What are the vaccines currently available to prevent serious complications from the COVID-19 infection?

There are now three vaccines with FDA EUA approval:

RNA Vaccines-require TWO shots (Pfizer 3 weeks apart and Moderna 4 weeks apart)

• Pfizer

• Moderna

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DNA Vaccine-requiring ONE shot​

• Johnson & Johnson**

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**NOTE:  Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine (Johnson & Johnson): Effective April 23, 2021, CDC and FDA recommend that use of the Janssen COVID-19 Vaccine resume in the United States. However, women younger than 50 years old should be made aware of a rare risk of blood clots with low platelets following vaccination and the availability of other COVID-19 vaccines where this risk has not been observed. (https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/janssen/index.html)

 

How do they work?

The New York Times has done a great job explaining how the COVID-19 vaccines work:

Pfizer: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/health/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine.html

Moderna: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/health/moderna-covid-19-vaccine.html

J&J:  https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/health/johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine.html​

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Which vaccine is right for me?

​We are so fortunate to have three vaccines in this country to combat COVID-19. Currently, due to problems with availability, most people will not have a choice of which vaccine they receive. All three have minor advantages and disadvantages. However, what is most important to understand is they all have data to support reducing the severity of disease and likely will decrease transmission of the virus to your friends, loved ones, colleagues, and the general community. 

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Who is eligible now for a COVID-19 vaccine?

 

All patients 12 years and older are eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccination.

In Pennsylvania, vaccinations are now readily available. A great resource of additional vaccine providers is the COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution web page.

If you have specific questions about your individual circumstances, please call our office and schedule an appointment.

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In health,

Dr. Staid and the FSIM team.

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