The COVID Pfizer and Moderna ( in the near future ) vaccine is now available in the United States. It is a messenger RNA vaccine a novel new technology where two doses are required
The side effects have been mild as fever, chills, malaise and mild pain at site. These symptoms are more noted after the second dose. ( 21 days apart for Pfizer and 28 days for Moderna)
There were two cases of severe allergic reactions in the United Kingdom. Both is these individuals had a history of severe allergies requiring them to carry an Epi pen.
It is now recommended if you have a history of severe allergies to food, environmental should NOT get the vaccine. The front line health care workers and the elderly with or without co morbidities should get the vaccine first. There is probably cross activity with individuals with allergies It might be fillers or other constituents. Severe reactions do occur about 1 in 4 million. It has shown that after one dose of the Pfizer vaccine there has a high degree of protection but not 100 %. If vaccines run out maybe some will only get the first dose Who knows what the future holds
The Moderna does have a temperature requirement ( Pfizer at (minus) - 70 degrees). The Astra Zeneca vaccine which might be involved in vaccination does not use messenger RNA but a Chimp Adenovirus. ( a common cold virus0 It is 2 doses. Its data was published in the Lancet. The chimp adenovirus night block the corona protection A lot more work needs to be done. Does not involve a cold chamber . This vaccine is also cheaper. I don’t think we will see this vaccine given until more data is published.
If you have had COVID 19 and still have antibodies , you should not have to get the vaccine. I believe the Pfizer and Moderna are first generation vaccines that WE need now. Other companies will be for the future These are second generation vaccines
Depending on your age and co morbidities ( as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, immune status ) expect to get the vaccine in 2021. Discuss with your health care provider when and where you should get the vaccine
Also there is anew strain documented in England. We are not sure if either of the above vaccines will be effective against new strain if it comes to the United States.
Until tomorrow…