COVID-19 Vaccine: What Are Some of the Common Concerns
As you probably know, the average number of cases of COVID-19 to date in the United States is 200,000. According to the COVID-19 experts, we are beginning to see the surge from Thanksgiving in the United States. I’m not trying to scare you but it is being predicted that there will be about 500,000 deaths from COVID-19 by Spring 2021. The good news is that the COVID-19 vaccine has rolled out this past Monday. However, the bad news is that there are some limitations to the vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccine 101
If you are one of the lucky ones, you are eligible for the vaccine upon the first rollout. The FDA has given the go for the Pfizer vaccine which requires two shots about 21-28 days apart. The first dose will likely give you about 52% immunity. You are not really fully immuned until you take the second dose and your body builds up the antibodies that should give you about 90% immunity. Meanwhile, you are may still be at risk for contracting a severe case of COVID-19, according to the literature. Further, you may also be able to spread COVID-19 if you have been exposed and are asymptomatic.
The most common side effects of the vaccines are pain at the injection site, fever, fatigue, or chills. There are no safety concerns for the COVID-19 vaccine at this point. The video below gives you the process of the COVID-19 vaccine development.
Keep in mind that there are several unknowns about the COVID-19 vaccine. It is estimated that the vaccine, stored and given correctly, might provide up to 2-3 years of immunity. It may require a booster every 2-3 years depending o your antibodies. If you want more info nation about the vaccine, click here.
Who should get the COVID-19 virus?
People who are asymptomatic and even people who have had the virus are encouraged to get the vaccine. There have been cases of reinfection in people who have had the virus. Even if you received the vaccine today, you will likely not have antibodies until February 2021.
So keep up the good work of wearing your mask, social distancing, good hand washing, and staying home unless you have to go out for essentials. This is a public health issue, not a political one.
Be safe everybody!
