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The year is drawing to a close, and Voices for Vaccines needs donors to support the work we do, such as sending out this newsletter. Please consider becoming a monthly donor today!
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COVID-19 Vaccine Reactogenicity
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Reports of fevers, aches, and malaise following the COVID-19 vaccine have some people feeling unsure about taking these vaccines.
The facts:
Unpleasant side effects are just that: unpleasant. We know that when a vaccine engages the immune system, normal immune responses such as fevers and muscle aches are a possibility. However, with vaccines, these symptoms are not an indication of danger ahead the way they might be with a viral or bacterial infection. They are only indications that the immune system is at work, the way it is at work when a bug bite feels itchy or dust can make us sneeze.
Preparing people for these kinds of side effects can help them feel more at ease in accepting a vaccine. In the past, this strategy was used with the newer shingles vaccine. People, knowing what to expect, planned for being at home and taking it easy following vaccination.
We can encourage people to accept a vaccine with greater reactogencity by allowing paid time off following immunization. With so many working from home, we might also want to include a few Netflix suggestions to underscore the "not working" part.
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Defeating the Pandemic Without a Vaccine
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Anti-vaxxers are promoting the idea that China has "recovered" from the pandemic without using a vaccine. This claim is related to the overarching anti-vaccine claim that vaccines are unnecessary.
The facts:
The truth is that about one million Chinese residents have received a COVID-19 vaccine. Human trials for these vaccines began in February, so China has used vaccines as part of the strategy to control the pandemic.
But preventing the spread of COVID-19 relies on more than just vaccination. People still need to work together to monitor their behaviors, especially around physical distancing and wearing masks.
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Morality of COVID-19 Vaccines
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Some religious leaders are spreading rumors that certain COVID-19 vaccines are immoral because they are produced in cells lines derived from aborted fetal tissue.
The facts:
The particular COVID-19 vaccine targeted by these claims changes over time, not just the Moderna vaccine cited above. One big principle to understand is that mRNA vaccines do not use cells to develop vaccines as they contain genetic material and not weakened or dead viruses. Learn more about the development of mRNA vaccines here.
- The AstraZeneca vaccine was tested in one cell line, but do not use cell lines as a growth medium or in any phase of development.
- The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have not used any cell lines in their production. Early use of cell lines in the design of mRNA vaccines has been studied by theologians who find no moral issues with the vaccines.
- Some recombinant and subunit vaccines have used human cell lines in their production.
It's important to note that religious ethicists opposed to abortion have affirmed the obligation of their members to receive vaccines in order to protect their neighbors.
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Vaccine Fact of the Week to Share
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Next week is National Influenza Vaccination Week! Let's work on preventing more than just COVID-19.
Check out the CDC's guide to NIVW and find ready-made social media posts to share. And register for the Public Health Foundation's flu vaccine webinar on December 7.
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