Coronavirus vaccine news, updates and information for 5-19-2021

<p>This is Vaccine 411, the latest coronavirus vaccine information for May 19th, 2021.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The hope is that we’re seeing the last of the worst. India’s total cases since the pandemic began crossed over 25 million yesterday and there was a record 4,329 deaths in 24 hours. Argentina also had a record one-day coronavirus death toll of 745 as it deals with a second wave of infections. However, in India, there’s at least a trend of falling cases.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Lots of buzz after Dr. Anthony Fauci’s appearance on Good Morning America, on which he admitted he’s been wearing a mask for the sake of public perception. The comment was notable due to public exchanges with Sen. Rand Paul in which he’s emphatically denied he was masking for any reason other than his own health. When Paul asked if his mask wearing after vaccination is theater, Fauci replied that variants were a good reason for a mask.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It should be easier to work with the Pfizer vaccine now. The European Medicines Agency said it can be stored at refrigerated temperature much longer than previously recommended. The EMA extended the approved storage period for an unopened thawed vial when kept in a fridge between 2C and 8C from five days to one month.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A new and very large survey shows that Covid-19 vaccines tend to alleviate the symptoms of long Covid. Some have been experiencing symptoms for months on end ranging from chronic fatigue to organ damage. 56.7% of respondents experienced an overall improvement in symptoms, with 24.6% unchanged and 18.7% reporting deterioration of their symptoms. In general, those who got mRNA vaccines like Phizer and Moderna reported more improvements.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The New York Yankee breakthrough mystery continues. Nine fully vaccinated members of the organization have tested positive. Symptoms have been mild or absent. But because a cluster of breakthrough cases like this is such a rarity, the CDC is looking into it. All nine got the Johnson &amp; Johnson vaccine.</p><p