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Covid-19 Vaccinations are here….now what?

Now that there are authorized and recommended (coronavirus) Covid-19 vaccines–accurate information is critical in order to make a decision to receive this vaccination.  You may have some questions: 

How do I know that Covid-19 vaccine is safe?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards. Many people participated in these trials to see how these vaccines can protect people of different ages, races and ethnicities, as well as different medical conditions. The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from these clinical trials and ensures that vaccines are safe as possible.

For example, in the Pfizer study:

• 30,000 people were included from 39 states in the United States and from Brazil, Argentina, and Germany.
• Depending on the location, 30 to 40 percent of each study group came from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds.
• More than 40 percent of people in the study were 56 to 85 years old. 

How did this vaccine develop so fast when in the past other vaccines took years to develop?

This vaccine started in development early 2020, we had only previous vaccine development to guide our expectations, where in the past most vaccines take years to develop. Yet less than a year into this effort, 2 highly effective preparations have received emergency use approval from the FDA. This is due to multiple factors:

• International cooperation, which resulted in the immediate sharing of the genetic sequence of this never-before-seen virus.
• This virus caused a global health crisis which prompted abundant funding….funds from international governments, corporations, and private citizens from around the world.
• Most importantly was the nature of the Covid-19 virus itself—it was very similar to the SARS & MERS (each are types of coronaviruses)–which have been studied by scientists for over 15 years. This gave the scientist a head start! Therefore much of their research was based on previous knowledge of similar coronaviruses.

How does the Covid-19 vaccine work?

Unlike previous vaccines, which used a weakened or inactivated virus to trigger an immune response, these new vaccinations harness the molecular building blocks of the coronavirus. Specifically, they use a single strand of genetic code known as “messenger RNA” or mRNA. Messenger RNA instructs cells to construct specific proteins. When the vaccine enters our body, our cells will  “read the message” and begin producing harmless protein subunits. During the process, the mRNA is destroyed, and the immune system produces antibodies that protects us from getting sick with Covid-19.

Getting vaccinated allows protection from getting sick which is important because even though many people with Covid-19 have only a mild illness, others may get a severe illness, have long term health effects or even die!

Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with Covid-19?

No…None of the current Covid-19 vaccines contain the LIVE virus that causes Covid-19! This means that the vaccine CAN NOT make you sick with Covid-19. This vaccine teaches your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes Covid-19 infections. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building protection against the virus. 

What are the potential side effects of this vaccine?

You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. Mild side effects include redness, warmth or pain at the injection site. Other reported side effects include possible fever, chills, headache or tiredness.

In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain is normal. Contact your doctor or healthcare provider:

• If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
• If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to be going away after a few days

As with any medication or vaccine, check the ingredients for any allergies and speak with your healthcare provider.

Do I really need a second dose of the vaccine?

Yes, if you are receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, two doses are needed to get the most protection from the virus. The second injection is given 4 weeks after the first injection. 

How can I get an appointment to get my vaccine?

Contact .The Lucas County Health Department-COVID -19 Vaccine Information

For Assistance Call United Way 211 or Area Office on Aging 419-382-0624

It is important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic :

• Get vaccinated
• Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others
• Stay 6 feet away from others
• Avoid crowds
• Wash hands often!

Sources:  CDC.gov

USA Today                                                                                                                   UCLA Health Science