[BurningFrog]

We DO have a good understanding of the human immune system, and how the mRNA vaccines interact with it. The effectiveness shown in the trials confirm those theories.

Sure, there could be some odd unforeseen effect. If so we'd learn as we go.

> it would be way worse if it turns out we have to re-vaccinate everyone

Worse than 3000 people dying every day? Because of the extra expense of making more doses?

[ishshdm7363]

> We DO have a good understanding of the human immune system...

As someone who is an active researcher in this field, I can tell you that this is just not true. The immune system is VERY complex and we know very little about it. We have only had the tools to begin to systematically probe it for a few years.

[BurningFrog]

Sure, there are plenty of bewildering mysteries in this field.

But I don't think they apply to these rather basic questions about how these mRNA vaccines work.

The theory for how they work is clear, and strongly confirmed by the studies showing 95% effectiveness.

Is there really any reason to think that a booster shot that provides 95% protection when given after 21 days will be damaging after 12 weeks?

Or that when two shots gives 95% immunity, 1 shot might give negative immunity?

This what's being implied by the "you never now, so let's do NOTHING" crowd here!

[aksss]

I know what you're getting at in this context, but in reality when you start digging into how the immune system works it's shocking how little is understood about it.

[BurningFrog]

"There’s a joke about immunology, which Jessica Metcalf of Princeton recently told me. An immunologist and a cardiologist are kidnapped. The kidnappers threaten to shoot one of them, but promise to spare whoever has made the greater contribution to humanity.

The cardiologist says, “Well, I’ve identified drugs that have saved the lives of millions of people.” Impressed, the kidnappers turn to the immunologist. “What have you done?” they ask.

The immunologist says, “The thing is, the immune system is very complicated …”

And the cardiologist says, “Just shoot me now.”

From https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/08/covid-19-... :)

[aksss]

heh.. :D