Are Side Effects More Likely After The First Or Second Dose
With the two-shot vaccines, people are more likely to report side effects after their second dose, experts have said.
According to the CDC, side effects after your second shot “may be more intense than the ones you experienced after your first shot.”;
“These side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection and should go away within a few days,” the CDC states.
In trials of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, more people experienced side effects after the second dose.
But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get your second shot if you get side effects after your first, experts say.
The CDC also noted that both shots are needed.
“The;Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine;and;Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine;both need 2 shots;in order to get the most protection,” the CDC states. “You should get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you;not to get it.”
How Long Will Covid
Hank Bernstein, MD:;I’m Hank Bernstein, and I’m speaking to you today on behalf of the Vaccine Education Center at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. The question, How long will COVID-19 vaccine immunity last? With so much illness and so much death, there was a need for COVID vaccines to be developed at unprecedented speed. Since they’ve only been around for less than a year though, we don’t have exact answers about long-term immunity. It’s also true that we don’t know exactly how much antibody is needed for protection, how long the protection lasts, and whether or not a booster shot will be needed.
Q: In The Johnson & Johnson/janssen Covid
A:;The Phase 3 trial of Ad26.COV2.S;included 1,218 individuals with HIV, which constituted 2.8% of the total study population. There were too few outcomes among this subgroup to draw any meaningful conclusions about vaccine efficacy. Specifically, there were 5 cases of moderate to severe/critical COVID-19 in both the vaccine and placebo group starting at least 14 days after vaccination, and 2 cases in the vaccine group and 4 in the placebo group starting at least 28 days after vaccination. Safety and;immunogenicity studies in immunocompromised individuals are planned, but details of these studies are not yet available.;
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It’s Evidence Of A Really Robust Immune Response
“This is evidence of a really robust immune response,” co-senior author Rachel Presti, MD, Ph.D., an associate professor of medicine, said. “Your immune system uses germinal centers to perfect the antibodies so they can bind well and last as long as possible. The antibodies in the blood are the end result of the process, but the germinal center is where it is happening.”
What Is A Booster
The simplest answer is that its just another dose of a vaccine you received, Dr. Shaw explains. The concept is to prolong protective immunity, particularly if there is evidence that protection is waning after a period of time.
Most children receive routine vaccinations, including boosters, for illnesses such as chickenpox, tetanus, diphtheria, mumps, measles, and rubellato name a few. These vaccine series, as we call them, are recommended because you need the extra doses to get longer lasting protective immunity, Dr. Shaw says.
Im Vaccinated What Can I Do Now
Fully vaccinated people can participate in most indoor and outdoor activities without a mask and without physical distancing. In July 2021, the CDC advised all people, including those who are fully vaccinated, to wear masks in public indoor places in areas of the country with substantial or high transmission of the virus.
In addition, youll still need to follow federal, state, tribal, and local laws, and workplace or business requirements around mask wearing and physical distancing.
For people who are not fully vaccinated, the CDC continues to recommend mask wearing and other preventive measures in some outdoors settings and in most indoor settings.
Q: What Tests Can Be Used To Document Prior Sars
A:;Measures of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 antigens can identify individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Currently, only antibody assays are commercially available. For vaccinated individuals, to differentiate between the immune response to past infection versus the COVID-19 vaccine itself which all use the spike protein as the vaccine antigen immune responses to non-spike SARS-CoV-2 antigens should be measured.;;;
The performance characteristics of commercial antibody assays are variable. In general, a positive antibody test result in an unvaccinated individual is strong evidence for prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, a negative result does not exclude prior infection, because antibodies may;wane;to undetectable levels within a few months of infection. For more details, please refer to the;Overview of Testing for SARS-CoV-2 ;and;Interim Guidelines for COVID-19 Antibody Testing;pages maintained by CDC.;;;;
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Why Getting Vaccinated Is Important
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is an important step you can take to protect yourself, your kaumtua and whnau from the effects of the COVID-19 virus. Its one way we can protect the welfare and wellbeing of our communities from COVID-19.
It is;not;mandatory for the general public. You can choose whether to get vaccinated.
Are Mrna Vaccines Safe
All COVID-19 vaccines have to meet the same rigorous FDA safety standards as any other vaccine.
You may be wondering then, how these COVID-19 vaccines were developed so quickly compared to the vaccines of the past, which took years to create. The speed happened on the front end in the development of the vaccines. Because of massive public and private funding, many of the financial hurdles that can delay research projects were removed. But the testing and approval processes were no different than those for other vaccines in the past.
The reported side effects of the mRNA vaccines were temporary symptoms such as fever and muscle aches, similar to what some people experience after getting other vaccines. Most common side effects of a vaccine are identified in studies before the vaccine is licensed. In rare cases, adverse side effects may not be detected in these studies, which is why the U.S. vaccine safety system continuously monitors for side effects after a vaccine is licensed.
