Writing a newsletter like this, it’s easy to assume that you’re preaching to the choir, literally and figuratively. We don’t get a lot of feedback on the content, and what does come in is almost always positive.
But there are people with serious concerns about the safety and efficacy of COVID vaccines and deep reservations about taking them. Or at the very least, people who believe that scientists haven’t made the case for vaccines.
Spoiler alert: the CDC is recommending basically everybody get a COVID booster this fall. That’s a good thing! There’s also a program to pay for shots for people with no or inadequate health insurance. That’s an even better thing!
With the highlights out of the way, let’s get into the weeds a little. As anticipated, the FDA has approved a new round of booster vaccines against COVID. At least, they’ve endorsed two of the three possibilities: Moderna and Pfizer. Booster doses of those two vaccines could be available as early as the end of this week.
However, the FDA did not give the green light to Novavax, the only non-mRNA vaccine available in the U.S. That’s been held up for undisclosed reasons, though it’s expected to be available before too long.
This is great news, but what does it mean for you, and for the church? To answer that, we have to look at who can get the shots, and who should get the shots.
So, uh, let’s do that?
The confusion isn’t all BA.2.86’s fault Looks like we’re back to being a COVID-focused newsletter for a little while. This might last a week, or it might be longer. But we’ve got news to share, and you deserve to hear it! Let’s talk about confusion. As mentioned last week, COVID levels are rising in Wisconsin. It’s increasing in wastewater, it’s increasing in…
What have we learned from the pandemic? In her July 11th newsletter, Katelyn Jetelina talks about some lessons she’s learned since the start of the COVID pandemic. I want to talk about a few of those points today, because as my colleague Peter Bakken says, they are “relevant to the WCC’s lane.” But do, as they say, “read the whole thing.”…
Easter and social connection When I was a pastor a few years back, I wrote a communion service for use with homebound members. It centered on the story of the disciples who encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus after his death and resurrection. The service began with an excerpt from the story and an opening prayer: Loving God,…
I was going to write this week about people having to reapply to stay on Medicaid and the effect it might have on local churches. Alas, that plan fell through. Instead, I’m going to pass on a few things that have crossed my inbox recently.
Being healthy as individuals and as a community involves, among other things, making the choice to stay connected. Pastors and other leaders who shape vision should work to develop imagination for connection now.
It’s tempting to file a thesis statement like that under “Duh, obviously.” But allow me to explain!
