Coronavirus: The REAL facts about COVID-19 vaccines you should know
By Dr. Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Vanderbilt Medical Center
Kaieteur News – There are many who form a negative opinion on being vaccinated against the COVID-19 infection due to legends circulating. In the meantime, the virus keeps rolling and spreading fast than before causing more deaths worldwide. Vaccines are our main hope of getting this pandemic under control, but at least 80 percent of us need to take it before we can reach a state where we can exit this pandemic. Today, I will share with you facts about the COVID-19 vaccines so that you can be properly informed and hopefully be convinced of the need to be vaccinated when it comes your turn.
What are the benefits of having a COVID-19 vaccine?
As you know, COVID-19 is deadly in some and can be mild in others. It can also cause devastating long-term effects that can weaken you if you become infected. Having a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body without you having to fall ill with COVID-19. In the rare case that you become ill, the vaccine may prevent you from becoming seriously ill or developing serious complications. Vaccination could also help protect people around you from COVID-19, especially people with a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
What COVID-19 vaccines are approved and how do they work?
There are currently several COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials. On completion of these trials, they will be presented to a panel of experts who will review their data and determine whether the evidence is good enough to authorize emergency use. Each country / union of countries has its own group of experts who will review the data and approve / refuse to use a specific vaccine. To date, the following three vaccines have been granted urgent approval for use by a number of countries around the world:
● Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine
Data has shown that the vaccine starts working soon after the first dose and has a 95 percent efficacy rate seven days after the second dose. This means that about 95 percent of people who get the vaccine are protected from getting seriously ill with the virus. This vaccine is for people aged 16 and over. It requires two injections given at least 21 days apart.
● Moderna vaccine
Data has shown that the vaccine has an efficacy rate of 94.1 percent. This vaccine is for people aged 18 and over. It requires two injections given at least 28 days apart.
● Oxford / AstraZeneca vaccine
Data has shown that the average vaccine effectiveness rate is 70 percent. The efficacy rate can range from 62 to 90 percent and varies by age, dose and time between doses. Two doses need to be given 4 to 12 weeks after the initial dose.
How quickly does the vaccine start producing antibodies?
Clinical vaccine trials showed some protection seven days after the shot. Seven days is when the body begins to show simulated antibodies. However, full vaccine protection is needed, 95 percent at least 28 days and two shots with the Pfizer vaccine, and 35 days and two shots with Moderna. So just because you’ve got the shot doesn’t mean you’re immediately protected.
What are the possible side effects of COVID-19 Vaccines?
Like any other vaccine you would have taken in your lifetime, the COVID-19 vaccine may have some side effects. Possible side effects of taking the COVID-19 vaccine may include:
● tenderness, swelling and / or redness at the injection site
● headaches
● muscle pain
● feeling tired
● fever / high temperature (37.8 ° C or more)
A less common side effect is swelling of the glands, which may start a few days after the vaccine which can last up to two weeks. This usually indicates that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. Like any vaccine and other medication, there is a very rare risk that some may be allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine. It can lead to allergic reactions that can be reversed with treatment after prompt attention.
The more vaccines approved for use, the better our chance of getting at least 80 percent of the world vaccinated by the end of 2021. Medical professionals work tirelessly to combat the COVID-19 infection. Come on board and wear your mask, watch your distance, wash / sanitize your hands and be vaccinated when the opportunity presents itself. Let’s work together to exit this pandemic in 2021!