Frequently Asked Questions

No evidence or data to suggest this. Recommendations from leading scientists, researchers, published opinions on this matter recommended the COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant persons. Also, we have some limited data on pregnant persons from the phase 3 trials. Additional trials on pregnant persons and children are forthcoming. Medical opinions can be found here: Article 1 & Article 2

COVID-19 vaccines are indicated as safe.

Offering scientifically accurate factual information in non-scientific ways, delivered by trusted healthcare professionals is the best way to help guide our responses to the COVID-19 and address misinformation and myths directly. We need to develop community vaccination centers that are staffed by Black and Brown people. It is critical that there are people of color on the front lines sharing this information.  Radio messages and lyrics put forth by well-known artists is another effective way to help people begin to trust the vaccine.

Vaccines typically take about 10 years to develop, including the time it takes for manufacturers to develop the resources (funding) to support moving the research from one phase to the next. No safety steps were skipped. The speed was supported by using vaccine development strategies that had been researched.

The rapid development of the vaccine is the result of a worldwide effort to combat the pandemic and the culmination of decades of bench research coming together to solve a worldwide health concern. Fortunately, we had some of the best scientific minds and laboratories in the world addressing our mutual concerns to avoid the ravages of the forthcoming pandemic. There were no short cuts or rush to release these vaccines, only tireless professionals working 24-7

There are many public strategies that have focused on Black communities, many have been circulating since last summer. They have been organized by leading organizations and providers focused on Black health, including the National Medical Association, National Urban League, NAACP, the four Historically Black Medical Colleges, National Black Nurses Association, Old North State Medical Society in NC among others. Getting the word out to communities should also happen by local community leaders sharing scientifically accurate information.  A lack of targeted funding to produce and disseminate these announcements is certainly virtual to successful mitigation.

In addition to vaccination, people still need to remain vigilant with the 3Ws: washing hands, waiting 6ft apart, and wearing a mask.  Adhering to these basic preventative measures is important in the face of evolving COVID-19 variants.

None of the current FDA-approved emergency use vaccines alter DNA. The vaccine does not enter our cell nucleus to even have contact with our DNA.

NC is allocating delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine by Group designation.  Group 1: Health care personnel & Long Term Care Facility residents. Group 2: Older adults age>65. Group 3: Frontline Essential Workers. Group 4: Adults at high risk for exposure and increased risk of severe illness; people living in a close group setting; essential workers not yet vaccinated. You are able to receive the vaccine when your Group is eligible, but you may have to wait until the federal government provides NC with enough vaccine to administer to everyone in the Group.

According to the CDC website, cases of Bell’s Palsy were reported in participants of the COVID-19 vaccine trial.  However, these cases were not above the rate expected in the general population.  It has not been concluded that these Bell’s Palsy cases were caused by vaccination.  Therefore according to the FDA, persons who have previously had Bell’s Palsy may receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

The data is currently limited on whether the current vaccines protect against the new variants, but based on unpublished reports from the trials and immunogenicity studies, the current Covid-19 vaccines still appear to be effective against some of the variants. For the variant with a specific mutation (the South African variant), the vaccine efficacy may be less compared to the original Covid-19 virus, but the vaccine is still effective at the prevention of severe disease from COVID.  As new variants arise, vaccines are being revised so they can continue to be effective. New data and updates will be forthcoming.

See response in the question above.

We do not yet know the duration of protection from the disease, nor do we know the potential need for and timing of additional booster doses.  There is an ongoing follow-up of the trial participants and this evaluation, along with observational studies, will help us address these questions.

Healthcare providers can reach out to their own patients, with whom they have a prior trusting relationship with, to assess their concerns and address their questions about the vaccines.  Providers can also try to provide the vaccine in their own offices, so patients can go to places they are familiar with, and likely have transportation too.  Healthcare providers should also stay informed of the impact of the disease and the vaccine on people of color so they can be the source of current, accurate information.

