This discussion was recorded on December 10, 2021. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
Anya Romanowski, MS, RD: Hello and welcome. I'm Anya Romanowski, editorial director of Medscape Emergency Medicine. As a follow-up to our previous interview about testing positive for COVID-19 after two doses of an mRNA vaccine, we have reassembled a panel to review important updates regarding breakthrough infections and reinfections. We will also touch on the Omicron variant circulating globally at an increased speed.
Joining us today is Dr Angela Rasmussen, a virologist of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan; Dr Kartik Cherabuddi, an infectious disease specialist and hospital epidemiologist at the University of Florida; and Dr Peter Antevy, an emergency physician and EMS medical director for Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department in Florida. Welcome, everyone.
Peter M. Antevy, MD: Thank you.
Angela L. Rasmussen, MA, MPhil, PhD: Thanks, Anya.
Kartik Cherabuddi, MD: Thank you.
Romanowski: Angie, I'd like to begin with you. Can you provide us with an update regarding the nature of reinfections and breakthrough infections that we're currently seeing in the US and globally? Also, how common are the reinfections in the unvaccinated as opposed to those fully vaccinated?
New Pandemic Peril? Pretending It's Over as Case Numbers Rise
COMMENTARY
COVID Breakthrough Infections and Reinfections: Where We Stand
Anya Romanowski, MS, RD; Angela L. Rasmussen, MA, MPhil, PhD; Kartik Cherabuddi, MD; Peter M. Antevy, MD; Reviewed by: Robert D. Glatter, MD
DisclosuresJanuary 05, 2022
This discussion was recorded on December 10, 2021. This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.
Anya Romanowski, MS, RD: Hello and welcome. I'm Anya Romanowski, editorial director of Medscape Emergency Medicine. As a follow-up to our previous interview about testing positive for COVID-19 after two doses of an mRNA vaccine, we have reassembled a panel to review important updates regarding breakthrough infections and reinfections. We will also touch on the Omicron variant circulating globally at an increased speed.
Joining us today is Dr Angela Rasmussen, a virologist of the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan; Dr Kartik Cherabuddi, an infectious disease specialist and hospital epidemiologist at the University of Florida; and Dr Peter Antevy, an emergency physician and EMS medical director for Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department in Florida. Welcome, everyone.
Peter M. Antevy, MD: Thank you.
Angela L. Rasmussen, MA, MPhil, PhD: Thanks, Anya.
Kartik Cherabuddi, MD: Thank you.
Romanowski: Angie, I'd like to begin with you. Can you provide us with an update regarding the nature of reinfections and breakthrough infections that we're currently seeing in the US and globally? Also, how common are the reinfections in the unvaccinated as opposed to those fully vaccinated?
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Any views expressed above are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of WebMD or Medscape.
Cite this: COVID Breakthrough Infections and Reinfections: Where We Stand - Medscape - Jan 05, 2022.
Tables
Authors and Disclosures
Authors and Disclosures
Authors
Anya Romanowski, MS, RD
Editorial Director, Medscape Emergency Medicine, Medscape Critical Care, Medscape Hospital Medicine
Angela L. Rasmussen, MA, MPhil, PhD
Virologist, Center for Global Health Science and Security, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
Disclosure: Angela L. Rasmussen, MA, MPhil, PhD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:
Serve(d) as a speaker or a member of a speakers bureau for: MJH Life Sciences Received research grant from: FastGrants
Received income in an amount equal to or greater than $250 from: Hip Hop Public Health; W20; Principal; Select Equity; Health Advances; Leapsmag; Slate; Forbes
Kartik Cherabuddi, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Medicine and Infectious Diseases, University of Florida; Director, Antimicrobial Management Program, Hospital Epidemiologist, UF Health, Gainesville, Florida
Disclosure: Kartik Cherabuddi, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:
Received research grant from: Merck-MK-4482; NIAID-CoVPN
Peter M. Antevy, MD
Medical Director, Davie Fire Rescue, Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department, Miami, Florida
Disclosure: Peter M. Antevy, MD, has disclosed the following relevant financial relationships:
Serve(d) as a director, officer, partner, employee, advisor, consultant, or trustee for: Pediatric Emergency Standards, Inc.