Eugene

Important things you need to know before you take the COVID-19 vaccine

Published

6 years ago

January 6, 2021

Medford, OR – According to the experts, each vaccine requires two shots. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s very important to get both for maximum effectiveness. After receiving the first shot there is a three week wait time for the second shot while the body primes the immune system.

We won’t know how effective the vaccine is if you receive the second dose more than 23 days after your first dose. This wasn’t specifically studied in clinical trials and the concern is the vaccine may not be as effective as taking it within 19–23 days after the first dose.

Also, it is crucial to stick with the same vaccine brand. That’s right, your second dose of vaccine must be manufactured by the same company that made the first dose of your vaccine. For example, if your first shot was the Pfizer vaccine, stick to that for your second shot. Then vaccination may not work properly if you get two separate types of vaccines.

When you are vaccinated the first time, you will receive a vaccine card and/or be enrolled in an electronic system so you can keep track of the date, type, and specific batch of vaccine you received. If you miss your second dose, your chances of being protected from the virus go down significantly.

Some people are concerned about the safety of the vaccines because of how quickly they were developed. Historically it takes 10–15 years to develop and test a single vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccines came out within months.

While scientists and experts accelerated the process because of the pandemic and the ability to easily enroll study subjects due to the prevalence of the condition, no developmental steps were skipped, and safety was critically evaluated.

In fact, clinical trials have important third party committees built into the process which monitor the data and any safety issues that arise and these groups are free of any political or economic bias or gain.

Also, scientists have been working on an mRNA vaccine for nearly 30 years and were able to build on the current evidence base rather than start from scratch. The safety profile of the mRNA vaccines is similar to FDA-approved vaccines, with the most common issues being temporary injection site pain, fatigue, and headache.

Temporary weakness and one-sided facial paralysis, has been reported in participants in both the Pfizer and Moderna trials. The CDC is actively monitoring this, but does not think it was caused by the vaccine as the incidence of these findings in the study population was the same as what we typically encounter in the general population. In fact, Bell’s Palsy mostly occurs after a viral illness and has been associated with COVID-19 infections, not the actual vaccine.

The side effects from both COVID-19 vaccines are normal and consistent with other regularly-used, FDA-approved vaccines.

A common side effect of the first shot is local injection site soreness of the muscle. With the second dose, about 20% of patients may develop side effects like body aches, chills, and feverishness which typically last a day or less and are treated with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

These are all completely normal and expected and indicate that the immune system is responding appropriately. That’s a good thing!

Related Topics:

Up Next

Clinical trials for coronavirus vaccines continue and volunteers are still needed

Don't Miss

Property management company expresses frustration over eviction moratorium extension

Eugene1 week ago

Eugene Springfield Fire crews return from wildfire deployment in Oregon

Oregon1 week ago

“President Trump is doing what he does best,” Oregon Gov. Kotek responds after President Trump imposed tariffs she says hurt Oregon families and businesses

Oregon1 week ago

Oregon Sen. Merkley responds after President Trump approves Saudi nuclear deal, says “this reckless move could fuel a nuclear arms race that puts all of us at risk”

Oregon1 week ago

Oregon State Police and FBI investigate after individuals identifying themselves as “ICE” allegedly forced victim from vehicle before detaining and assaulting them

Eugene1 week ago

25-year-old woman arrested after flooding apartment and damaging neighbor’s property in Eugene

Oregon1 week ago

Oregon Sen. Wyden says President Trump has “abused his power” unlike any other president, claims his bill will put Congress back in control of international trade

Eugene1 week ago

Eugene Police seek public help locating stolen truck involved in hit-and-run crash with bicyclist

Oregon2 days ago

“This is another Trumpian attack on children,” Oregon Sen. Merkley accuses Trump administration of taking away attorneys for unaccompanied children to make deportations easier

Eugene Daily Post

Important things you need to know before you take the COVID-19 vaccine

Eugene

Important things you need to know before you take the COVID-19 vaccine

You may also like…

“This is another Trumpian attack on children,” Oregon Sen. Merkley accuses Trump administration of taking away attorneys for unaccompanied children to make deportations easier

Eugene-Springfield Fire responds to structure fire that damaged home, shed and power pole

Eugene-Springfield Fire responds to apartment fire that seriously injured one resident near downtown Eugene

Eugene Police motorcycle officers train with agencies across Oregon for motorcade operations

Eugene Police Department thanks local community after National Night Out event

Oregon Sen. Merkley responds after President Trump approves Saudi nuclear deal, says “this reckless move could fuel a nuclear arms race that puts all of us at risk”

Oregon Sen. Wyden says President Trump has “abused his power” unlike any other president, claims his bill will put Congress back in control of international trade

“President Trump is doing what he does best,” Oregon Gov. Kotek responds after President Trump imposed tariffs she says hurt Oregon families and businesses

Oregon State Police and FBI investigate after individuals identifying themselves as “ICE” allegedly forced victim from vehicle before detaining and assaulting them

University Park reopens in Eugene with improved facilities, playground and accessibility upgrades

Eugene Springfield Fire crews return from wildfire deployment in Oregon

Trending