COVID-19 is a very new illness. There are many things yet to be learned.  Recent discoveries of new COVID-19 strains suggest that the COVID-19 vaccinations may need to be revised periodically to be sure they are effective as possible. As more and more people become vaccinated, doctors will discover more information about COVID-19 and these new vaccines.  It may well be possible that people will need to repeat vaccinations to stay protected.   

The development of variants is normal and expected, especially when many people are infected.  Another word for variant is “difference”.  The virus that causes COVID-19 changes in very small steps that build up over time. This means that viruses now causing infections may be slightly different than those known a year ago. It is important to remember that most of these small differences are not important to how well a vaccine works. Scientists are looking at these variants and will change the vaccine as needed to better respond to these expected changes that make a difference in vaccine effectiveness.

Both Pfizer and Moderna state that the COVID-19 vaccine will continue to protect against two of the major mutant strains such as U.K. B 1.1.& and South African B1.351 Both vaccine companies maintain they both will significantly decrease deaths and hospitalizations.

COVID-19 is a very new disease and we still have much to learn about it. It is not clear whether and how often people can be re-infected with COVID-19. It does appear that re-infection may be possible.  It may also be possible that some people who appear to be re-infected, may never have recovered from their first infection. There are uncertainties regarding the timing and benefit of vaccines for people with recent COVID-19 infections.  People with recent infections should consult their physicians about COVID-19 vaccinations. Persons at high risk for COVID-19 who have recovered from a COVID-19 infection may benefit from subsequent COVID-19 vaccination. The benefit will be better understood after more vaccinations are given and we learn more.

People with complex and serious medical conditions such as heart disease are at higher risk for severe illness and death from COVID-19. The risk from the vaccination will be better understood as more people with various medical conditions receive the vaccination.  For people with medical conditions such as heart disease, the risk of serious illness from COVID-19 is important to consider. Early testing when vaccines were developed may not provide sufficient information to fully assess vaccine risk for people with specific medical conditions.  In general, it is likely that the benefits of the vaccine far exceed the risks for most people. People with specific health concerns and complex medical conditions should consult their healthcare providers to learn more about the risks and benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine relevant to them.

Roughly 10% of the participants of clinical trials for both Pfizer and Moderna were African American. By percentage, African Americans make up roughly 13% of the US population. These numbers are roughly comparable. They are far greater than other medications that have been approved with far less minority input.

This is a great question. The individuals from safety trials from both companies are still being followed and further data is being collected for analysis. I would expect more data in the coming months.

I believe the ~90% efficacy rate from Moderna and Pfizer will continue as both companies are vigilant to test their vaccine’s efficacy against known variants. I believe that as new strains are discovered, efficacy will be recalculated and reassessed in ways similar to the flu vaccine to ensure adequate coverage.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is engaged in a range of efforts to encourage greater diversity in clinical trials, including creating a public-facing education and outreach campaign and working with varied stakeholders. It also developed recommendations to industry and agency staff on how to collect race and ethnicity data in clinical trials. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has longstanding guidelines on the inclusion of women and minorities as subjects in clinical research. In addition to these general guidelines, there have been specific efforts focused on COVID-19 vaccine trials. For example, in June 2020, the FDA offered nonbinding  recommendations to the industry on the development and licensure of COVID-19 vaccines that strongly encouraged the “enrollment of populations most affected by COVID-19, specifically racial and ethnic minorities.” Both Pfizer and Moderna have said they worked to ensure that people of color were included in their trials, with Moderna even slowing down enrollment to try to enroll more racial and ethnic minorities.

The data show that although people of color are underrepresented in the clinical trials for the two initial COVID-19 mRNA vaccines compared to their share of the population, the trials include people from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds and are more diverse than some trials have historically been.  Studies have also shown that COVID-19 disproportionately affects Black people in severity and mortality and Black people are currently receiving the vaccination at much lower rates than Whites.  Given these known factors, Black people should receive the vaccination as soon as it is available to them to reduce the risk of severe disease and death. More Info!

Although the results of specific racial demographics are not parsed out in reports about enrollment into the Pre-Protocol sets, this statement seems logical based on concentrated efforts to enroll Black participants late in the year and when closer to obtaining emergency use authorization (EUA). However, safety and efficacy are continuously monitored and the VAERS reporting system is a significant resource in knowing adverse events in participants. The FDA still collects this “follow-up” information and reports it through the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR).

