13 Comments
Dec 9, 2020Liked by Natasha Burgert, MD

Appreciate the background behind why these vaccines are being developed so much faster. It is the #1 rational I hear of those that are hesitant to step forward to vaccinate.

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Dec 8, 2020Liked by Natasha Burgert, MD

What are the risks to getting the vaccine if you’ve had covid already? Am I reading correctly; the mRNA vaccine tricks the body into an immune response similar to that if you were infected with covid to create antibodies. Is there a greater risk for someone who has had covid? Would the body recognize it or would the body go through an additional immune response? Do you have additional insight for those who have had covid and their antibody standings?

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author

We expect the vaccine to be recommended for all people, even if you have had COVID. Antibody titers will not be checked before vaccination. More in the 12/8 letter.

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Dec 8, 2020Liked by Natasha Burgert, MD

Hi! How old does one need to be to get the vaccine? How often would one need this vaccine? What are the side effects to the vaccine? What is the rate that one will not get COVID-19 once they receive the vaccine? I have so many questions.

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author

We all do! Initially, vaccines will got to 18 year and above, according to the distribution priority dictated by your State. We know the vaccines are highly protective for the recipient against COVID-19 (above 90% on initial reports.) However, we don't know if vaccinated individuals will be able to continue to spread the virus to others. More to learn.

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Dec 7, 2020Liked by Natasha Burgert, MD

Can you discuss what the vaccine actually does? Does it prevent you from carrying the virus or just from developing COVID, or something else? Trying to understand if only you are protected after getting injected v. protecting others you interact with.

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author

Will review the science in the letter tomorrow. With this type of technology used on mass scale, it is unclear if the mRNA vaccine will change the trajectory of the Pandemic. Transmissibility and durability are two really important issues -- we don't know the answer! I think this piece from Nature explains it well. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41587-020-00022-y

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Dec 7, 2020Liked by Natasha Burgert, MD

What are the side affects of the vaccine? Are you contagious for a certain period of time after you get the vaccine?

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author

Will address side effects/contagiousness in tomorrow's letter. Stay tuned.

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Dec 7, 2020Liked by Natasha Burgert, MD

Are there similar programs to OWS happening in Europe or other countries? Are European countries offering Emergency approval of the vaccine?

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author

This is an international effort, so the lines are blurred. The UK has approved the Pfizer vaccine for Emergency Use and is beginning mass vaccination programs for those who want the vaccine as early as tomorrow (12/8).

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Any idea where we will get the vaccine from (hospitals, health department, primary care)? My husband doesn’t have a primary care doctor. Should he get one before the roll out?

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author

It is my understanding that there will be multiple distribution areas including health department, outpatient clinics, and CVS/Walgreens. Distribution is determined by your State, so that may be where I start exploring.

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