In the past two months I’ve had daily conversations with clients regarding vaccines and have been asked repeatedly to put my thoughts and knowledge into a post to share with their families.
My goal in this post is to clarify some information regarding vaccines that has become confusing in the media. I hope this post provides some critical information toward that end.
I don’t approach anything as bad or good, rather, everything is a choice and when it comes to vaccines I feel having the information you need to make the choice that works for you and your loved ones is what is most important. I am not looking to convince anyone of anything, this is simply information I don’t feel is being made clear and it’s not meant to change your mind either way, rather, give you tools to stay safe regardless of the choices you make.
1 – MISUNDERSTOOD IDEA – We can go back to the old normal after getting a vaccine because it keeps us from getting the virus.
Truth, the vaccine isn’t meant to prevent you from getting the virus, it’s meant to make it less likely you will get very sick and/or die from it.
Taking a vaccine does not equal what most think of as immunity and I feel we need to discuss the use of this word and our idea of it. Sterilizing immunity (meaning complete immunity) isn’t the goal of the vaccine nor is it possible. Reducing the strength of the virus is what is key here, not eliminating the possibility of getting it or transmitting it (see below). Some would say we are hoping in part to use vaccines to keep people out of the ER, that is in part true if you consider that if the vaccines help people not get as sick as they are being marketed to do, less people would require hospitalization.
I feel it is potentially causing harm to continue insinuating in the media that these vaccines are meant to create complete immunity so that you cannot get the virus. This is giving people false hope and causing them to stop wearing masks and distancing which can put themselves and others at risk. The vaccines are meant to create an immune response, as all vaccines are, and the primary goal of these is the long goal to keep people from getting extensively ill and, therefore, not have them die from the virus.
Personal note: I’ve met many people who have gotten covid after getting these vaccines and are shocked by it. We are hearing stories in the news daily about this. The problem is the message is wrong, the vaccine is meant, according to the data, to make it less likely you will get seriously ill from the virus, not that you won’t get it and there is no data on transmission (see below) so we need to stop thinking getting the vaccine makes it all go away.
DATA: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/vaccines/blog/the-messenger-rna-vaccines-and-masks
DATA 2: https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/view/pssst-vaccines-can-t-guarantee-covid-immunity
DATA 3: “Vaccines are used to boost your immune system and prevent serious, life-threatening diseases.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002024.htm
2 – MISUNDERSTOOD IDEA – All vaccines are the same so people should just take the one that is available.
Truth – there are many different types of vaccines available worldwide and more coming to market. Those with compromised immune systems and/or a history of allergic reactions may benefit from a more customized approach should they wish to be vaccinated.
While the media keeps urging us to take whatever vaccine is available claiming they are all equal, the truth is there are several types of vaccines and the science is saying one vaccine might be more useful for you than another depending on your personal health history. For example, there is no data on whether the MRNA vaccines are safe with those with autoimmune conditions. In fact they haven’t been tested on those with immune conditions, so if you are looking for a vaccine that you feel is safe for your personal health condition you may wish to wait for further testing and/or for the other forms of vaccines coming out if they are tested on your specific condition. It would be a good idea, especially if you are prone to allergic responses and/or have an autoimmune disease, to research the different vaccines for yourself and then talk to your doctor.
Personal Note: Many websites / medical professionals say you should get the vaccine even though it hasn’t been tested on someone with your immune condition. My personal opinion may differ, as may yours. The bottom line is, it’s your decision to do what is right for your body. Since getting the vaccine doesn’t stop transmission of the virus (it’s main purpose being to limit illness should the vaccinated person get sick from the virus) it shouldn’t harm anyone else if you choose not to get it right now while more testing is underway. It’s your body, your choice.
DATA: Straight from the CDC website “People with autoimmune conditions may receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. However, they should be aware that no data are currently available on the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines for them.” https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/underlying-conditions.html
DATA 2: On the 9 vaccines currently coming to market and their unique differences: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/health/how-covid-19-vaccines-work.html
3 – MISUNDERSTOOD IDEA – The vaccines work in reducing spread in those asymptomatic.
Truth – this hasn’t been studied and there is no evidence this is true.