The durability of the mRNA vaccine is yet to be determined for any sector of the population. We need the benefit of time to obtain data that will reveal how durable the vaccine will be. Then we can further identify if the vaccine is more durable in certain subgroups.

The 2nd dose of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is necessary unless your doctor has instructed you not to get a second shot (for example, because of anaphylaxis after the first dose).

The reason the second dose is necessary is because it helps your bodily system develop the maximum number of antibodies in order to protect you if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19. You get the best possible scenario of being protected from becoming seriously ill or hospitalized because of COVID-19. For example, Pfizer shows 52% efficacy after the first dose and 95% after the second dose; Moderna reports 80% efficacy after the first dose and 94.1% after the second dose.

Yes, people who have had severe allergic reactions or who have had any type of immediate allergic reaction to a vaccine or injectable therapy are advised to take the COVID-19 vaccine. They should be monitored for at least 30 minutes after getting the vaccine (whereas all others are monitored for 15 minutes post-vaccination. It is still recommended that you take the COVID-19 vaccination unless one of those allergic items is contained within the vaccine.

 All vaccination providers should have appropriate personnel, mediation, and equipment to handle an allergic reaction. 

You should not get the second dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine if you either had a severe allergic reaction after getting the first dose, or had an immediate reaction (within 4 hours) of getting the first dose, such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress).

(‘Reported side effects’ and ‘serious side effects’ are defined in previous questions.)

If you only experience a red, itchy, swollen, or painful rash where the first injection occurred, you should STILL get the second dose. The rash is referred to as “COVID arm.” Treat the symptom you have with appropriate medication (antihistamine, pain reliever). It may be recommended that you receive the second dose in the opposite arm, but having this rash is NO indication that you will have a severe allergic reaction after the second dose, or even that the rash will recur.

Vaccines are tested for safety as part of rigorous government approval processes.  This testing has shown that vaccines are very safe. Rarely some people have serious allergic reactions after taking any vaccine. Risks from vaccines are always much less than the risks from the disease they prevent. This is expected. If a serious allergic reaction happens, it usually occurs very quickly after receiving the vaccine.  This is why people who receive vaccines are observed for a few minutes after the shot. Medical staff will be available in case a rare serious event occurs. 

The emergence of new COVID-19 strains is a normal and expected outcome of widespread infections.  The more people with infections, the more that new strains will arise.  The best way to prevent new strains from developing is to get vaccinated.  No vaccine is expected to cover completely all-new strains.  Different vaccines may show different levels of effectiveness against new strains. It is important to understand that any vaccine will reduce your risk of infection.  Vaccines are being revised as new strains are identified so that they will continue to be effective.

COVID-19 vaccines take advantage of new technologies that have been years in development. We are fortunate that these new technologies are ready to use today because they allow us to greatly shorten the time required to develop a new vaccine.  All of these vaccines are safe and very effective in preventing COVID-19. All will greatly reduce your risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19. It is important that as many people as possible receive one of these vaccines as soon as possible. The most important factor in your choice of vaccine is which is available first to you.  The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require 2 shots for maximum effectiveness.  The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires only one shot. There are some differences in the level of effectiveness and convenience of these vaccines, but they are all preferred over no vaccination.

All vaccines work by “boosting” the immune system.  A better way to think of it is that vaccines “train” the immune systems on how to recognize COVID-19. Once the immune system knows what to look for, it is very good at stopping COVID-19 before it becomes a serious illness. Vaccines “educate” the immune system so it recognizes COVID-19 early before it causes hospitalization and death.

The purpose of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine is to prevent most genital warts, cancers of the cervix, vagina, anus, vulva, oropharynx, and penis. These conditions are slow to manifest and the cells that cause them usually emerge early in life (teens and early 20s), after exposure. There are about 40 types of HPV, most of which cause no symptoms and go away on their own. The vaccine is formulated to prevent the few types that cause the majority of the above-mentioned cancers and genital warts. It is one of the only vaccines directly related to (cervical) cancer prevention. Finishing the HPV vaccine series before any possibility of exposure to these culpable viruses gives your child the best possible defense against the aforementioned types of cancers when they get older.

