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Your Health Matters: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE US COVID-19 VACCINATION PROGRAM
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) changed all our plans in 2020. Many of us have stories of our family, friends and colleagues contracting the virus. Some of us have personal stories of contracting the virus ourselves. Following the announcements of the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of two COVID-19 vaccines by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), many people began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. On December 11, 2020, the first vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19 developed by Pfizer, Inc. was authorized by the FDA. On December 18, 2020, the second vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19, developed by ModernaTX, Inc. was authorized as well. With the announcement of these new vaccines and implementation of the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program, many people are left with questions about the COVID-19 vaccine and the facts surrounding it.
COVID-19 has affected millions of people globally
COVID-19 has wrecked havoc on millions of people globally, warranting the need for the research, production, and development of a vaccine. On a global scale, there has been more than 77.9 million COVID-19 cases and more than 1.7 million deaths from COVID-19, as of December 16, 2020 (New York Times, 2020). While opponents of vaccinations may argue against receiving a COVID-19 vaccine for a myriad of reasons, the fact that we must do something is irrefutable. Vaccines, in general, train our immune systems to create proteins that fight disease, known as “antibodies”, just as would happen when we are exposed to a disease but crucially- vaccines work without making us sick.
COVID-19 vaccines will not give you COVID-19
One of the common myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines is that they will give you COVID-19. This is completely a myth. A wealth of research has been done on the topic and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has declared that the recently authorized and recommended vaccines nor the other COVID-19 vaccines currently in clinical trials in the United States cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. However, if your body develops an immune response, which is the goal of vaccination, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. Experts are currently looking at how COVID-19 vaccination may affect antibody testing results.
The Elderly and people with underlying medical conditions should strongly consider getting the vaccine.
Honestly, everyone should strongly consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine but those who are elderly or dealing with underlying medical conditions, such as Diabetes or Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), should make it a priority to meet with their primary care provider (PCP) to discuss whether getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is right for them. Individuals with underlying medical conditions or those with compromised immune systems are at an increased risk for contracting COVID-19 and experiencing the most severe complications of the virus such as shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Getting the vaccine could be the first step to ending this global pandemic.
Herd immunity is our last hope in the fight against COVID-19
Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune. There are two paths to herd immunity for COVID-19 — vaccines and infection. A vaccine for the virus that causes COVID-19 is an ideal approach to achieving herd immunity. Vaccines create immunity without causing illness or resulting complications. Herd immunity makes it possible to protect the population from a disease, including those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns. Using the concept of herd immunity, vaccines have successfully controlled deadly contagious diseases such as smallpox, polio, diphtheria, rubella and many others. Reaching herd immunity through vaccination sometimes has drawbacks, though. Protection from some vaccines can wane over time, requiring revaccination. Sometimes people do not get all of the shots that they need to be completely protected from a disease. In addition, some people may object to vaccines because of religious objections, fears about the possible risks or skepticism about the benefits. People who object to vaccines often live in the same neighborhoods or attend the same religious services or schools. If the proportion of vaccinated people in a community falls below the herd immunity threshold, exposure to a contagious disease could result in the disease quickly spreading. Measles has recently resurged in several parts of the world with relatively low vaccination rates, including the United States. Opposition to vaccines can pose a real challenge to herd immunity.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine will not excuse you from mask wearing and social distancing.
Unfortunately, the requirement to wear masks in public and socially distance from one another will continue to be mandated nationwide. Even those who receive the COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be required to follow these mandates. While the vaccine is strongly encouraged for front-line workers, elderly adults, and people with compromised immune systems, very soon, the vaccine will be widely available to any and everyone. It is important to be mindful that vaccinations does not excuse us from the need to practice good hand hygiene (handwashing) and other infection control techniques. 11
The Bottom Line
Getting vaccinated is one of many steps you can take to protect yourself and others from COVID-19. Protection from COVID-19 is critically important because for some people, it can cause severe illness or death. Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools available. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Other steps, like masks and social distancing, help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.
