Early data shows vaccinated people are experiencing mild symptoms with Omicron variant, infectious disease doctor says
Although thereโs still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the new Omicron COVID-19 variant, health officials say that early data indicates the mRNA vaccines are still proving to be effective.
Comparing the options: COVID-19 vaccine safe for pregnant women
On Wednesday, we focused on the topic viewers asked about the most -- getting the COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy. One viewer, in particular, asked for a comparison of the safety of the available vaccines, including newer ones, like Johnson and Johnsonโs vaccine. Over 10,000 women have received it, and we have not seen any significant pregnancy complications related to the vaccines,โ Ramsey said. Pregnant KSAT viewers wanted to know more about the newer Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which was recently authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We all believe itโs going to be a safe vaccine,โ Ramsey said.
Trust Index: COVID-19 vaccine does not alter DNA, medical experts say
SAN ANTONIO โ Like so many other internet claims on the COVID-19 vaccine, the claim that the injection will alter your DNA has been widely shared and discussed on social media. Two medical experts, Dr. Bryan Alsip, chief medical officer at University Health System, and Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist at UT Health San Antonio, have said this claim is NOT TRUE . โThe mRNA does not enter the nucleus of our cells. The mRNA does not change a personโs DNA through this process. Some San Antonio teachers, school employees to get COVID-19 vaccine this week through University Health
People who received COVID-19 vaccine can still donate blood or platelets, health official says
SAN ANTONIO โ People who have been inoculated with the COVID-19 vaccine during its massive, nation-wide rollout can still donate blood and platelets, according to health officials. Beddard said the COVID-19 vaccines are not made from the virus that causes COVID-19. These vaccines cause that response.โShe urged people to donate blood or platelets during a time when organizations typically see a dip in the number of donors. Because the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are mRNA vaccines, the deferral period does not apply in this instance. The U.S. has approved two COVID-19 vaccines, one from Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, and the other from Moderna.
Should pregnant women get the coronavirus vaccine? San Antonio doctor discusses possible risks
โI think the first thing to understand about the vaccine is that itโs a killed vaccine, meaning that you canโt get the coronavirus disease from the vaccine itself. Thatโs the seasonal flu vaccine and the whooping cough vaccination, and we know those to be very safe for pregnant women and breastfeeding women,โ Dr. Shields said. โUnfortunately, the coronavirus vaccine trials did not include pregnant women or breastfeeding women. But from what we know to date, the SARS-CoV-2virus, which causes coronavirus disease, can cause serious illness in pregnant women. Despite all these significant risks, thereโs only about 8% of women who will actually get severe coronavirus illness in pregnancy,โ Dr. Shields said.
Your questions answered: COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Texas
The rollout for the COVID-19 vaccine is underway across Texas. The Pfizer vaccine is recommended for people aged 16 years and older, while the Moderna vaccine is recommended for people aged 18 years and older. The Pfizer vaccine is in vials that hold five doses of the vaccine, whereas the Moderna vaccine is in 10-dose vials. Health care providers must enroll with the state as a COVID-19 vaccine provider to be eligible to receive the vaccine. H-E-B announced it will also participate in a federal program for COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Years of research laid groundwork for speedy COVID-19 shots
How could scientists race out COVID-19 vaccines so fast without cutting corners? A head start helped -- over a decade of behind-the-scenes research that had new vaccine technology poised for a challenge just as the coronavirus erupted. Both shots -- one made by Pfizer and BioNTech, the other by Moderna and the National Institutes of Health -- are so-called messenger RNA, or mRNA, vaccines, a brand-new technology. U.S. regulators are set to decide this month whether to allow emergency use, paving the way for rationed shots that will start with health workers and nursing home residents. Traditionally, making vaccines required growing viruses or pieces of viruses โ often in giant vats of cells or, like most flu shots, in chicken eggs โ and then purifying them before next steps in brewing shots.
Whatโs in the coronavirus vaccine, and how could it possibly affect me once I get it?
However, people also have some concerns about what the vaccine contains, its side effects and when theyโll be able to get it. The current coronavirus vaccine focuses on mRNA, or messenger RNA, which is found in your body. As for side effects of the vaccine, Berggren said theyโre similar to those of a flu shot. Metro Health discusses planBerggren said most side effects of any vaccine are going to be apparent within about six weeks. So when itโs your turn to get the vaccine, Berggren says to make an appointment and donโt show up late.