Discontinuing and investigating a medication because of possible problems is not a sign of an issue with a medication. It’s a sign or a properly functioning healthcare system which identifies new potential problems and then investigates.
The same goes for the Covid vaccine.
There have been a few instances of vaccinations being put on hold, with both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. The Moderna episode was in the San Francisco area and the Pfizer episode was in the Netherlands. Trials were also temporarily halted on a number of occasions only to be re-started in every case.
In both situations, after the data and cases were analyzed, regular vaccination protocols were started back up quickly as the side effects and cases were felt to not be significantly related to the vaccine.
I understand the concern, but I think that people need to stop panicking and let the dust settle whenever such a report comes out. We are having enough problems getting people vaccinated as it is. We do not need erosion of public confidence in their safety or efficacy.
Given all the problems with the vaccination roll-out worldwide, we will be in this for a long time. The problems will be corrected and we will all eventually be vaccinated but it will take time and patience. The problem with it taking too much time is that it allows more time for significant mutant variants to evolve.
A real bright spot is the Johnson and Johnson vaccine which should be available soon. Although all the information is not out yet, it is reportedly very effective with only one dose and apparently storage needs are much less stringent. Their vaccine is different from the ones available now (RNA-based) and uses an established traditional vaccine development strategy. An inactivated common cold adenovirus is used as a “Trojan Horse”, delivering lab-sequenced DNA which instructs infected cells to make the Coronavirus spike protein. When the protein is made and either expressed on the human cell surface or is released into plasma after the cell ruptures, our immune system recognizes it as foreign and the whole antibody-production mechanism turns on. The spike protein does not cause covid. The spike protein is what allows the coronavirus to attach to the host cells. The J&J vaccine contains no coronavirus RNA (its base genetic code).
As with the other vaccines, you CAN’T possibly contract Covid from the vaccines.
I repeat: YOU CAN’T GET COVID-19 FROM THE VACCINES!
Can you get side effects? YES. Chances are overall about 50:50, especially after the second dose since your immune system is primed to react. Some of these side effects include:
- Injection site soreness
- Muscle and joint aches
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
It seems like it will take many months, maybe 6 or more, for those who want to get vaccinated, to receive a vaccine. It’s hard to estimate how many Americans even want a vaccine and if the vaccination rates are lower elsewhere in the world, this virus will likely never be eradicated. We will likely need regular boosters to stay on top of mutations, just like with the flu.
So continuing to follow all the measures to keep everyone safe is crucial. You do not want to get sick. There is more and more evidence of long-term complications and some of these new variants are affecting kids more than the original SARS-Cov-2 virus.
MASK UP. Please wear it properly covering your nose. Make sure it is either multilayer cotton or surgical grade.
DISTANCE
WASH your hands regularly.
EYE PROTECTION when appropriate.
VENTILATE
VACCINATE
GET HEALTHY
Stay safe and be well. AC
AC