The Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine was released today in the United Kingdom. The first dose of the Oxford/Astrazeneca will provide approximately 70%-90% protection within three weeks. The second dose will still be needed to extend the protection of the vaccine for the best efficacy.
The Pfizer vaccine’s first dose has been estimated to provide about 52% protection and about 72% with the second dose. The Pfizer vaccine will cost between $5-$30 and likely be free to most Americans. The price of the Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine will likely be approximately $3 a vaccine.
According to Matt Hancock, health secretary, Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccinations will start on January 4th, 2021 in the United Kingdom. This vaccine will be easier to distribute because it can be kept at normal temperature. Approximately 2 million people will need to be vaccinated every week to keep up with the transmission of the virus. The manufacture is having trouble keeping up with the production of the vaccine at the rate needed. One hundred million dosages have been ordered and the second dose can be given in within 12 weeks of the first.
Oxford/Astrazeneca & the United States
The Oxford/Astrazeneca vaccine will not be available in the United States until late March or April 2021. However, we do have the Pfizer and Moderna is coming soon. Nevertheless, it will take about 90 days after the vaccine to build up your immune system to fully protect against the COVID-19. The full protection is anywhere from 70%-90% based on the effectiveness of the vaccine. If you received the vaccine today, and the second dose, you’re not fully protected until around March 31, 2021. The Pfizer vaccine can be given 21 days after the first and Moderna in 28 days. It will take lots of coordination to get 70%-80% of the population vaccinated. Herd immunity is necessary to get this pandemic under control. We could get herb immunity if 70%-80 % of the population get vaccinated. It will take about one to four years to get enough people vaccinated based on the current vaccine availability.
Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
Pregnant and breastfeeding women can now be considered to get the vaccine on an individual basis. It will be decided by the their health care provider based on their individual case. To date, children should not get the vaccine, but this may change in the near future.
Reinfection
It is not recommended to mix the vaccines. Therefore, if your first dose is Pfizer, you second vaccine must be Pfizer. It has been observed that natural infection might not cause immunity but the vaccine should cause immunity. If you have had the virus, it is safe to get the vacine.
So far, there has been one nurse infected with COVID after about a week after getting the vaccine. This supports the idea that you can still be infected with the virus after your first dose of the Pfizer vaccine. It takes 7-14 days after the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine to be protected up to approximately 70%.
Original Virus Versus the New Variant
The new COVID variant is on the rise, but we only have limited information on what’s happening. So far, the new variant has been detected in Colorado and California. Base on the preliminary data, the new variant is more contagious but not more deadly. Cases of the new variant are increasing in all ages but more case has been seen in people 25-49 years old. Reinfection is more likely the original virus than in the new variant. There is no significant difference between hospitalization and deaths in the original and new variants.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 vaccines are making their way to us slowly but surely. Although the vaccines will likely be our way out of this pandemic, there are things we can do as well. According to randomized control trials, public health measures and supplements can keep us safe. Keep wearing your mask and keeping socially distant with good hand hygiene during the vaccination process. Don’t forget about continuing health measure such as hydration, adequate sleep, exercise, vitamin supplements, and a healthy diet. Despite what you might be hearing, there is strong evidence that supplements can reduce your chances of catching COVID-19.
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Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please consult your health care provider for all medical advice. Affiliate links support the channel with a small commission if you make a purchase. Thanks in advance for your support!