For example, 12,000 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, with 4,000 deaths reported in the U.S. This incident will be significantly reduced with the HPV vaccine.

We cannot be sure of a positive response for each individual, but it is certain that the mRNA vaccine has no effect on a human’s genome. Vaccine injury in terms of adverse effects is continuously being documented, as a collective, for the human population. There is no vaccine injury for one’s genetic makeup. The vaccine does not interact with human DNA.

Some of the long-term effects of the vaccine are truly unknown at this time Thus far some of the commonly reported serious long-term symptoms or complications appear to be less common, but have been reported can include: fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, joint pain, and chest pain. It can affect different organ systems in the body and include the following:

• Cardiovascular: inflammation of the heart causing chest pain
• Respiratory: Lung function abnormalities cause shortness of breath
• Dermatologic: rash, and hair loss
• Neurological: smell and taste problems, sleep disorders, concentration difficulty, memory problems
• Psychiatric: depression, anxiety, mood changes:

COVID-19 is a new disease and the CDC, NIH and other global scientists are learning more about it daily and how it affects adults. Clinical trials are initiating with children and data will be forthcoming soon.

It is true that vaccines often have side effects, but those are typically temporary (like a sore arm, low fever, muscle aches, and pains) and go away after a day or two. Many studies have proven that there is no link between vaccines and autism. There is also no link between childhood vaccination and autism. The British doctor who originally published the finding about vaccines and autism has since been found to have falsified his data and was stripped of his license to practice medicine. The value of protection among vaccinated individuals and to the public has made vaccines one of the top public health measures in history, second only to having a clean water supply.

 We have to continue analyzing the data.

Understood. 

Most definitely long-standing systemic health and social inequities have put minority groups at increased risks of getting sick and dying of COVID-19.

While Black and Hispanic populations are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 in hospitalizations and deaths, The FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccines have promising data thus far revealing that the vaccine prevents deaths and hospitalizations significantly.

More research is needed. It is rare but possible to be reinfected with COVID-19 after vaccination. Clinical trials of  Pfizer/BioNTech nor Moderna vaccines did not measure whether a vaccinated person can spread COVID-19 therefore we do not know if a vaccinated individual can be re-infected and spread COVID-19.

The effectiveness of a vaccine depends on an individual’s immune system.  Vaccines work by making your body have an immune response that will protect you from future exposures.  If an individual’s body does not generate an adequate response they may not be 100% protected after the vaccination.

Findings from a few small studies thus far have been promising and indicate that COVID-19 infected pregnant women who give birth have passed antibodies to the child but larger studies are needed to make a generalization.

At the current time, you do not get the opportunity to choose which vaccine you get. Each state has its own vaccine distribution plan. Each state gets its own proportional supply of the three approved vaccines. The state then distributes the vaccines to the counties or health departments based on need. Each of the available vaccines is effective in preventing hospitalizations and death from the virus.

The initial study to evaluate the efficacy, safety and immunogenicity of the Moderna vaccine included more than thirty thousand persons.

 No. You can receive the vaccine during your designated Phase, whether or not you have a prior history of symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

  No.  You should receive your 2nd vaccine within 6 weeks of the 1st vaccine. If more than 6 weeks pass between vaccinations, you should still get your 2nd dose as soon as possible.

 It is important that local community partners work together to ensure that the vaccine is being administered in an equitable way. A deliberate marketing strategy which includes our churches, minority physicians, black-owned businesses, radio stations, social media pages, etc is vital.

Talk to your doctor about your specific risks and benefits of getting the vaccination.  Advanced age and pre-existing conditions, such as cancer, may increase your risk for severe disease if you get Covid, so the vaccination is recommended, in general.  Being on a medication such as Eliguard is not a contraindication to getting the covid vaccine.

