm
Thursdays 10:00 – 2:00pm (Telemedicine)
Fridays 10:00am – 7:00pm
Congratulations to you for arriving here at the hopeful tail end of the COVID-19 era in good health! I look forward to seeing you soon for at least some tune-up acupuncture, as we journey into a healthy post-pandemic future together.
In health,
Benjamin
(925) 297-4785