Submitted by Greg Shields, MD, Haddam, CT.
Now that vaccines are available for the pandemic Covid-19 virus, many people have questions about vaccine effectiveness, safety and availability. Hopefully this will be helpful in clarifying some of these concerns.
In December, the FDA approved two vaccines for distribution in the US, one produced by Pfizer and the other by Moderna. They are similar mRNA vaccines developed to trigger an immune response to the “spike protein” on the coating covering the actual virus. They do not contain any virus particles, and thus cannot cause infection. They both require two doses, three weeks apart for the Pfizer vaccine, and four weeks apart for the Moderna vaccine. They are both about 95% effective in preventing serious Covid-19 infection, but probably slightly less effective in the over 65 population. Both are approximately 50% effective in the short term after a single dose. It is not known whether a vaccinated individual can carry the virus without symptoms, and then pass on the infection to a susceptible individual. Covid-19 infections are not limited to humans, and can infect a variety of animals including household pets. However, the virus does not appear to spread readily between animals and humans.
Recently, two new mutations of the Covid-19 virus have been identified in the US. One mutation arose from the UK and the other from South Africa. Both current vaccines appear to be effective in preventing symptomatic infection from these two strains. It is not yet known how long either vaccine-induced or infection-acquired immunity to the Covid-19 virus will last, and whether subsequent “booster” doses may be necessary. Currently, vaccination is recommended in those who have tested positive for infection after a 90 day waiting period.
The vaccine has been associated with mostly mild side effects, including mild injection site soreness. Less common side effects include muscle aches, fever, fatigue and headache. Rarely, severe allergic (anaphylactic) reactions have been reported in people with a history of severe allergic reactions. Young people with robust immune systems are more likely to have vaccine related side effects.
Johnson & Johnson will be seeking approval for their single dose vaccine in early February. A vaccine developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca was approved in the UK and European Union, but is not likely to obtain approval in the US in the near future.
The concern that most people have is how to obtain the vaccine. The distribution of the vaccine in Connecticut is governed by the Department of Public Health (DPH). It is not yet available to medical providers, but has been distributed directly to health systems such as Middlesex Health, Hartford HealthCare and Yale New Haven Health in our geographic area. Mass immunization sites will be opening in the very near future. The vaccine will eventually be available through pharmacies.
It has been made available in phases, initially to health care workers, first responders and long term care facilities. The second phase expanded the availability to those 75 and older. Frontline line workers, those living in congregant housing, people between 65-74, and those younger with underlying medical conditions which increase the risk for serious infection will be eligible in the near future. At this writing, in Connecticut, vaccinations are available by only by appointment. Currently, supply shortages (both vaccine and syringes) are limiting availability of vaccine appointments.
Appointments can be scheduled for eligible individuals online through the Vaccine Administration Management System (VAMS) website for a number of administration sites: https://dphsubmissions.ct.gov/OnlineVaccine or by phone: (877) 918-2224.
Appointments can be scheduled through Yale (including Old SaybrooK) online at: https://www.ynhhs.org/patient-care/covid-19/vaccine/get-your-covid-vaccine.aspx
Appointments can also be scheduled through Hartford HealthCare online at: https://hartfordhealthcare.org/health-wellness/covid-vaccine or by phone: (860) 827-7690
Be patient and check frequently, as cancellations and new appointments are opened throughout the day as long as vaccine supplies allow. Following vaccination, it is recommended to continue to practice frequent hand washing, wearing masks and social distancing.
