top of page

COVID-19 Vaccine: Is There Hope?  

Author: Devora Organic

Edited by: Obehi Oniha

Published by: Christie Cao (4/17/2021)

Background:


      Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the resulting coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) have afflicted tens of millions of people globally since it was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization on March 11, 2020. Older adults, persons with certain coexisting conditions, and front-line workers are at the highest risk for contracting Covid-19 and its complications. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, “Recent data show increasing rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and Covid-19 in other populations, including younger adults.” Safe and effective prophylactic vaccines are urgently needed to contain the pandemic, which has had devastating medical, economic, and social consequences. 

What does the COVID-19 Vaccine Do? 


      When you come into contact with viruses or bacteria, your body’s immune system makes antibodies to fight them off. A vaccine forces your immune system to make antibodies against a specific disease––COVID-19, usually with a dead or weakened form of the germs. Then, if you come into contact with them again, your immune system knows what to do. The vaccine gives you immunity, so you don’t get sick or so your illness is much milder than it otherwise would have been. The COVID-19 vaccine should have these effects and be able to slow the spread of COVID-19 globally. Fewer people would get sick, and more lives can be saved.

Types of Vaccines Available in the U.S. Today and Their Efficacy: 


      Currently, there are multiple pharmaceutical companies developing the COVID vaccine, but there are some that are in the final stages of development, some are even distributing the vaccines.

 

  • Moderna: The vaccine went from a computer design in January to human study in just three months, making Moderna the first U.S. company to reach that point. Data shared by Moderna also show the vaccine protects people from the severe disease that leads to the worst health outcomes. Moderna’s efficacy shows that it was 94.1% effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19. 

​

  • Pfizer and BioTech: Data from the trial have now been published in the New England Journal of Medicine, affirming earlier positive results and demonstrating a better-than-expected 95% efficacy in preventing COVID-19. The finding was based on 170 cases of COVID-19 that were counted beginning one week after the second dose. Only eight were in study participants who received the vaccine.

​

  • AstraZeneca: AstraZeneca and Oxford's vaccine is viewed as important for global immunization efforts as it can be more easily distributed and stored. AstraZeneca has also committed to selling doses more cheaply than other distributors and expects to produce a greater number of doses. AstraZeneca’s vaccine proved to be 70% effective for preventing illness from coronavirus infection. 

Side Effects:

​

      Like with many vaccinations, there are common side effects you may experience which are all normal signs that your body is building up protection. These side effects may affect your ability to participate or perform daily activities, but it should go away in the following days. On the injected arm you may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort. While the rest of your body may present fever, chills, tiredness, and headaches. 

Why should you take the vaccine? 


      Vaccines serve the same purpose as mask-wearing and social distancing, it is another effective way to prevent yourself and others from getting infected. Think of it as a way to protect yourself and the people around you. After taking the vaccine, the immune system will be prepared to fight the virus. Together, COVID-19 vaccination and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19 and hopefully decrease the number of deaths and prevent any future surges.

​

Who should not take the vaccine? 

       

      Always consult with your primary care doctor before and/or if you have any concerns about taking the vaccine. It is important to be aware of the potential risk the vaccine can do to your body. With that being said, those who have weakened immune systems, autoimmune conditions, Guillain-Barre syndrome, Bells’ palsy, and any severe or immediate allergic reactions to any ingredients in the vaccine should not take it. 


Why do you need to take it twice? 

       

      The COVID vaccine has to be taken twice to better prepare your body from fighting off the virus if contracted. The first shot helps the body recognize the virus and begins to prepare the immune system. The second shot is to strengthen the immune system’s response. Overall, two shots will ensure a stronger immunity towards COVID if exposed.

​

The Phases of Vaccination Distribution in Maryland: 

      There will be 4 phases of vaccination distribution in Maryland. The vaccine will be allocated as followed:

​

Phase 1A: Healthcare workers, residential staff of long-term care facilities, and first responders.

Phase 1B: People at high risk of contracting COVID-19.

Phase 2: People in essential infrastructure roles and people at moderately high risk of contracting COVID-19. 

Phase 3: The general population. 

 

What is the status of the vaccine for people under 18 years old?

 

      Because children’s immune systems are very different from adults’, and their immune responses can be different at different ages, from infancy through the teenage years, the COVID-19 vaccine is unavailable for both children and adults at the same time. So the research that’s been done on the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 16 and up needs to be repeated in children of younger ages. Companies that are distributing vaccines right now have authorized their vaccines for different ages. Pfizer authorized their vaccine for ages 16 and older, while Moderna authorized their vaccine for ages 18 and up. If the authorization of the vaccines continues at this pace, infants, kids, and younger teens could have a full pediatric vaccine by late 2021.

Which groups have historically been less inclined to take vaccines? 

​

      Non-white adults without a college degree, living in urban areas are less inclined to take vaccines. People reluctant to take a vaccine could be caused by mistrust with pharmaceutical companies or fear of the vaccine itself. “In a follow-up question, 37% of Americans who would not get a vaccine say the rushed timeline for the development of the vaccine is the main reason they would not be vaccinated. Another 26% say they want to wait to confirm the vaccine is safe. 12% saying they don't trust vaccines in general and 10% who want to wait to see how effective the vaccine will be. An additional 15% cite other reasons for not getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Included among these reasons are the politicization of the vaccine potentially compromising its safety and the view that the vaccine is not necessary” (Gallup). 

covid-vaccinationStats_edited.jpg

How do you know when it’s your turn to receive the vaccine?

​

      Pay attention to the phases of vaccine distribution and ensure you know which phase you fall under. Another way to keep in track about the COVID vaccines is by visiting your state’s government website for COVID, other ways to keep in track can be following government officials in your state on social media as well as watching the news for any further updates.

 

One Final Note: 

​

      Vaccines may give people a false sense of security that masks are no longer needed. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Even after getting the COVID-19 vaccination, the need to continue wearing masks, washing your hands and maintaining social distancing remains mission critical to protecting lives. It is important to remember:

  • Vaccination does not provide instant immunity. Depending on the vaccine, it can take four to six weeks from initial dosing to achieve immunity and protection levels.

  • The duration of immunity is unknown

  • It is unclear whether vaccines prevent transmission of COVID-19

As we further understand this virus and the vaccine's efficacy, we must continue to follow public health measures aimed at decreasing exposure to coronavirus such as wearing a mask, washing hands and social distancing.

bottom of page