In general terms, it is recommended that you have recovered from illness associated with the COVID infection before getting your vaccine.  The specific timing should be determined by your doctor.  Please contact your doctor prior to scheduling your vaccine appointment.

You are right to be concerned that her pre-existing conditions may increase her risk of severe disease from COVID-19 infection.  The vaccinations are highly effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalizations, so they are life-preserving.   Persons who have had reactions from the flu vaccine may still receive the covid vaccine.  Some people may experience side effects, but they are short-term.  Please encourage her to talk to her doctor.  Please also express love and concern for her well-being, validate her concerns, don’t dismiss them. 

All of the vaccines that are currently available in the US are highly effective at prevention of severe disease.  Do not wait for one particular one.  Take the one that is offered.

The vaccination groups to test COVID-19 vaccines in clinical trials recruited persons from high-risk populations including Blacks. Due to substantial evidence of increased risk due to COVID-19 infections in these populations, many vaccination programs attempt to increase vaccination rates for these high-risk groups.

Vaccine safety is of key concern in the clinical trials that test COVID-19 vaccines.  Throughout all phases of these trials, vaccine safety is monitored and reported to government reviewers.  When vaccines are distributed and given to the public, healthcare providers are trained to spot vaccine safety issues and to take action should an adverse event be discovered. Adverse vaccine events are reported to the government. Vaccine medical records are monitored for evidence of potential safety concerns as vaccines are given to people worldwide.

According to the sponsor packets that the FDA reviewed the vaccines have been tested in mice, rabbits, hamsters, and non-human primates.  Yes, the Vaccines were tested in three phases of clinical trials in humans

People with underlying health conditions were included in the trials, including persons who take various medications for those health conditions including coronary artery disease, cancer,  diabetes, obesity, hypertension, etc.  The data indicates the vaccines were well tolerated and worked well in these persons also.

Vaccinations should be free to the public.

We are currently not certain of how long the vaccines provide protection against COVID 19.   This will be answered as more large-scale registries follow vaccinated patients.  These registries will help us determine the average length of time neutralizing antibodies remain in the bloodstream after vaccination.  We will then better be able to determine the need for and/or timing of repeat vaccinations after the initial vaccination.

Yes, there is a benefit. Recovering from COVID-19 doesn’t mean you can’t get it again. The vaccine will offer high levels of protection against getting seriously ill that may result in hospitalization and death.

People with underlying health conditions were included in the studies. Prior surgeries are not a contraindication for vaccination.

More detailed NIH and CDC data are forthcoming soon.

No. People with COVID-19 who have symptoms should wait to be vaccinated until they have recovered from their illness and have met the criteria for discontinuing isolation; those without symptoms should also wait until they meet the criteria before getting vaccinated. This guidance also applies to people who get COVID-19 before getting their second dose of vaccine.

Some cancer treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell or bone marrow transplant, or immunotherapy can affect the immune system, which might make the vaccine less effective.

The immune system requires time to respond effectively to the first dose of the vaccine. It takes several weeks to develop a response to the vaccine. The second dose is given to further boost the immune response developed by the first dose.

The response to COVID-19 vaccines are highly variable. Both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines are reactogenic vaccines, which means they are expected to produce side effects or reactions. Side effects may include fatigue, chills, headache, muscle aches and pains and even fever. This happens because your immune system is starting to work and cope with the stimulus that comes from the vaccine-so in a sense it’s a good thing.  

Some people do not experience any symptoms while others have mild to moderate side effects, and some get more severe symptoms. The immune response is more robust if you are young and healthy. 

The Historically Black Medical Colleges were consulted early on in the process, and were involved in advising the design and implementation of the trials. Leadership from these institutions were also involved in various ways to support our efforts to meaningfully involve Black communities in the research to inform the efforts. This includes the Black Expert Panels, the Faith Initiative, and other strategies.

One dose of Pfizer vaccine will offer some protection (about 50%, 80% for Moderna) but the greatest benefit comes from the second dose (greater than 90%) for both. There is no data that NIH reportedly is aware of that can speak to efficacy when mixing vaccines; so this is not recommended. CDC guidelines suggest that people who experience reactions should get a second dose unless a medical provider or vaccine provider advises otherwise. Reportedly, of 15,208 trial participants who received Moderna only 81 (0.5%) received it outside the recommended window. 

