COVID Vaccine
by Rachael Price - March 1, 2021
February 23rd, the governor has expanded Phase 1B to include those 65+ as well
as the education workers (K-12 and higher education). I bet you have questions. I
can help answer these questions and give you more information. Cooperative Extension
Service has taken pride in finding research-based information regarding the COVID
Vaccine. Dr. Bryan Mader is an Assistant Professor in Health, working with the Arkansas
Department of Health and UAMS here is what we know regarding the COVID Vaccine.
The vaccines are safe and effective. Both vaccines had to go through difficult trials
to determine how safe they are and how well they work. The vaccines were found by
the FDA to be safe and effective, and no safety concerns were found during the FDA’s
review. By using a 2-dose system (this means that you will get two separate shots)
the vaccines are 95% effective at protecting us against the virus that causes COVID-19.
The vaccine will not change your DNA or genetic makeup. Both of the COVID-19 vaccines
are what is known as Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines, which helps your body’s cells
to create a protein, called an antibody, that jumpstarts your immune system to fight
the virus. The mRNA never goes into your cells (the nucleus) where your DNA is kept,
so it cannot change or harm your DNA.
Even if you get the vaccine, you should still wear a mask, wash your hands, and social
distance. Getting the vaccine is another layer of protection against the virus. People
who get the vaccine are protected, but still may be able to spread the virus. For
the best protection against the virus, you still need to wear a mask, wash your hands,
and social distance from others. The COVID-19 vaccines are not a cure for COVID-19.
The vaccines are only one tool in our toolbox to fight the virus. Vaccines are a great
step in the right direction for a return to normal. Keep doing your part by getting
vaccinated, and continue to wear your mask, wash your hands, and social distance from
others.
Neither of the COVID-19 vaccines were created using fetal tissue. Fetal tissue was
not used during any development or production stages of either of the currently available
COVID-19 vaccines. In other words, no fetal cells were used to manufacture the vaccine,
nor are they found inside the vaccine shots you receive from your doctor.
To find out where you can get the vaccine go here (https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/covid-19-map-of-1-a-pharmacy-locations ). Be sure to ask the pharmacy what you will need to get the vaccine. Be sure to check
with your doctor if you have pre existing health conditions before getting the vaccine.
For more information or questions contact Dr. Bryan Mader at bmader@uada.edu .
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