Covid-19 Vaccination Information
Dear Members,
We take this time to wish you all a very healthy and happy New Year! To say 2020 was a difficult year in so many ways is an understatement. We look forward to this year and the hope that the COVID-19 vaccines bring us the relief we so desperately desire. Following is our vaccine edition newsletter to help guide you on the upcoming COVID-19 vaccinations.
I am sure most of you have seen that the vaccine roll out has been less than ideal. By the end of 2020 only 10% of the original projected immunizations were given. We are hopeful the vaccination pace will increase shortly to work towards a herd majority before more mutations take place. Flatiron Family Medical has been approved as a vaccination site and we ordered vaccines last week. We did this as soon as the NYC Department of Health allowed us too. However, we do not have a timeline as to when we will receive them. We will notify you as soon as we receive the vaccines. Currently, Group 1A is still being vaccinated. This includes health care workers and their staff, simultaneously pharmacies are immunizing nursing home residents and their staff. Group 1B was just announced to start on Monday, January 11, 2021. Governor Cuomo thinks it will take until sometime in April to get through the first 2 groups (group 1A and 1B).
Group 1B:
Teachers and education workers
First responders
Public safety workers
Public transit workers including airline workers
People 75 and older
Group 1C:
People ages 65-74
People ages 16-64 that are high risk (obesity, severe obesity, type 2 diabetes, COPD, a heart condition, chronic kidney disease, cancer, immunocompromised state as the result of a solid organ transplant, sickle cell disease, pregnancy, and smoking (either currently a smoker or with a history of smoking).
Other essential workers (grocery store workers, restaurant workers, etc).
Group 2:
Ages 16+ who weren’t included in the previous categories.
So far there are two vaccines that have been given EUA (emergency use authorization): Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna. These vaccines are made similarly using messenger RNA which goes into the cell and has them make a similar spike protein to the one on COVID-19. The cell then places this spike protein on its surface and the body recognizes it is foreign and makes an antibody against it. This allows the body to recognize the coronavirus if infected and quickly fights against it. Moderna has been approved for people 18 years and older and Pfizer has been approved for people 16 years and older. They both require two doses: Moderna - 28 days apart; Pfizer - 21 days apart. Aside from this and their refrigeration requirements, they are very similar with a similar side effect profile: injection site pain, malaise, body aches, fever, headache, and joint pains. These are similar to what one may experience with the seasonal flu vaccine. They also noted that patients who were older seemed to have less side effects.
What about the reports of people having anaphylaxis after receiving the Pfizer vaccine?
There were a few reported severe allergic reactions to the Pfizer vaccine. The incidence is 11.1 per million doses. It is for this reason that you are required to sit for 15 - 30 minutes post vaccination for observation. The current guidelines feel that only those with a history of anaphylaxis to injectable medications are at high risk. However, anyone with a history of severe allergies or anaphylaxis should obtain the vaccine in a medical office (as opposed to a pharmacy, etc) in case of reaction.
What about the new mutations?
A new mutation found late December in the UK called B.1.1.7 variant is like the previous COVID-19 but much more infectious - shown to be at a rate of up to 30-50% more infectious. In addition, another more recent mutation was found in South Africa called B.1.351. This variant is also thought to be more infectious. It is now the dominant strain in South Africa, overtaking the previous one. It also mutated the spike protein making scientists wonder if the vaccines currently in use will be less effective. However, there was good news in a study published Friday. It noted the Pfizer vaccine was still shown to be effective against these mutations (Moderna wasn’t yet studied but should have similar results). The best thing that can happen is to speed up the immunization process and reach herd immunity quickly.
I already had COVID-19; do I still need a vaccine?
The answer is yes. The vaccine gives your immune system a “boost” to help elongate how long you will have antibodies. The CDC recommendation is to get vaccinated after you have recovered and completed the isolation requirements. However, they think you are safe to wait 90 days from a COVID-19 diagnosis before getting the vaccine.
How long do I need to wait from other vaccines to obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine?
Because this wasn’t studied, the COVID-19 vaccination should be given alone and at least 14 days should elapse between any other vaccine and getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
If I am pregnant or breastfeeding, can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
This was not tested in either of the trials. It is something to discuss with your physician. COVID-19 is NOT a live vaccine. Live vaccines are contraindicated in pregnancy. Right now, there are pregnant and breastfeeding healthcare workers choosing to get vaccinated. In time we will know more.
What if I have facial fillers?
There have been some cases specifically with the Moderna vaccine, where those who had the vaccine, had inflammation and swelling around the area of the fillers post vaccine. These are temporary and rare side effects and usually require no or minimal treatment. This is a delayed hypersensitivity reaction and can be seen with anything that heightens your immune response (ie fighting the common cold, getting flu vaccine, etc). This should not be a reason to not vaccinate against COVID-19 or not get fillers.
When will children get the vaccine?
We do not know yet. Both vaccine companies are currently testing the vaccine on children 12-17. It is common that vaccines lag in approval for children as adults are studied first to obtain safety data.
If I get both doses of the vaccine, do I still need to wear a mask and keep social distanced?
Until we reach herd immunity the answer is yes.
If I get vaccinated can I still infect others?
We don’t yet know if you can be a carrier - ie. not become sick yourself but give it to someone else via close contact. More on this should be known in the coming months.
Where can I go to get the vaccine if you don’t yet have it in stock and I’m eligible?
There is a big shortage of vaccine supply, so for now there are more people eligible than vaccines available. Get it if you can at one of these sites if we don’t yet have it:
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccine-locations.page
Is there a way to jump the line?
Governor Cuomo has made this very clear - no. Anyone giving patients who are not yet authorized to obtain the vaccine will result in a fine of up to $1million and loss of medical license for the administering physician.
Slight side note but important:
Chaotic week after a chaotic year. For those with children, here is a great site to help you talk to your kids about what’s going on these days in our government:
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/family/2021/01/talking-to-your-kids-about-chaos/
We will be sending an email when we do in fact obtain the vaccine in our office and then allow you to sign up to have it administered in our office if you are eligible.
Stay safe and stay well!