On August 23, 2021, the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration gave its first full approval of a vaccine for the prevention of COVID-19. Beforehand, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was accessible beneath emergency use authorization.
That signifies that the vaccine has been totally cleared to be used in individuals ages 16 and older. The vaccine also can nonetheless be used beneath emergency use authorization for teenagers ages 12 to fifteen.
Path to Improved Well being
A scientific trial of the vaccine discovered that it was 91% efficient in stopping COVID-19 illness. Reported unintended effects from the vaccine embody:
- Ache, redness and swelling within the injection website
- Fatigue, headache, muscle or joint ache
- Chills
- Fever
The Facilities for Illness Management (CDC) stories that COVID-19 vaccines can shield towards extreme illness and demise from COVID-19. That additionally consists of the Delta variant.
Many individuals have been hesitant to get the vaccine over issues about its security. Greater than 204 million individuals within the U.S. have acquired COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines have undergone probably the most intensive security monitoring in U.S. historical past, based on the CDC.
Totally vaccinated individuals typically do nonetheless get contaminated with COVID-19. That is known as a breakthrough an infection. However even then, the vaccine retains the signs milder and lasting for a shorter time. It may possibly additionally forestall hospitalization and demise from the virus.
Issues to Take into account
The CDC is recommending booster pictures for individuals who have been totally vaccinated for COVID with both the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines however who’ve compromised or weakened immune methods. They generally don’t construct sufficient safety with the primary dose, so a booster could also be wanted.
Circumstances that will require a booster shot embody:
- Folks with severely compromised immune methods
- Recipients of organ or stem cell transplants
- Folks with superior or untreated HIV infections
- Those that are receiving most cancers remedy
- Folks taking drugs that weaken the immune system
Officers are additionally contemplating booster pictures for everybody already totally vaccinated with both the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. If permitted, the plan is predicted to start within the fall. You could be eligible for a booster beginning 8 months after you acquired your second dose of the vaccine.
Inquiries to Ask Your Physician
- What’s the distinction between a full approval and an emergency approval of the vaccine?
- What are among the unintended effects of the vaccine?
- Is the vaccine harmful?
- Do I have to get a booster shot?
Sources
American Academy of Family Physicians: COVID-19 Vaccine
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Coronavirus Disease 2019
