COVID-19 January 2021 Update: Vaccinations Begin
Good news has finally come out of our continued battle with COVID as vaccines have made their way from the laboratory and into patients’ arms. Two companies, Moderna and Pfizer, have been granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for their respective vaccines. This means that the FDA has not given formal approval, only emergency approval, and formal approval will come at a later date.
Two other companies, Astra Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson, are completing trials and analyzing data that will be presented to the FDA in a few days. Both companies are expecting EUA for their respective vaccines. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines are very similar but not interchangeable; the Astra Zeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are also similar and not interchangeable. So if you receive one brand, the booster must be in that same brand. I just received my second dose of the Moderna vaccine. I’m relieved knowing I’ve done all I can to protect my family and my patients.
I cannot stress enough the importance of getting a vaccine. Although most of you, and your kids will not be eligible in right now, in the coming months newer recommendations and approvals with make these products available. I urge you to get them. Please, please do this so we can get out of this horrible situation.
COVID-19 Vaccines for Children
As for children, trials are ongoing and will take several months to complete, with review of data and submission to the FDA to follow. It is not known at this time what age children will be eligible, nor when we will be able to get them to you. I will do all I can to get these vaccines in my office to give to your child when they become available to Karam Pediatric Group.
Vaccine FAQs - Here’s the Facts
Several concerns have been raised by parents, friends and colleagues about the vaccines. The first is that the vaccines were “rushed” to the market. The only thing that was rushed was the bureaucratic red tape. Approvals and paperwork that normally took months took only a few days. Realize that there are many steps in vaccine approval, each taking weeks to months, and each was reduced to days. The actual studies were done on a non-accelerated timeline, followed by data analysis and FDA submission. Then, of course the FDA moved very quickly to approve. I have no concerns about the process.
Next is the phrase and concern “we have never had this type (mRNA) vaccine before” and that is true. However, the science behind this has been active for over 30 years, and in the past 15 years has been used to actually make vaccines. Because of funding issues and such, no vaccine has been brought to market. The science behind these is solid, spectacular, and effective. I have every confidence in this technology.
Then of course is the general feeling about getting a vaccine in general, vaccine hesitancy, and fear. As a father, grandfather, pediatrician since 1981 with 35 years of clinical experience, and former scientist, I can attest to you that vaccines are safe, effective and our only way out of this mess. Please get vaccinated.
So continue to mask up, keep your distance, stay away from crowded areas unless absolutely necessary, wash your hands and get the vaccine if you are given the opportunity!
