(September 30, 2022) While the public has benefitted from vaccines, herd immunity and experiences gleaned from navigating a pandemic the past two-and-a-half years, COVID-19 still is having a significant impact on the U.S. population.
These were among the key messages delivered to leaders of some of the country’s largest companies during a recent call with former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb.
Gottlieb, a member of the board of directors of Pfizer Inc., frequent guest on national news programs and author of the New York Times best-selling book “Uncontrolled Spread” about the pandemic and its impact on national security, briefed several hundred CEOs of companies listed on the New York Stock Exchange.
Freeport-McMoRan Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard Adkerson was among those invited to the call. Dr. Richard Vinroot, Freeport-McMoRan Vice President and Medical Director, participated on Adkerson’s behalf.
For all the medical advancements developed to combat COVID-19, Gottlieb noted that as few as one in 10 cases are being recorded. That means the 90,000 daily cases currently logged may actually translate to 1 million daily cases. Infection rates are higher in more densely populated areas like New York and Chicago, he said.
Gottlieb – as has Vinroot – stressed the importance of getting vaccinated. The newest vaccine was developed using genetic material from the current COVID-19 strain, similar to how yearly flu vaccines are produced. Whether someone received the vaccine and boosters at the earliest opportunity, or they still have yet to become vaccinated, they should be getting the new version, as it will provide the greatest level of protection.
“Going forward, you should be getting vaccinated every year,” Vinroot said. “Vaccines don’t protect forever; they aren’t designed to. Vaccines not only prevent disease, but more importantly prevent severe infection, increased spread, hospitalization, death and help protect against long COVID.”
In addition to getting vaccinated at their earliest opportunity, Vinroot continues to advise employees to stay home if feeling ill. Looking forward, Vinroot anticipates a spike in cases during the winter. However, once the new vaccine becomes more widely used, COVID-19 may have less of a daily presence in our lives.
“I’m expecting a big wave from November to February, then hopefully we can start putting this in the rear-view mirror,” Vinroot said.