Many of us have questions on the COVID vaccines that are coming out. As frontline healthcare providers, we will also be asked many questions by family, friends, and patients. Please see below for frequently asked questions and their answers.
Q: HOW DOES THIS VACCINE WORK?
A: Coding for the COVID-19 virus is injected into the muscle and virus proteins are produced based on the coding. The body then forms antibodies against the virus, enabling the recipient to fight the virus if exposed.
Q: CAN I GET THE VIRUS FROM THE VACCINE?
A: None of the vaccines being approved in America have the live virus and it is therefore not possible to get the virus from the vaccine.
Q: WHAT IS OPERATION WARP SPEED? DOES THE SPEED WITH WHICH THE VACCINE WAS DEVELOPED AFFECT ITS SAFETY?
A: Operation Warp Speed means that these vaccines were made available to the public much faster than the average vaccine, due to their immediate necessity. The same studies that are done in all vaccines were done in these vaccines as well. Due to the funding and support of the government, these studies were able to be done much faster than usual. Safety was not compromised at all in the speed of the studies.
Q: WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE VACCINE AND HOW LONG DO THEY LAST?
A: The side effects of the COVID vaccines are similar to those of the flu shot. The second vaccine can cause more side effects than the first. There can be swelling or redness at the site of injection, pain, headache, muscle or joint pain, fatigue, and a low-grade fever. These side effects should be self-limiting and, other than supportive care, should not require treatment. They should not last more than 2 days post vaccination. If there is a more severe reaction than listed above, contact your provider.
Q: THERE HAVE BEEN REPORTS OF ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS AFTER RECEIVNG THE VACCINE. WHAT ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SOMEONE WITH A HISTORY OF ANAPHYLACTIC REACTIONS IN REGARD TO GETTING THE VACCINE?
A: The CDC currently recommends that those with a history of a severe allergic reaction should take appropriate precautions when getting the vaccine, but it is not contraindicated. To be cautious, all those getting the COVID vaccine should be observed for 15 minutes after the vaccination, and those with a history of anaphylactic reaction should be observed for 30 minutes. Appropriate treatment for an anaphylactic reaction should be easily accessible.
Q: HOW LONG AFTER GETTING THE VACCINE WILL I HAVE IMMUNITY?
A: The first dose of the vaccine gives partial immunity and full immunity is only achieved after the second dose.
Q: HOW LONG WILL THE IMMUNITY LAST?
A: At this time, it is unknown how long the immunity will last. With continuing studies, it will be determined if additional boosters will be required, and, if yes, how often.
Q: WILL I STILL NEED TO WEAR A MASK AND SOCIAL DISTANCE AFTER GETTING THE VACCINE?
A: Yes. We have a long way to go until herd immunity is reached and until we hear otherwise, we must continue to take appropriate precautions.
Q: CAN I GET THE VACCINE IF I HAVE COVID OR ARE OTHERWISE ILL?
A: It is not recommended to get the vaccine while ill.
Q: I HAVE ANTIBODIES-DO I NEED TO GET THE VACCINE?
A: Since it is still unknown how long antibodies from the COVID virus last, and how much they actually protect against getting the virus again, it is recommended to get the vaccine.
Q: CAN I GET THE VACCINE AT THE SAME TIME AS OTHER VACCINES?
A: The COVID vaccine cannot be given with any other vaccines. No vaccines can be received within 14 days before or after receiving the COVID vaccine.
Q: IS THE VACCINE SAFE TO GET DURING PREGNANCY OR WHILE BREASTFEEDING?
A: There is no current data on the safety of the vaccine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. However, based on the mechanism of action of the vaccines, and since the vaccines do not contain a live virus, they are unlikely to be a risk to pregnant or breastfeeding women. A pregnant woman who is able to get the vaccine may want to discuss it with her medical provider first, though this is not required. When deciding whether or not to get the vaccine, it is important to take into account that COVID itself poses a significant risk during pregnancy.
Q: IS THE VACCINE SAFE FOR THOSE WHO ARE IMMUNOCOMPROMISED OR IMMUNOSUPPRESED?
A: The vaccine is safe, however, it may not produce as high a level of immunity.
Q: ARE THESE VACCINES APPROVED FOR CHILDREN?
A: The vaccine is only approved for ages 18 years and older.
Q: HOW MUCH TIME IS NECESSARY BETWEEN DOSES? WHAT HAPPENS IF ONE DOES NOT GET THE SECOND DOSE IN THAT TIME FRAME?
A: The second dose of the Pfizer vaccine is given 21 days after the first. The second dose of the Moderna vaccine is given 28 days after the first. There is no current data on the efficacy of the vaccine if the second dose is given after this time frame. It is therefore important to come back for the second dose in a timely manner. If someone is unable to get their second dose at the correct time, the dose can still be given. However, it is unknown how effective it will be. A vaccine card will be given to all those getting their first dose so that they can know when to return.
Q: CAN I GET THE SECOND DOSE WITH A DIFFERENT BRAND THAN THE FIRST DOSE?
A: There is no data to support the vaccine efficacy if a different brand is used to complete the series. It is therefore not recommended to get a different brand of the vaccine for the second dose.
Q: WHEN CAN I GET THE VACCINE?
A: The administration of the vaccine is being rolled out in phases. The first ones to get the vaccine, in phase 1a, are the healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. Phase 1b includes essential workers. Phase 1c includes those aged 65+ and adults that are high risk. Phase 2 will be for the general population.
Q: HOW MUCH WILL THE VACCINE COST?
A: Patients will not be required to pay anything when they receive the vaccine. All costs will be covered by the patient's insurance or the federal government.
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