23 Dec The Covid-19 Vaccine: Questions and Concerns
Happy Holidays!
I hope this post finds every one of you well. As 2020 is coming to a close, I’m sure most of you are looking ahead to 2021. Before we get too excited, I want to send out a few tidbits of information for the upcoming months.
The COVID-19 vaccine is rolling out nationwide. The FDA-approved Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 Vaccines require two doses, within a month, a few weeks apart. There are other vaccines in the final stage of trials in humans, including AstraZeneca (two-dose), Johnson & Johnson (single-dose), and Novavax.
Many of you have questions, and I want to share some of the facts I know.
Will I get COVID-19 if I receive the vaccine?
The Pfizer and Moderna approved vaccines are mRNA vaccines. They create immunity response without introducing the virus. People often misinterpret the side effects of the vaccine with the actual infection. Todd Brown, a registered pharmacist at Northwestern answers this question: https://bit.ly/2KwG4Gd
What are the side effects?
The CDC reports common side effects:
- Pain and swelling at the site of the injection site.
- Fever, chills, tiredness, and headache.
I know several healthcare workers have received the vaccine and have no side effects other than soreness at the injection site.
Should I get the vaccine if I have an allergy?
During the clinical trials, the CDC reported that some people experienced severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
So, what does that mean for you? If you have specific reactions to medications, foods, or vaccines, you should talk to your healthcare provider.
When Will I get the vaccine?
The CDC has a goal to deliver safe vaccines to Americans now through 2021.
The National Academies of Sciences Engineering Medicine has a framework chart for an equitable allocation of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Due to my work as a healthcare provider, I am eligible for the vaccine and will receive it. I hope this information will provide you with facts about the vaccine and help guide you in the coming months. In the meantime, stay safe, don’t let your guard down, and protect yourself and others. We have a few days left in the year 2020, and we are all looking forward to a healthy 2021.
