Hit Me With Your Best Shot! The COVID VACCINE
On December 1, 2020 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) made the decision to put health care providers and long-term care residents at the top of the priority list for the impending COVID-19 vaccines, once they are US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. This group includes personnel who work in the following facilities including: hospitals, long-term care facilities, outpatient home health care, pharmacies, emergency medical personnel, and public health workers.
The unprecedented speed of development has made many of us skeptical about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. However, there is an independent safety board that is responsible for monitoring the large populations in the trials for negative side effects. In addition, this board is tasked with determining the effectiveness of the vaccine by comparing the number of infections in the vaccine group with those of the placebo group. In November 2020, Moderna announced a 94.5% efficacy rate for their SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, while Pfizer announced a 95% efficacy rate for theirs. Both companies have applied for emergency use authorization from the FDA.
These two vaccines require 2 doses, the second one to be given 21 days after the first. The research has revealed that while antibodies began to develop in the first 7-10 days after the first injection giving reasonable protection, 95% efficacy was shown 7 days after the second injection. The results from phase 3 clinical trials also showed that it was effective for all ages tested, all ethnicities tested and appeared to ameliorate the severity of the disease even in patients with pre-existing co-morbid health issues. There is a warning that people who are “highly allergic” exercise caution and consult with their physician about the vaccination. There have been a few cases of anaphylactoid reactions reported by recipients of the Pfizer vaccine in the United Kingdom. However the use of an epi-pen mitigated the symptoms and they are all reported to be doing well.
Currently, it appears that the antibodies are protective for at least 6 months and probably longer, however the longevity of protection remains to be seen. While most diseases create a greater immunity than a vaccine, that is apparently not the case with Sars-Cov-2. It is recommended that even those who have developed natural immunity from having been infected in the past get vaccinated to create more and perhaps longer lasting antibodies.
Scientists also noted that once inoculated, you can become infectious for a period of time and care must be taken initially to prevent spread of infection to others.
All of this is good news, however, we are still a long way away from being able to go “maskless” in public. The enormous challenge to produce enough of the vaccine to immunize a global population of seven billion people is daunting. Because each person will need 2 shots, synthesizing, 14 billion doses along with the logistics of storing them in dry ice, shipping them and administering them, will take time. Like most things, however, we will need to keep taking this one step at a time. Even though the end is finally in sight, social distancing, and a face-mask are still de rigueur. Stay safe!!!
