Vaccines

Hi all,
I know you are all watching the news closely about the COVID-19 vaccine. Mayo Clinic provides up-to-the minutes information about COVID and the vaccine on the Mayo Clinic News Network here: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/category/covid-19/

I also recommend that you follow the podcasts on Mayo Clinic Connect where we feature interviews with Mayo experts on a wide range of topics, including Q&As with Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/podcasts/

Here are 2 recent Q&As with Dr. Poland:

How messenger RNA vaccines work

I received an email invitation to a clinical trial for the covid vaccine, but I answered all of the preliminary questions, and was disqualified due to my health diagnosis. How about the rest of you?

@merpreb, Thank you for posting this information. I'm thinking as more receive the vaccine, there will be more information available concerning possible reactions of some. My hope is that that will occur in order to encourage more to receive the vaccine. Apparently there are large numbers of people who don't have serious chronic health conditions who are not planning to be vaccinated and so the more transparency as more vaccines are given and time goes on, those who are afraid of it will be reassured and agree to be vaccinated.

Vaccines are finally available for COVID-19

There are a lot of people, myself included, who can't wait to have my two doses. The reason that I have decided to have the vaccine is that I'd much rather have a few days of side effects from the vaccine than have covid-19. This is a serious decision that we will all have to make (unless you have been advised against having it). If there is any hope that the vaccine will work 70% of the population, (Dr. G. Poland), need to be inoculated in order for us to achieve a heard immunity result. We won't get this result, which is necessary to stop COVID-19 unless this happens.

I have to keep in mind that COVID-19 vaccines have gone through each and every step as all our other vaccines have, to assure safety, that no corners were cut. The reason that the vaccine was so fast to become commercially available was that it showed so much efficacy early on. There is also no evidence that it causes chronic illnesses or cancers or genetic alterations right now, or even COVID-19. Down the line, if necessary, adjustments will be made to accommodate more people who were not part of the testing population. We've had to adjust dosages in other vaccines or add boosters in the past and this will also happen if need be.

I trust science. I also trust the doctors who have come to us from Mayo with podcasts and have taken the time to explain so much so often and so clearly and plainly. Any fears that I had have diminished substantially.

This video is superb in explaining the vaccine:
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/podcasts/newsfeed-post/dont-hesitate-dive-into-data-for-covid-19-vaccine/
If you are hesitant, what are your concerns?

Merry - I'm in your camp - however, with the emphasis on reopening schools, at least for elementary kids, I am willing to step back and let the teachers, custodians, bus drivers, paraprofessionals, and other staff be vaccinated first. Statewide, our school staffs have over 50% of the staff in higher risk due to age or other conditions. As a retiree, a few more weeks of staying home is a lot less burden than worrying every day about whether or not it is safe to go to work.
I will be sending a letter today to my governor and state department of health.
Sue

Good morning-I would like to know, as many of you do, when, where, and who will be providing me my vaccine. So far I know pharmacies, providers, and hospitals will be providing them. According to my pharmacy if you are employed you will get a letter giving you all the information that you need to get your vaccine. Walgreens doesn't expect to be giving out covid vaccines until 2021.

But I'm retired so I just called my doctor's office and they have not been informed of any answers to these questions and suggested that I call the Department of Health. In my state that's like calling Santa Claus.

I wish you all a safe and healthy holiday. I hope that you will keep Connect up to date as information comes in about vaccines and as you receive them.

Merry

My local TV station has a link for viewers to find out when we'll get the vaccine in my state, there are a series of questions to answer. Looks like there will be 450 thousand people ahead of me. I have an appointment with a new doctor next month, I'll ask him, but I doubt at this point he knows any more than I do. At least it's comforting to know there's this little light at the end of the tunnel.

Our health department announced this week that beginning in January they will post vaccine info - the phases and who is in each one, what the current count of vaccines distributed is, and anticipated dates for beginning each group, on the Covid website. Our daughters are frontline healthcare providers, so they are in Phase 1A and will be vaccinated as soon as they finish in-hospital and in-care facility workers and patients. My son-in-law is essential (HVAC worker) so will be in Phase 1B in the current plan. Thankfully, our state put teachers, cashiers, police & fire, etc ahead of those of us who can continue to stay home.

As retirees in Phase 1C, our PCP is tasked with providing us with specific vaccine info. The best estimate is that there will be no vaccine for us until February sometime, at best. Based on what we're seeing so far, I'm betting March to April is more realistic.
Sue

Yes, same questions you pose still unanswered here as well, @merpreb. Our gov. has put those over 70 yrs ahead of frontline workers which really irritates me because I think most of us in that age range are retired and can stay home to allow those essential workers first take on the vaccine.

I have an "annual" much modified Zoom scheduled with my pcp first week of January....She wouldn't do a phone visit and will only agree to order "temporary" refills ??? on the daily meds she usually prescribes for the year. Has to see patient "in-person" for annual refills. Bah Humbug. Had to hire computer guru to buy & install a webcam for the Zoom...in order that I can be seen by her...grumble, grouch! What about those without Zoom capability??? Anyhow, I'll ask her about vaccine but doubt she'll have answers...will report back her response.

Hopefully by this time next year we will all be vaccinated and living healthier, less uncertain lives. Best to all with wishes for more smiles in 2021!

@sueinmn, So happy to hear that your state has prioritized those front line workers who are risking their lives daily to treat, serve and help the rest of us!