Rotarian Dennis Brownlee presented Dr. John Greene, MD, Section Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine and Senior Member of the Internal Medicine department at Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL. Dr. Greene attended the meeting via Zoom, which was another “Plant City Rotary First,” as the Club has never hosted a remote speaker.
Dr. Greene shared volumes of information regarding COVID-19, the variants, and the currently available vaccines.
Highlights of his presentation included:
We recently completely the third wave of the virus, and fortunately hospitals were not overrun.
The hospitalization and mortality rate of those infected with the virus is highly dependent upon three primary factors: 1) age, 2) pre-existing conditions, and 3) weight. The most problematic pre-existing conditions are high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, dementia, and cancer. With regard to weight, more overweight individuals had a higher rate of requiring a ventilator, etc.
There are three primary vaccines today. The Phizer / Moderna have a 95% effectiveness rate. The Johnson & Johnson (single injection) has a 70%-85% effectiveness rate. For reference, a typical flu shot is 40-60% effective, the measles vaccine is 97%, and the mumps vaccine is 88%. Relatively speaking, the COVID vaccines are extremely effective.
No, the vaccine cannot and will not modify your DNA, chromosomes, or sexual orientation.
No, the vaccine does not infect you with the virus.
If you have already been infected with COVID, you can still get the vaccine, but you may experience a more severe reaction to the vaccine. It is recommended that you wait at least 90 days before getting the vaccine.
The vaccines cover all of the variants, but just not as effectively.
The medical field recommends continuing social distancing, mask-wearing, and other prevention methods until 80% of the population is either vaccinated or is carrying the antibody. Vaccinated individuals can still carry and spread the virus, even if they are protected from it.
Questions from the membership:
What percent of our community is vaccinated or is carrying the antibody?
Based upon general statistics in Hillsborough, Dr. Greene estimates that the current “herd immunity” rate is 25% - 40%. Based upon the estimated expansion of the vaccine, we might reach 60% by early summer, and then perhaps 70% by late summer. Dr. Greene hopes that we can achieve 80% herd immunity by December or early 2022.
Today, the vaccine is limited to individuals over 18 years old. How is this going to impact children?
The vaccine is currently being tested on individuals younger than 18, and the vaccine may not roll out to individuals under 18 until next year. Dr. Greene does not know how this will affect kids, or if they will need to continue to wear masks until next year.
The virtual presentation was well-received by the Club, and special thanks to the Hillsborough Community College staff for their help in ensuring the technology worked flawlessly.
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Member and Club News
It's Go Time!
Wild Game Cookout
Friday, April 9, 2021
Here is the schedule for Wild Game Week 2021:
Monday: We need all Rotarians at meeting for a general assembly to go over last minute details, we will then break into committees to discuss what needs to be done.
Wednesday: CABBAGE CUT. James will be leaving for Labelle to pick up cabbage ( If anyone would like to join him, I`m sure he would appreciate it. ) The cut will be at my (Gumby) house 3418 Tindle Rd Plant City, at 3:30. If you can`t make it by then, no problem, show up when you can. This is a very social event. The more help we get, the sooner we can enjoy the meal that Billy and Jodi will be preparing. Club will provide the food, water and adult beverages. This is a very fun event, don`t miss out. We may need some chairs. Would like to have a head count by Monday so that we can plan food.
Thursday: SET-UP DAY. We will need help setting up and getting things out of storage, we usually get lunch somewhere, then begin after that. I realize not many will be able to do that. That being said, everyone should be there after work to help with remaining set up. The Venison committee will be grilling Venison burgers for anyone that would like one. All cookers need to on site by 2:00, so that gas can be hooked up.
Friday: GAME DAY. There will be many last minute details to be dealt with. There be things happening all day, if available, please help. You should have been given your assignment from the chairmen. Show up early, we will open the gate at 6:00 and need food prepared before then.
Saturday: CLEAN UP. ALL HANDS ON DECK. All Club member are expected to participate. We need everyone there at 8:30, this should only take a few hours as long as we have good participation.
The festival is gracious enough to let us have our event there, so it is very important for us to have our site cleaned and materials removed in a timely manner.
This is a great event that is enjoyed by the community, but it also supports a fundamental purpose of our Club, which is best captured on our own webpage:
With active participation of our members we can look forward to accomplishing great things as we attempt to give back to our community and our world a small measure of the blessings we have received.
To that end, know that events like Wild Game enabled your Club to donate nearly $50,000 during President Haney’s term. Below is a summary of local organizations and individuals your Club has supported, or has pledged to support this year:
Thank you, members, for your tireless efforts on supporting Rotary, this community, and each other.
The Otto and Fran Walter Foundation has pledged $15.5 million to The Rotary Foundation to start a Rotary Peace Center in the Middle East or North Africa.
Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors worked together in a nationwide project that promoted behavior change and initiated safety standards for businesses.
