As student dentists and trusted health care advocates, we have a unique opportunity to educate our patients and the public about the COVID-19 vaccination. It is important to serve as a prepared resource for those with questions and concerns about the vaccine, so they are able to make an informed decision. As rollout of a vaccine created at “warp speed” begins, questions and apprehension can be expected.
There are currently two COVID-19 vaccines the U.S. FDA has approved for emergency use. The safety and effectiveness of each is based on manufacturers’ data and large clinical trials. The data shows that the benefits of these vaccines outweigh the potential dangers of becoming infected with COVID-19. Both vaccines are a 2-dose series, administered intramuscularly in the deltoid. The Pfizer vaccine requires doses be separated by 21 days, while the Moderna vaccine doses are separated by 28 days. Both doses are required for maximum protection, which begins 1-2 weeks following the second dose. The efficacy of a single dose has yet to be evaluated in clinical trials.
The vaccines authorized in the United States are messenger RNA vaccines, meaning they have strands of mRNA that code for a portion of a spike protein unique to SARS-CoV-2. Once the spike protein is made and arranged on a recipient’s cell surface, their immune systems are kicked into gear to activate T-cells and produce antibodies in an effort to fight off the vaccine-induced foreign protein. The antibodies produced by the body are specific to the SARS-CoV-2, priming and preparing a person for future infection in hopes of fully preventing infection or causing a milder response if infected. These vaccines do not contain a live virus and only part of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is coded for in the vaccine, thereby eliminating the risk of causing the disease. Another important point to note is the mRNA contained in the vaccine never enters the cell nucleus, and therefore cannot affect or modify a recipient’s DNA or genetic makeup.
Side effects can be expected and are a normal sign of one’s body building protection against the virus. Common side effects of the vaccine are flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, tiredness and headache. These symptoms may affect one’s daily activities but should resolve within a few days. Pain and swelling of the arm where the vaccine was administered is also a common side effect. With limited data and no long-term studies available yet, the FDA and CDC continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. The only contraindication at this time is for people with a history of severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any component of the vaccine. Precaution is advised for people with a history of severe allergic reaction to any vaccine or injectable therapy and should be monitored for 30 minutes following administration for any adverse reactions. All other persons should be observed for 15 minutes to monitor any reactions.
Although special populations such as immunocompromised persons and pregnant or breastfeeding women have no precautions against the vaccine at this time and can choose to be vaccinated, there is no data on the safety of the vaccines for these special populations. However, vaccinated persons with underlying medical conditions have been studied via clinical trials and demonstrate similar safety and efficacy compared to persons without any medical conditions. Those who have already contracted COVID-19 and recovered are still advised to get the vaccine as re-infection with COVID-19 is possible. Immunity from contracting the virus, called natural immunity, varies from person to person and early evidence suggests it may not last very long (i.e., about 90 days). In addition, the immunity period produced by the vaccine is also unknown at this time and will become more apparent as more evidence is collected over time.
Since no vaccine is 100% effective, even after the vaccine is administered, continue to wear a mask, wash your hands, and practice social distancing to maximize protection from the virus for ourselves and for one another.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/answering-questions.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/mrna-vaccine-basics.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/pfizer-biontech-vaccine-what-Clinicians-need-to-know.pdf
By Amanda Aparicio and Candace Fiedler, Class of 2022