Do the vaccines work? Who evaluates these vaccines?
Yes, they work very well, better than what we hoped for when we started development.
Currently there are three separate vaccines with FDA emergency use authorization (EUA) in the US. Those are: Pfizer, Moderna and Jenssen (Johnson and Johnson). Each vaccine has been studied, both by the manufacture as well as multiple scientific entities for its effectiveness in preventing disease as well as reducing death and hospitalization. EUAs were approved based on the study data presented from each vaccine.
What is Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and how is it different from regular authorization?
An EUA from the FDA allows for a shorter time period from research to distribution. Normally, a vaccine is studied in three phases (as the COVID vaccine was) to assess for safety and effectiveness, which the COVID vaccines were found to have. Then, the manufacturer will submit for FDA approval, once granted they can start to manufacturing and distribution. An EUA allows the companies to manufacture and distribute the vaccine without needing to wait. Pfizer has stated that they will move to non-EUA authorization summer 2021.
Were the vaccine production timelines rushed, too short and/or not adequately tested?
While it might seem that these vaccines were created in a very short period of time, much of the work was created years before COVID existed. How is that possible? Let me explain. In 2003, SARS-1 (a coronavirus, very similar to the current) was found in China. Similar health issues were seen with that virus and thus work was started on viral identification and looking for treatments. One project was looking at a potential vaccine, the spike protein was isolated and targeted for vaccine creation. As the SARS epidemic waned and stopped, so did the work. In 2012, MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), also a coronavirus, was found in the Middle East. A vaccine was developed using the prior SARS-1 data and was tested on camels (where MERS was transmitted from) and was found to be effective. Fast forward to COVID, and science was able to pick up where it left off. At the same time, our government created a program to pre-pay the manufactures to create a product that was not yet proven, companies would not do this typically given vaccine failure would then cost them millions/billions. Similarly, phases of testing were completed at the same time, saving time but not cutting corners. Long story short, these vaccines were created and testing with means similar to all other vaccines before it.
Additional Information
Can I get COVID and/or spread it from getting the vaccine?
No. This is based on how these vaccines are designed. Regardless of which vaccine you get, they are designed to induce your body to create the spike protein, a protein on the outer surface of the virus, which then causes your body to create antibodies against that protein. Since no other material related to the coronavirus is introduced into or replicated by your body you can neither get COVID nor pass it to others from the vaccine.
Can I get COVID despite getting vaccine?
Yes, the vaccines are not 100% protective. Also, there is reduced ability of these vaccines to protect from the newly emerging variants. However, having the vaccine will reduce the severity of your symptoms, reduced chance of being hospitalized and reduced chance of death.
Can I get sick from the vaccine?
After receiving a vaccine, some people, not everyone, can and do experience: a fever, chills, muscle/body aches and just generally feel “sick.” Thankfully, this is typically a short period. So, what is happening? This is your body’s immune system creating a defense against the coronavirus. You’re not infected with the coronavirus, you are working to create an immunity. If you don’t experience these symptoms after your vaccine, it does not mean it’s not working. Additional information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Can I receive a vaccine is I am breastfeeding?
Yes, and it is encouraged by the CDC, ACOG and SMFM have all stated that breastfeeding woman should get vaccinated. While breastfeeding woman were not included on the study patient, based on how these vaccines work there is “thought not to be a risk” (CDC) related to the vaccine and breastfeeding. Additionally, the antibodies produced by vaccinated mothers are found in breast milk and are protective for breastfeeding infants.
I’ve read that getting the vaccine will reduce women’s ability to become pregnant.
There is no evidence that suggests that being vaccinated will harm a current pregnancy or will reduce your ability to get pregnant in the future. Both the American College of Gynecology (ACOG) and the Society of Material Fetal Medicine (SMFM) has stated that this myth is not based on science and it is their recommendation that all patients, including pregnant woman receive the vaccine. Both of these organizations have recently published studies refuting these claims, additionally, a recent study was posted by the New England Journal of Medicine independently verifying there is no scientific basis to this claim.
Additional Information
Will the vaccine change my DNA?
No. While the vaccines use RNA/DNA from the virus, they don’t reach areas of you cells that contain your DNA, none of these interact with your DNA, and no changes are made to your DNA.
Are the vaccines made with cells from aborted fetuses?
The Jenssen vaccine manufacturing process utilizes fetal cells from decades-old, aborted fetuses. There are no cells from these lines in the vaccine itself. Neither the Pfizer nor Moderna vaccine use fetal cells.
Lots of people have died from the vaccine, right?
No deaths have been directly related to the vaccine according to the CDC. There have been deaths reported after some received the vaccine but have not been directly attributed to the vaccine itself.
Is the University offering exemptions to the vaccine requirement?
Yes. In April, the University shared with students a form to apply for an exemption for religious or medical reasons, or moral or freedom of conscience objections. The form can be found here.
