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The Current Focus on Vaccines
Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.
The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and Moderna vaccine are Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. The mRNA is genetically engineered allowing cells to create a piece of S protein found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. The body will begin to replicate the S protein throughout cells, which causes the body to generate antibodies. Even if a vaccinated individual does contract the COVID-19 virus, the antibodies present from the vaccine will fight the virus.
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The COVID-19 Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is a two-part series vaccine, which is showing efficiency of 95 percent with preventing COVID-19 infection after administration. The two-part series of the Moderna vaccine is 94.1 percent effective at preventing infection and symptoms after the second dose. Since both vaccinations are mRNA vaccinations, it is best to choose whichever is available when making an appointment for the vaccine. Those vaccinated with the PfizerBioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are considered protected within two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine.
The Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine falls into the vector vaccine category. Viral vector vaccines use modified versions of different viruses as a vector. The vector acts as a transport for the vaccine, delivering instructions to our cells in the form of genetic material (a gene). The vaccine does not cause infection with COVID-19 or the virus that is used as the vector. The vaccine causes the cells to make copies of the S protein and transmit them to the surfaces. Then antibodies are created to fight the virus if it is contracted. The Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is a single-dose vaccination and protection
from the vaccine will begin 28 days after the dose is administered. According to the CDC, the single-dose Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine was 66.3 percent effective in clinical trials with preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illness in people who had no evidence of prior infection two weeks after receiving the vaccine.
In April 2021, the CDC stated that the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine had more than 6.8 million doses administered in the United States. Also in April, the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine was recalled after six reported cases of a rare and severe type of blood clot occurred after individuals received this vaccine. The reports of this condition have been only women under the age of 50. “In these cases, a type of blood clot called cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) was seen in combination with low levels of blood platelets (thrombocytopenia),” said the CDC. “These particular events seem to be extremely rare. COVID-19 vaccine safety is a top priority for the federal government, and we take all reports of health problems following the COVID-19 vaccination very seriously. People who have received the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine who develop a severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain, or shortness of breath within three weeks after vaccination should contact their health care provider,” stated the CDC.
Benefits of Vaccination
“The COVID-19 vaccine is a sign of hope and might restore a sense of normalcy. So many people remain steadfast in their efforts to stay safe and are so appreciative of the vaccine. We’ve vaccinated thousands already, and have vaccinated as much as
800 people a day at our Camden location alone. Our roll-out has gone really well. We’re grateful to be part of the vaccine initiative,” says Michelle Cox, MBA, BSN, R.N., NE-BC of Southeast Georgia Health System. When an individual is deciding whether or not to get the vaccine it is important to consider benefits. The vaccine can help limit the risk of developing serious or deadly symptoms. Social distancing and frequent handwashing have proven to both be effective methods of slowing and preventing the spread of COVID-19, but receiving the vaccine can also lessen the chance of spreading COVID-19 to anyone in contact with other individuals such as family and friends.
Vaccine Passports
The use of “vaccine passports” has been up for debate by many. Some local governments and businesses are being banned from requiring proof that customers have been vaccinated against COVID-19. On May 25, 2021, Governor Brian P. Kemp issued an Executive Order which prohibits state agencies, state service providers, and state properties from requiring COVID-19 passports. The Executive Order, known as “Prohibition of COVID-19 Vaccine Passports” also states that those entering the State of Georgia do not need to have a vaccine passport. “The order states that Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS) data held by the State should not be used for the purposes of a vaccine passport program, and GRITS data will not be shared with any public or private entity for the purpose of a vaccine passport program,” states a press release from the office of Gov. Kemp.
Long Term Effects and Management Tools
Recent studies have found that some individuals who contracted COVID-19 have been experiencing long-term side effects. During a July 2021 webinar on the long-term effects of COVID-19, Dr. Kelli Tice, MD, Senior Medical Director of Medical Affairs at Florida Blue said some symptoms can linger even after a person who contracted COVID-19 goes through the quarantine period and then tests negative. Some of these lasting side effects include chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, headaches, loss of taste and smell, muscle weakness and even sensory hallucinations which fall into the category of neurological issues. “Sometimes it can be difficult for a physician to make sense of some COVID-19 symptoms, so a patient needs to be an advocate for themselves and keep their physician up to date,” stated Dr. Tice. Dr. Tice continued on mentioning that proper hydration and use of supplements have been good ways to help with an individual’s health and side effects.
Development and expansion of treatment centers continue throughout the country. The treatment centers are a place where those who have overcome COVID-19 go and have symptoms treated, rebuild strength and endurance, receive proper medications and receive needed support. Besides treatment centers, additional management tools include learning communities that are being built for COVID-19 survivors.
One learning community, Survivor Corps, is a grassroots website that is dedicated to educating and supporting COVID-19 survivors. This website has a myriad of sections including medical research, post-
COVID care, physician resources, COVID live webinars and resources provided by the CDC and National Institutes of Health (NIH). For those wishing to track their vaccination experience, a smartphone tool called v-safe is now available. This tool uses text messaging and web surveys to provide a personalized follow-up after the vaccination is received. Features within the tool allow reporting of side effects to the CDC after receiving the vaccine, and even sends a reminder for the second dose of the vaccine if needed.
Where the Vaccine Stands in Georgia
Our World in Data reported that as of July 23, 2021, 8.7 million doses of the vaccine were administered in Georgia, leaving 4.03 million citizens fully vaccinated in the state. It was also reported in July 2021 that the United States has administered 339 million doses of the vaccine and 162 million people are completely vaccinated. For the most up-to-date information on the vaccines, it is best to contact the local health department. Originally, the CDC recommended people over the age of 70, along with frontline workers, should have priority in receiving the vaccine. This included residents of long-term care facilities, but also allowed for healthcare workers, police, firefighters, and other essential workers to receive the vaccine. As the pandemic continued on, the required age for being able to receive the vaccination decreased. As of June, the Pfizer vaccine was authorized for age 12 and older, while the Moderna and Johnson and Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccines are authorized for those 18 and older. Briefly in April 2021, the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended that the use of the Johnson & Johnson Janssen COVID-19 vaccine resume after stopping use temporarily.
How Southeast Georgia Has Responded
The various COVID-19 vaccinations are available through the hospital systems as well as pharmacies such as CVS and Target. The Southeast Georgia Health System is
offering COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines for all individuals age 12 and older at its Brunswick and St. Marys Vaccine Clinics. Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for those aged 12-18. Vaccinations for COVID-19 are also being offered throughout Appling, Bacon, Glynn, Brantley, Camden, Charlton, McIntosh, Pierce, Ware and Wayne counties. Vaccination appointments can be made online through a variety of locations including Publix and Walmart websites, as well as the Georgia Department of Health (DOH).
**Research and updates of COVID-19 are ever-changing with updates occurring daily. For updated information visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website or consult local health departments.