In addition to the standard safety monitoring systems, there is an added layer of scrutiny for the COVID-19 vaccines to give the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention real-time information as Americans get vaccinated. The CDC has developed V-safe, a smartphone-based health checker that allows people to report any adverse side effects after getting the vaccine.
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Q: What Is The Utility Of Laboratory Testing To Determine If An Individual Has Mounted An Adequate Immune Response Following Covid
A:;There is no established immunologic;correlate;of protection against SARS-CoV-2, and none of the commercially available immune assays are FDA-approved to assess protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection. This means it is not possible to reliably infer immunity from the results of such tests. As such, there is no;current recommendation;from the CDC or FDA to use currently available immune assays against SARS-CoV-2 to assess for a protective immune response after vaccination. Furthermore, CDC does not recommend additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines based on the results of these tests.;;;
How Long Spike Proteins Last In The Body
The Infectious Disease Society of America estimates that the spike proteins that were generated by COVID-19 vaccines last up to a few weeks, like other proteins made by the body. The immune system quickly identifies, attacks and destroys the spike proteins because it recognizes them as not part of you. This “learning the enemy” process is how the immune system figures out how to defeat the real coronavirus. It remembers what it saw and when you are exposed to coronavirus in the future it can rapidly mount an effective immune response. ;
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How Long Does Coronavirus Last What To Expect If You Contract Covid
How long does a case of coronavirus last? Find out the COVID-19 symptoms to expect day by day if you contract the virus, according to experts.
As the coronavirus epidemic continues in the US, you might be wondering just how long you’ll be sick if you do contract COVID-19. Every case is different, but after months of scientific study and data collection, experts have a fairly good idea. Here are the symptoms you’ll be dealing with, when they’ll likely strike, and how long it will take until you’re fully recovered and can safely emerge from self-isolation.;
Q: How Should We Counsel Patients About Taking Acetaminophen Or Non
A:;Routine prophylactic administration of these medications for the purpose of preventing post-vaccination symptoms is not currently recommended, as information on the impact of this on both the immune response to the vaccine and on post-vaccine symptoms is not currently available. Per CDC, acetaminophen or NSAIDs may be taken for the treatment of post-vaccination local or systemic symptoms. In those that are pregnant, acetaminophen is preferred.;
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Q: What Are The Frequency And Characteristics Of Anaphylaxis Or Serious Allergic Reactions After Mrna Covid
A:;Anaphylaxis and serious allergic reactions were not observed in the clinical trials of mRNA COVID-19;vaccines, but;were recognized shortly after they were authorized for use and deployed in mass vaccination campaigns.;
In two separate analyses of data submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System, which comprised reports from 1,893,360 first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and 4,041,396 first doses of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine in the U.S., there were just 175 cases of possible allergic reactions after the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and just 108 cases of possible allergic reactions after the Moderna vaccine.;
Finally, in a prospective study of 64,900 Mass General Brigham employees who received a first dose of a mRNA COVID-19 vaccine between Dec. 16,;2020;and Feb. 12, 2021, 1,365 of employees reported any allergic symptoms, and there were 16 employees that experienced of anaphylaxis. Rates of allergic reactions were slightly higher with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine . Nearly all of the cases of anaphylaxis were among women, and nearly a third had a history of anaphylaxis. One of the cases of anaphylaxis required ICU admission, 9 received IM epinephrine and all recovered without sequelae .;
Q: What Happens To The Spike Protein Generated By The Covid
A:;The spike protein may exist in three different forms after translation within the cell. First, the protein can be presented on the cell surface in its native form. Second, the protein can also be processed within the cell into different peptides, which can be presented by major histocompatibility complex class I and MHC class II molecules. MHC proteins play a key role in the adaptive branch of the immune system, presenting peptides on the cell surface for recognition by T cells. Finally, the protein may also be secreted into the extracellular space, where it may be recognized by B cells or taken up by antigen presenting cells and re-processed. The protein may be found on the surface of the cell in either its peptide form or its native form, likely until the cell dies or interacts with other immune cells.;
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Q: Are There Recommendations To Test For Antibodies To The Vaccine After Administration
A:;No. At this time antibody testing is not recommended to assess for immunity to COVID-19 following vaccination with any COVID-19 vaccine. A correlate of protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been definitively established; therefore, the results of antibody testing following vaccination should not be used to make vaccination decisions.;
Q: Are There Any Special Considerations For Covid
A:;Each of the COVID-19 vaccines has different age restrictions.;
- The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in individuals aged 12 and;older;;
- The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in individuals aged 18 and;older;;
- The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is authorized for use in individuals aged 18 and older.;
All these vaccines have been demonstrated to be similarly efficacious across different age groups and biological sexes. From a safety perspective, in general older individuals experienced lower rates of adverse effects related to the vaccine compared with younger individuals.;
The Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine;FDA Fact Sheets;were updated to include information about thrombotic thrombocytopenia syndrome whose incidence is higher among women aged 18-49 years.;
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Q: Can The Vaccine Be Administered To Asplenic Patients Either Those With Functional Asplenia Or Post Splenectomy
A:;For both mRNA vaccines, CDC recommends that groups at high risk for severe illness may still receive the vaccine if there are no contraindications. It is important for there to be intact host immunity in individuals receiving the vaccine for there to be optimal protective immunity post-vaccination, especially with respect to antigen presentation, B and T cell activation and plasma B cell antibody generation. Therefore, individuals lacking functional adaptive immune cells, such as those who are;asplenic, may be unable to generate a fully protective immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Therefore, they should be advised regarding the importance of maintaining all current guidance to protect themselves even after vaccination. Additionally, caregivers and household contacts should be strongly encouraged to get vaccinated when vaccine is available;in an effort to;protect the patient.;
What Can I Do To Relieve The Discomfort Of Covid
Depending on your symptoms, you may try:
- putting a cold compress on the injection site
- using your arm, rather than keeping it inactive, to reduce injection site discomfort
- checking with your doctor to see if you can take over-the-counter painkillers
- drinking lots of fluids
- wearing lighter clothing, if youre feeling feverish
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How Long Will The Coronavirus Vaccines Protect You Experts Weigh In
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The Washington Post is providing this important information about the coronavirus for free. For more free coverage of the coronavirus pandemic, where all stories are free to read.
