Covid 19 Vaccines – The mRNA vaccines for COVID-19, namely Pfizer and Moderna, have been approved by the FDA and endorsed by CDC due to their high safety profile and effectiveness in preventing severe or deadly COVID-19 cases. The likelihood of experiencing serious adverse effects from these vaccines is minimal.
Our Knowledge on COVID-19 Vaccine Safety
- Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are highly suggested due to their proven safety and efficacy against severe COVID-19.
- As of December 2021, approximately 470 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered in the U.S.
- A year’s worth of data, including information from extensive clinical trials, confirms the vaccines’ safety and efficacy in preventing severe or deadly COVID-19 cases.
- Extra doses and booster shots have also been approved for those meeting specific criteria.
- The mRNA technology, which is the basis of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, has been under development for over a decade and a half.
- Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have received full FDA approval, providing more evidence of their efficacy.
- In December 2021, due to the risk of blood clotting with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the CDC updated their recommendations, stating a preference for the two mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.
What are the potential risks with COVID vaccines?
The CDC and FDA continuously monitor any possible safety concerns with the COVID-19 vaccines. This has resulted in updated recommendations for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the identification of rare side effects linked to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.
- Johnson & Johnson/Janssen. In December 2021, the CDC stated that the mRNA vaccines are favored over the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine due to a higher risk of a rare but severe type of blood clot, known as thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. However, the CDC also stated that the Johnson & Johnson vaccine could be used in certain situations as long as the individual is aware and understands the risks and benefits.
- Johns Hopkins Medicine has made Pfizer and Moderna vaccines available across their array of vaccine centers. Instances of myocarditis have been reported, albeit rarely, after the second dose of these vaccines, – mostly in teens and young adults, with most cases being mild and resolving on their own. More information on myocarditis-related side effects can be found here. The process of reviewing the safety of the vaccines is ongoing, with potential risks being continually evaluated against the benefits of vaccination and the known risks of COVID-19.
Are there concerns about blood clots after taking a J&J vaccine?
If you’ve had the Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than three weeks ago, there is no need to be concerned about side effects related to blood clots. However, should you have received the J&J vaccine within the last three weeks, pay attention to symptoms such as severe headaches, blurred vision, shortness of breath, chest pain, leg swelling, persistent abdominal pain, easy bruising, or small blood spots near the injection site. If you experience any of these, pursue immediate medical attention.
Can I experience an allergic reaction to a COVID vaccine?
The CDC advises those with severe allergies to any of the components of mRNA vaccines to refrain from getting these vaccines. However, those with allergies to foods, insects, latex and other common allergens should be able to safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. People with a history of severe allergic reactions to injectables or other vaccines should consult with their doctor for an assessment of their risk prior to vaccination.
How was the COVID-19 vaccine developed so rapidly?
The swift development of the COVID-19 vaccines does not signify that safety measures were overlooked. The expedited development was possible due to several factors:
- The technologies for creating the vaccines had been in progress for a long time in preparation for viral outbreaks. Manufacturing procedures were set in place early in the pandemic.
- The global scientific community cooperated in sharing genetic information about SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, enabling an early start in vaccine development.
- No steps in the vaccine testing procedures were skipped. Instead, some stages were conducted concurrently to collect data as quickly as possible.
- Governments funded vaccine developers in advance, providing them with the resources they needed.
- New mRNA technology allowed for a quicker method of creating some types of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Social media facilitated the recruitment of study volunteers, ensuring a sufficient test population.
- The high contagion rate and prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 resulted in many study participants being exposed to the virus, shortening the period to determine the efficacy of vaccines.
- Vaccine manufacturing started in anticipation of their authorization or approval, ensuring ready supplies once authorization was granted.
- Ongoing surveillance for difficulties and adverse reactions. Once a vaccine receives an EUA and starts being administered to people, both the FDA and CDC remain vigilant for any potential issues that may arise. As more individuals get vaccinated and share their experiences and any side effects, the safety record of the vaccine becomes more robust.
Is wearing a mask necessary even after receiving the vaccine?
The CDC persistently tracks the spread of COVID-19 and issues guidelines on mask-wearing, applicable to both people who are fully vaccinated and those who are not.
Recommendations from the CDC also emphasize the need for wearing masks and maintaining social distance in healthcare settings like physician’s clinics, hospitals, or long-term care facilities. This includes all Johns Hopkins medical establishments.
Johns Hopkins Medicine’s guidelines regarding mask usage remain unchanged, with a mandate for everyone to wear masks within all of its facilities.
