Who should consider getting the COVID vaccine?
Those most at risk or those that live with or care for people at risk.
Who is at risk for severe covid-19 complications?
There was consistent evidence from multiple small studies that the following medical conditions increases one’s risk of severe COVID-19 illness:
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Obesity (BMI of 30 or higher)
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
- Serious heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Sickle cell disease
- Type 2 diabetes
What Should I Expect from the COVID-19 Vaccine?
There are two vaccines that are currently being prepared for nationwide distribution. The technology behind these vaccines have been researched for almost a decade. Recently due to this pandemic, funding for this technology has been significantly increased and helped bring this life saving alternative to life.
Important Facts about the COVID-19 Vaccine
It will be administered in 2 separate doses over a 1 month period
During both clinical studies the most common side effects were injection site pain and some individuals experienced flu like symptoms for up to 4 days after receiving the vaccine
Results from the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine trial found that the most severe side effects included fatigue in (9.7%), muscle pain (8.9%) , joint pain (5.2%), and headache (4.5%). In the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine trial, the numbers were lower and severe side effects included fatigue (3.8%) and headache (2%).
How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?
The Coronavirus vaccine uses fat bubbles known as lipid nanoparticles to deliver messenger RNA (mRNA) to cells. Once it arrives to the body’s cells, it triggers the cells to produce the COVID virus spike protein, provoking an immune response to that protein and hence creates immunity.
-Ms Rx Geek