Will the vaccine work on asymptomatic covid situations? We have no idea if it will have any effect and currently the assumption is no. The MRNA vaccines were only tested on symptomatic patients. The way the testing was done, there is no way to know the affect on asymptomatic people which account according to recent data for 50-59% or more of cases. (see data on this below)
***The main takeaway for most from this information is mask wearing and social distancing is not going away soon from these vaccines and we should be focusing more on proper testing if we want to understand the spread.
DATA 2: https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55784199
DATA 3: https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20210110/59-percent-of-covid-cases-stem-from-asymptomatic-spread
4 – MISUNDERSTOOD IDEA – I’ve had the vaccine so I can now be around those I love without masks because I cannot get or spread the virus.
Truth – you can both get and spread the virus after getting vaccinated. Until we have some actual data on this being different, this is what should be assumed.
Can you still spread the virus after getting vaccinated…yes. Again these vaccines are triggering an immune response for the person getting a vaccine. The hope then is they don’t get as sick from the virus and therefore, by not showing symptoms they may not be AS contagious AND they can still get the virus and still spread the virus.
***Bottom line, getting a vaccine does not equal perfect immunity, you can still get and spread the virus AND while you may or may not get sick from it, you can still transmit it according to current research.
5 – MISUNDERSTOOD IDEA – The current vaccines will definitely work with future mutations.
Truth – this hasn’t been tested fully in part because future mutations are unknown. The current mutations are being tested and more data is coming out daily so hopefully there at least will be some benefit of the current vaccines toward mutations of the virus.
Truth is we do not have data to say current vaccines will on this work on future mutations and in fact, some of the data we do have shows different efficacy between types of the vaccines and the new mutations. For example the Moderna is already creating a new booster against the new mutation found in Africa and is talking about a 3rd shot becoming available. In addition the discussions of ‘tweaking’ current vaccines for future mutations means that there is a potential for having to get more and more boosters for different mutations right now depending on the vaccine taken.
MY TWO CENTS – this is my personal belief section based on my work with clients and my discussions with medical professionals/colleagues all over the world. Just some thoughts that might be helpful for some.
TOPIC 1 – One idea that I believe needs more discussion is that as your immune system is processing the vaccine, I believe it would behoove patients to be EXTRA vigilant of not getting exposed to any viruses. It appears that those getting covid immediately after the vaccine could be doing so because their immune system is temporarily compromised while the vaccine is ‘ramping up’. As this can make people more vulnerable while the vaccine is taking hold, I believe those getting vaccinated need to be told to take extra precautions in the weeks after getting the vaccine and between vaccine shots to ensure they are staying safe.
TOPIC 2 – I believe we should be offering more at home and 15 min testing. I feel that with the inability to reduce spread through asymptomatic transmission, faster and more accurate testing is needed now.
TOPIC 3 – We need to test these vaccines for vulnerable people such as those with diabetes, lupus and/or autoimmune illnesses. If we do not know due to lack of any testing if someone with a certain underlying condition will have that condition triggered by the vaccine we have to take more precautions and stop telling people to risk their health and ‘just do it’ and deal with the consequences later when they may be causing themselves harm. Especially when the above data shows those not vaccinated are at no more risk to others if they practice safe distancing, mask wearing, staying out of public if showing symptoms, etc. than they would be if they got the vaccine.
TOPIC 4 – I do not believe anyone should put something into their body because someone tells them to without researching it for themselves and determining if it is right for their health and well-being. I work both with clients who get the vaccine and those who choose not to and all have their unique stories, needs and beliefs. I do believe some people will have no reaction to getting these vaccines and, I know many people have been injured by vaccines and some people will have adverse reactions beyond minimal side effects.
I hope this helps to give you more information that perhaps clarifies the confusing information in the media.
Bottom line, if you choose to get the vaccines, it’s important you continue to wash your hands, social distance and wear masks and you need to be conscious that you can still carry/get the virus and be an asymptomatic carrier as well. If you have underlying conditions that could be triggered by the vaccine, speak with your doctor first and do your research to see what you are comfortable with.
I hope this was helpful for you.
In good health and blessings, Satya
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