COVID-19 Vaccine: Truths and Myths
Dr. Mok receiving dose 1 of the COVID 19 vaccination 12/21/2020
Two COVID 19 vaccines have now been issued Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA. EUA means that during health emergencies, like this pandemic, the FDA will allow the use of unapproved medical products to diagnose, treat, or prevent serious or life-threatening diseases or conditions. The vaccines must meet specific standards for safety and efficacy to receive this designation.
The vaccines from both companies, Pfizer and Moderna, are using messenger RNA from the virus to stimulate our immune system to create antibodies against a portion of the coronavirus. There is no live virus in the vaccine. You can not get COVID-19 from the vaccine. Currently the vaccines are considered 95% effective, but at this point we don’t know how long the vaccine offers protection. This will continue to be studied. The vaccines both require two doses. The Pfizer vaccine requires a second dose 21 days after the first and the Moderna requires a second dose 28 days after the first. It is imperative that the second dose be received to ensure a proper level of protection.
Both vaccines can produce side effects. Getting immunized gets your immune system revved up, so it is common to see fatigue, body aches, even fever after receiving these shots. These are actually good signs because this means your body is developing a response so that if it ever comes across that disease again, it will recognize it and fight against it. There have been some more severe reactions, but these are rare. Dr. Mok did develop soreness at the injection site, some fatigue and body aches the day of vaccination, but already feels better today.
What are the special requirements for the vaccine? You should not get vaccinated if you have a fever or do not feel well. For women who are pregnant, it is advised to talk with your obstetrician prior to receiving a vaccine. If you have had COVID-19 within the past 90 days, it is advised to wait to get the vaccine as you already have some immunity to the infection and this will allow others to get the vaccine.
When you go to get your shot, make sure to tell the provider if you have any allergies, have a fever, have any bleeding disorders or on a blood thinner, whether you are immunocompromised or on a medication that affects your immune system, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you received another COVID-19 vaccine.
So after you get your shot, when are you most protected against COVID-19? The Pfizer vaccine is most effective 7 days after the second dose and the Moderna vaccine offers the most protection 14 days after the second dose. However, at this point it is best to continue to mask, social distance, and practice good hand hygiene.
If there are more questions you have that have not been addressed here, please check out the CDC’s site for more information. You can also email Dr. Mok at drmok@envisiondirectprimarycare.com with any additional questions.