The recent introduction of two newly approved COVID-19 vaccines serves as a glimmer of hope after a challenging year overshadowed by the global pandemic.
Initial vaccine distribution commenced a couple of weeks ago, targeting front-line healthcare workers and nursing home residents in the first phase. Essential workers like firefighters, therapists, and teachers began receiving vaccinations in certain regions this week. If progress remains positive, the general public can expect access to the vaccine within the next several months.
Developed through an accelerated process, these vaccines have sparked concerns, despite their approximately 95% effectiveness in preventing severe COVID-19 cases. Surveys conducted this month still reveal that almost 50% of individuals remain hesitant about getting vaccinated.
This apprehension has sparked substantial debates within the Black community, which has experienced a disproportionate impact from the virus.
“The virus has brought to light the longstanding systemic health and social disparities in Black and Latino communities. The Black community bears the highest death rates,” remarked Janice Underwood, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for Virginia. “We must ensure trust and accurate information about this vaccine for all.”
Addressing the inequities that have plagued the Black community, Dr. Valerie Fitzhugh volunteered for a vaccine clinical trial.
“I recognize that communities of color, particularly my own—the Black community—possess valid reasons for skepticism toward medicine and this vaccine. Throughout history, my ancestors endured experimentation and harm inflicted by doctors in the name of science,” shared Fitzhugh, Associate Chair of Pathology at Rutgers University. “For me, this became a profound incentive to participate in a trial. I wanted to demonstrate to my community that the vaccine is safe and taking this step can aid in containing the spread of #COVID19. I took the chance to ensure Black representation in this study. To me, that was paramount.”
The undisputed fact is that a vaccine only becomes effective when administered and not left unused. This is what else we know about these vaccines:
- The vaccines leverage innovative technology. Both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines use mRNA technology, sharing a common mission: infiltrate cells, deliver instructions, and self-destruct. These instructions, represented by a small piece of genetic code (mRNA), pertain to the spike protein of the coronavirus. Our immune system identifies this protein as a threat and activates a defense mechanism. The vaccine cleverly induces the body to react to harmless instructions, thereby preparing it to combat the virus upon future exposure.
The vaccine comprises more than mRNA but notably lacks tracking devices, microchips, fetal tissue, or live virus, contrary to rumors. It also cannot cause COVID-19. The vaccine incorporates a fatty layer to shield mRNA, salts for pH maintenance, and a stabilizing sugar.
- Both vaccines necessitate a second dose. The 95% effectiveness hinges on individuals receiving both doses of the dual-injection vaccine spaced three weeks to a month apart.
- The vaccine is deemed safe. Pharmaceutical companies channeled significant resources into the swift development of a COVID-19 vaccine, driven by the pandemic’s global impact. The emergency situation expedited the response, but proper safety protocols and testing were not bypassed. The FDA authorized the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines after assessing that their benefits outweigh potential risks.
“Some believed the development occurred too rapidly, but that isn’t entirely accurate. Vaccine development’s scientific foundation evolved. Utilizing mRNA, we deciphered the genetic makeup as early as January. As soon as the genetic structure was identified, we swiftly developed mRNA within days,” explained Norm Oliver, M.D., State Health Commissioner for the Virginia Department of Health. “Both vaccines underwent extensive testing involving diverse groups, including African Americans, during the Pfizer and Moderna trials. Both exhibited 95% effectiveness. The few who still contracted the virus experienced only mild cases. The vaccines underwent rigorous scrutiny, involving the FDA, vaccine advisory committees, health equity considerations, and faith leaders, before earning the ‘safe’ label.”
- Potential side effects exist. Short-term, mild to moderate vaccine reactions tend to resolve without complications. Similar to other vaccines, clinical trial participants reported reactions such as pain at the injection site, fatigue, headaches, muscle discomfort, fever, and chills.
Fitzhugh confirmed experiencing these side effects. “The day following the second dose [on a Saturday], I suffered a severe headache and profound fatigue. I surrendered to a nap, wrapped in a large blanket despite a 75-degree room temperature! I slumbered for nearly two hours, awakening while shivering and chilled. A temperature check revealed 101.5°F, indicating a fever,” she recounted. Her fatigue and headache persisted for another day, while arm pain at the injection site lingered for several days. Nevertheless, Fitzhugh resumed work on the following Monday with no complications.
Experts stress that the benefits of vaccination outweigh potential side effects, which pale in comparison to the severe repercussions of contracting COVID-19. In the words of Virginia’s Oliver: “Vaccine side effects are minor; COVID-19 effects are fatal.”
Of course, other side effects may emerge over time. At present, insufficient data exist regarding potential heightened risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or immunocompromised individuals like those living with HIV. Furthermore, there is no information regarding vaccine effects on children under 16, a demographic excluded from clinical trials for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and not yet eligible for vaccination.
- Some individuals experienced allergic reactions to the vaccine. Following vaccine administration in the United Kingdom, reports surfaced of two severe allergic reactions post-vaccination. The U.S. also witnessed a handful of similar reactions, albeit a small number compared to the thousands vaccinated. Consequently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend observing vaccine recipients for up to 30 minutes after the injection. The CDC also introduced an app called v-safe, allowing patients to voluntarily report side effects.
- Immunization follows a phased approach. As previously mentioned, healthcare workers and residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities constituted phases 1 and 1a. An estimated 40 million doses will cater to this demographic. Essential workers (firefighters, teachers, USPS employees, corrections workers, public transit workers, grocery store employees, and those in manufacturing, food service, and agriculture) and individuals aged 75 and older are next in line for phase 1b. Phase 1c involves people aged 65-74 and those under 65 with specific high-risk medical conditions. The final phase, phase 2, targets the remaining population. While the goal is to vaccinate everyone by late spring, full implementation might extend into summer or fall due to existing distribution challenges. Additional vaccines could gain FDA approval in early 2021, and a staggering 1,627 global clinical trials focus on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments.
- Post-vaccination, mask-wearing and social distancing remain imperative. Regrettably, safety measures need to persist, particularly early on before widespread vaccination. Despite Pfizer and Moderna vaccines exhibiting 95% effectiveness, a 5% chance of contracting the virus remains when exposed to unvaccinated individuals or those who are still spreading the virus. The imperative remains to safeguard others, as viral shedding might persist despite vaccination.
- Prior COVID-19 exposure doesn’t negate vaccination. The duration of protection against reinfection following virus exposure is uncertain. While public health experts suggest immunity endures for at least several months, it remains advisable to receive the vaccine within the recommended timeframe—especially if substantial time has elapsed since testing positive.
- Vaccine selection isn’t a choice for consumers. “
