As soon as the vaccines for COVID-19 is available we will advise our clients to get COVID-19 Vaccination.
Is there any information regarding severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to the vaccines?
The CDC has issued an updated guidance on allergic reactions associated with COVID-19 vaccines. Please visit the CDC Clinical Considerations webpage for all the latest updates.
Where can I find more information about each vaccine?
The CDC has specific pages for each vaccine. Information includes Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), standing orders templates, pre-vaccination screening forms, and storage and handling instructions.
- Pfizer
- Moderna
Download recipient fact sheets for both vaccines (CDC).
What are the age indications for each vaccine?
Pfizer: 16 years of age and older
Moderna: 18 years of age and older
What are some reported adverse reactions to each vaccine?
Pfizer: In clinical studies, adverse reactions in participants 16 years of age and older included pain at the injection site (84.1%), fatigue (62.9%), headache (55.1%), muscle pain (38.3%), chills (31.9%), joint pain (23.6%), fever (14.2%), injection site swelling (10.5%), injection ite redness (9.5%), nausea (1.1%), malaise (0.5%), and lymphadenopathy (0.3%).
Moderna: In clinical studies, the adverse reactions in participants 18 years of age and older were pain at the injection site (92.0%), fatigue (70.0%), headache (64.7%), myalgia (61.5%), arthralgia (46.4%), chills (45.4%), nausea/vomiting (23.0%), axillary swelling/tenderness 19.8%), fever (15.5%), swelling at the injection site (14.7%), and erythema at the injection site (10.0%).
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are categorized as mRNA vaccines. How do they work?
COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the “spike protein.” The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. Once the instructions (mRNA) are inside the immune cells, the cells use them to make the protein piece. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them.
Next, the cell displays the protein piece on its surface. Our immune systems recognize that the protein does not belong there and begin building an immune response and making antibodies, like what happens in natural infection against COVID-19. At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infection. The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, is those vaccinated gain this protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.
FLU AND COVID-19 SYMPTOMS
Why is it important to get Flu shot during the COVID-19 Pandemic outbreak?
It is important to get a flu shot during the pandemic because flu vaccines will reduce the burden of flu illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. Additionally, getting immunized for flu might prevent you from trying to fight both respiratory viruses at the same time, and if you do become ill, your doctor can better help you.
The symptoms of flu and COVID-19 can be so similar and people who have the flu will likely need to be tested for both infections.
Are my symptoms being of COVID-19 or Flu?
Based on everything we have learned so far, it is nearly impossible to tell the difference between influenza and COVID-19 based only on symptoms.
- Symptoms for COVID-19 and flu can range from mild to severe. Symptoms shared by COVID-19 and the flu are:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills.
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle pain or body aches
- Headache
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
Unlike the flu, symptoms of COVID-19 may include loss of taste or smell.
Getting tested for the flu and COVID-19 is the best way to confirm a diagnosis.
Can I get Flu and COVI-19 at the same time?
Yes, it is possible to get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time. We do not how often this occurs or how the two viruses interact, but it is likely that being infected with both viruses at the same time would be more dangerous than just one.
If I have symptoms what should I do?
If you have symptoms that resemble those of the flu or COVID-19, check with a healthcare provider. You can contact IMMANUEL FAMILY CLINIC request to schedule either personal visit or Tele-visit for virtual consultation.