COVID-19 Vaccination

Many patients have asked me about the COVID-19 Vaccine. Here are a few answers to some common questions I have received.

1) Should I get the vaccine? YES

2) Is it safe in pregnant and breastfeeding women?

This is not a live vaccine and is not believed to cross the placenta and the current

recommendation from the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology is for

pregnant women to receive the vaccine. They have not commented on which

trimester would be best. They have stated that due to the increase in risk of

pregnant women getting severe COVID-19 especially in minority women the

vaccine is recommended. There is no data on children that have been born yet to

women who have been vaccinated. There is still a lot we are learning about this

topic and please continue to ask questions.

3) What are the main side effects of the vaccine?

The first dose typically causes a sore arm.

The second dose can cause an even sorer arm and some flu like symptoms

including fever, nausea, fatigue, muscle aches, stomach, and back pain. This is

good and expected because it signals your body is mounting an immune

response and producing antibodies against COVID.

4) If I am immunocompromised, have had cancer, or am currently undergoing cancer

treatment is it still safe to get the vaccine?

The general answer is YES, but you should always consult with your physician to

discuss your personal history and risk.

5) What is the difference between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine?

The main difference is the length of time between your first and 2nd shot. Pfizer is 3

weeks, while Moderna is 4 weeks. The other difference is Pfizer has been approved for

ages 16 and above while Moderna is for ages 18 and above.