May 2023 (COVID-19) Update
Transgender and Cisgender Terminology
A- FDA has authorized changes to simplify the use of bivalent mRNA vaccines. Although the Pandemic is officially over, the FDA has amended the emergency use authorization (EUA) of Moderna and Pfizer Biotech bivalent mRNA vaccines. has amended. Individuals who have already been vaccinated with a single dose of the bivalent vaccine are not anymore eligible for another dose but if they have previously been vaccinated with a monovalent COVID-19 vaccine, may be eligible for a single dose of a bivalent vaccine as well as individuals with immunocompromised conditions. Unvaccinated individuals may receive a single dose of a bivalent vaccine rather than multiple doses. Children (6 months to 5 years) without any vaccination, can be eligible for two doses -series of Moderna-bivalent vaccine or a three-dose series of the Pfizer-BioNTech bivalent Years). If they have received only one dose of a monovalent vaccine, they may receive a dose of a bivalent vaccine.
B- At the end of the pandemic, it is implemented that the use of the mRNA bivalent vaccine can be simplified because most of the US population older than 5-years-old, has already developed antibodies. Data continue to demonstrate that vaccine has demonstrated how they were able to prevent the most serious complications of the diseases with hospitalization and death.
C- The Moderna Bivalent COVID-19 vaccine is based on FDA’s previous analysis of clinical data of the monovalent Moderna COVID-19 in individuals of 6 months and older and the immune response after one dose after evidence of prior infection was comparable to the immune response after the second dose. Both vaccines are manufactured using the same process. The same analysis was carried out for the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 monovalent and bivalent vaccines.
D- There are still some risks in the community to be exposed to COVID-19 despite of the end of the end of the Public Health Emergency for the wear of masks. They should worn in area where the community is at high risk or during the performance of pulmonary function test (PFT).
Transgender and Cisgender
E- Leaving the COVID-19 subject and following the task we took in the last AMHE Newsletter, some lecturers are still confused on the terms used to explain some aspect of the sexuality although the subject was well debated and well exposed by Rony Jean-Mary MD. I would like to try to clear some key points:
F- Grossly, Sex is assigned at birth often based on the biological differences presented by the genitalia or by the genetic identity. Brief, the term “Transgender” describes a broad spectrum of people whose gender identity differs from the sex which was assigned to them at birth (Biologic sex). People are born with male or female chromosomes but this does not necessary dictate the gender. This discrepancy often causes anxiety and stress which is expressed through their “Gender Dysphoria”.
G- Be sure to avoid confusing “Gender Identity” and Sexual orientation”. Gender is who you are with the internal feelings of being a man or a woman. Sexual orientation defines who you are attracted to. You can be gay, straight, queer, lesbian or demonstrating another orientation regardless you identify as a male or a female or another gender.
H- Many transgenders will undergo surgical treatment or manipulate their system in taking hormonal drugs so their body can match their gender identity. Fortunately, not all transgenders are willing to undergo such procedures or identity themself based on physical appearances.
I- A “Cisgender” refers to the individual whose gender identity is congruent with their assigned sex at birth, but they are not transgender.
J- A “Transgender” man is an individual who was an assigned female at birth but identifies as a man. He does not feel who he is inside but matches it assigned gender on the outside.
K- A “Transgender” woman is an individual who was assigned male at birth but identifies as a woman.
L- Sexual orientation defines who you are attracted to. You can be gay, straight, queer, lesbian or demonstrating another orientation, but regardless you identify as a male or a female or another gender.
I Hope that I bought clarifications to the different terms which may appear as confusing and complicated.
Maxime Coles MD (Boca Raton FL)