You may be among the more than 95 million people in the United States who have taken at least one dose of a coronavirus vaccine. Or you may still be awaiting your turn. Regardless, theres a crucial question on most of our minds: How long will the vaccine really protect us?
As with most aspects of the virus, the answer is not completely clear. Why? Because although we have been battling the pandemic for more than a year, the vaccines were granted emergency use authorization relatively recently. So experts have not had time to observe their long-term effectiveness.
However, that research is underway, and in the meantime, experts say we can make an educated guess.
When Can You Safely Go Out In Public
The biggest risk of going out in public after having COVID-19 is transmitting the virus to others. If you follow the guidelines, however you can minimize the dangers.;;
In most instances, contagiousness is negligible after 10 days, but this period may be more prolonged, e.g. two weeks or more, in those with an impaired immune system, says Dr. Bailey. If feasible, prolonging isolation for such people should be considered, perhaps to two or even three weeks, and they should be encouraged to wear a mask when they do venture out in public.
Not everyone needs to be tested for COVID-19. People with mild illness can isolate and recover at home, But if you have symptoms and want to be tested, or if you’ve had close contact with someone with a confirmed case, by all means, find your local testing site.
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What Do We Know About The Pfizer/biontech Covid
In August 2021, the FDA granted full approval to the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 mRNA vaccine for use in people ages 16 years and older. The transition from emergency use authorization status to full licensure was based on additional data and longer follow-up showing that the vaccine met certain safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality standards.
Previous milestones for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine include the following:
- In December 2020, the FDA granted EUA to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine in people ages 16 years and older. It was the first COVID-19 vaccine to receive EUA.
- In May 2021, the FDA expanded its EUA for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine to include adolescents 12 to 15 years old.
- In August 2021, the FDA authorized a third dose of mRNA vaccine for certain people with a weakened immune response.
The FDA granted its original EUA based on their own analysis of efficacy and safety data as well as on the recommendation made by the Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on December 10th. VRBPAC is a group of outside experts in infectious disease, vaccinology, microbiology, immunology, and other related fields.
None of the study participants experienced serious side effects. However, most did have pain at the injection site. Also, about half of those receiving the vaccine reported mild to moderate fatigue or headache or both. Chills and fever were also fairly common. Symptoms almost always resolved within 24 to 48 hours.
Q: Can The Vaccine Mrna Alter Cellular Dna Or Rna
A:;No. For the vaccine mRNA to alter someones DNA, several events would need to occur. First, the vaccine mRNA would need to enter the cell nucleus, where DNA resides. However, vaccine mRNA does not have the nuclear access signals that would allow it to enter the nucleus it cant get in. Second, even if it made it into the nucleus, the mRNA would have to be converted to DNA. This would require an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the mRNA vaccines dont contain. Third, an enzyme would be needed for DNA derived from the vaccine mRNA to insert itself into cellular DNA; the mRNA vaccines dont contain such an enzyme.;
The vaccine mRNA also cannot alter cellular RNA. The vaccine mRNA is delivered to the cytoplasm, where it is translated by ribosomes, resulting in the creation of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. The vaccine does not contain any splicing enzymes and the mRNA does not encode any proteins that would allow for RNA modification. Furthermore, the vaccine mRNA is not self-amplifying and cannot be transferred from cell to cell. Following translation, it is rapidly degraded. The vaccine mRNA remains in the cell cytoplasm for just a few days before it is destroyed . Of note, there are more than 200,000 cellular mRNAs per cell, each making a host of proteins and enzymes. The mRNA vaccines introduce only a few copies of mRNA into cells.;;;
In short, the mRNA vaccines lack;all of;the basic requirements necessary to alter DNA or RNA.;
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