HOSPITAL CORNER

By Karleen C. Benavides

Is it safe?

The FDA carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks. The CDC through its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviews all safety data before recommending any COVID-19 vaccine for use. FDA and CDC will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, to make sure even very rare side effects are identified.

Is it better to get immunity from the illness or from the vaccine?

Both this disease and the vaccine are new. We don't know how long protection lasts for those who get infected or those who are vaccinated. What we do know is that COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people. If you get COVID-19, you also risk giving it to loved ones who may get very sick. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer choice.

What about side effects?

Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. We will understand more about mild side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine before we start to use it. However, your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away on their own within a week. Some people report getting a headache or fever when getting a vaccine. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is working and building up protection to disease.

What about long-term side effects?

COVID-19 vaccines are being tested in large clinical trials to assess their safety. However, it does take time and more people getting vaccinated before we learn about very rare or long-term side effects. That is why safety monitoring will continue. CDC has an independent group of experts that reviews all the safety data as it comes in and provides regular safety updates. If a safety issue is detected, immediate action will take place to determine if the issue is related to the COVID-19 vaccine and determine the best course of action.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

It is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine. Vaccines in the United States contain only a part of the virus (mRNA), which cannot cause illness (see video links below).

How does the mRNA vaccine work?

It teaches the immune system to recognize the virus's "tool" of entry (spike protein). Select the links below for educational videos.

How does Moderna's Coronavirus vaccine work? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_5zQzIb5Uc

RNA Vaccines (mRNA Vaccine) - Basis of Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, Animation https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMXGGmBfkf8

COVID 19 Vaccine Deep Dive: Safety, Immunity, RNA Production, w Shane Crotty, PhD (Pfizer/Moderna) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eK0C5tFHze8

– Karleen C. Benavides, RN BSPH is an Employee Health Nurse/Assistant Infection Preventionist with the Columbia County Health System.