2 minute read
VACCINE BREAKDOWN
A guide to understanding the science behind the various COVID-19 vaccines.
WORDS BY MACKENZIE CHALLONER | DESIGN BY LILA JOHNSON
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As of April 13, 2021, just shy of 2 million Iowans have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. With eligibility expanding to all Iowans as of April 5, there is hope that the world known prior to the outbreak will return, only this time with greater understanding. Vaccination provides the opportunity to combat the virus on the front end and move toward a healthier future.
With any change or new development, it is common to have questions and concerns. Due to the accelerated timeline of the COVID-19 vaccine development process, some have feared that speed would be prioritized at the expense of safety. However, the combination of clinical trial phases and increased funding have allowed for safety and integrity to remain consistent while accelerating vaccine development.
There are currently three COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. All three have gone through the same extensive testing for safety and efficacy as all other vaccines in the country.
The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccinations are both two-dose series that utilize messenger RNA (mRNA) to create a spike protein that generates an immune response and builds immunity. The Janssen/Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a single-dose vaccination that utilizes an alternative virus as a vector to deliver a gene that causes cells to make a spike protein eliciting an immune response. None of the vaccines being developed in the U.S. contain the live COVID-19 virus known as SARS-CoV-2.
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, individuals may notice pain, swelling, or redness at the site of injection. Plus, it is common to experience tiredness, headache, or flu-like symptoms for a few days following the administration. These are common signs that the body is working to gain immunity. If noticeable symptoms occur post-vaccination, Dr. Andrea Hoyt, PharmD and staff pharmacist at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, advises, “You can use over-the-counter medications, such as acetaminophen. If you experience any itching at the site, redness, or swelling that you think is allergy-related, it is safe to take an antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine.” In cases where side effects are of a severe allergic reaction, cause difficulty breathing, or are worrisome, please seek medical attention immediately.
Provided that an individual is interested and eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccination, there are many sites throughout Iowa that have been allocated doses. Liz Prymek, senior pharmacy technician with Walgreens, shared how to sign up for an appointment via the Walgreens App.
“Choose the COVID-19 selection on the Walgreens App, enter your zip code, and it will search any open appointments within 25 miles and the next three days,” Prymek said. “If someone doesn’t have access to the internet, they can dial 211 for assistance from the state.”
Over the past year, more than 550,000 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19. Vaccination is able to prevent future loss. With everyone doing their part, it is more possible than ever to come out on the other side of this pandemic stronger than before while honoring and remembering those lost.
Pfizer-BioNTech
Moderna
Janssen/J&J
Single dose 18 years of age and older Viral Vector
Editor’s note: This piece was completed before the pause on distribution of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine.