Additional information on what to expect after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is available on the CDC website.

Serious vaccine allergic reactions are rarely covered in the news because they happen very rarely. Serious allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccinations may happen, but early information from the first vaccinations and vaccine development studies show that this is a very rare event. In contrast, death and serious illness due to COVID-19 is more likely if you do not get vaccinated. Vaccine studies have shown that you can reduce your risk of serious infection by as much as 95% if you get vaccinated.

There were more than 44,000 participants in the clinical trial showing the effectiveness of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.  All COVID-19 vaccines have strengths and limitations with respect to convenience and availability.  All of these vaccines are very effective.  It is recommended that people should choose a vaccine based on availability.  Any vaccine approved in the United States will provide very good protection.

More than 100,000 people volunteered in clinical trials for all three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson) to see if they are safe and work to prevent COVID-19 illness. Volunteers included Black/African Americans, Hispanics/Latinx, Asians and others. To date, the vaccines are extremely effective in preventing death and hospitalization from COVID-19 with no serious safety concerns noted in any of the clinical trials. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) makes sure the vaccines are safe and can prevent people from getting COVID-19. Like all drugs, vaccine safety continues to be monitored after they are in use.

The challenge in 2021 is to overcome the distrust that African Americans have in getting a COVID-19 vaccine and to have confidence that it will benefit their health and not worsen it.

One thing that’s needed to make this happen is trust—for predominantly white institutions to trust Black physicians, researchers and community leaders to implement the cultural approaches they know will work with Black communities.

This will mean giving time and resources to those Black institutions, and doctors, and health care providers, so they can go into Black communities and engage in strategies that are going to be really effective for the community that they serve.

COVID-19 vaccines are all very new and use new technologies. It is not yet known how long protection will last from these vaccines. Evidence from vaccine studies for other viruses suggests that the vaccines may be effective for years, but the appearance of COVID-19 variants may require vaccination more frequently to achieve maximal effectiveness.

All 3 versions (Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson) have been shown to be safe and effective for African Americans. Please follow the guidance of your primary care physician if you experienced allergic reactions to previous vaccines. Pfizer consists of normal saline and mRNA of COVID-19.

Prior to the FDA granting emergency use authorization, they had 30,000 and 43,448 participants for Moderna and Pfizer, respectively.

The most common adverse events reported included pain and/ or at the site of the injection, fatigue, muscle or bone pain, and headache.These side effects were reported as more serious after the second dose. None of the side effects have been reported to be long-lasting.

COVID-19 vaccines are similar to other vaccines in that their purpose is to prevent widespread illness and disease — in this case, due to SARS-CoV2. They are different from required vaccinations in that there is no FDA-approved vaccine for this prevention. Because of our current unique pandemic situation and urgency of a remedy needed, the FDA has granted emergency use of 3 vaccines that have met their immediate standards for safety and efficacy, based upon the best available scientific evidence. The goal is to significantly slow/ stop illness and death due to coronavirus-19, even to eradicate it from our ecosystem. Scientific data is continuously being evaluated. This emergency use authorization (EUA) ends when the emergency is declared to be over. 

FDA-approval or clearance, on the other hand, comes after substantial evidence (including data that only reveals itself after the benefit of time) is a process that proves that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh its risks when used as instructed and for its intended purpose. For such distinction, vaccines that are not FDA-approved will not be mandated. FDA-approved and EUA are not the same.

Scientists have studied coronaviruses for decades. Dr. Corbett mentioned that her own pre-clinical coronavirus research has been 6 years in the making. It is because of science that data can be compiled, setting a strong foundation from which to build. 

SARS-CoV2 is in a family of viruses that scientists knew how to approach in order to determine its genetic sequencing and mode of attack. Its components are similar to the previously encountered deadly MERS virus. Scientists were able to develop a method of counteracting the effectiveness of viral spread based on characteristics found via previous research. The urgency of needing a vaccine, at this time, is because of its exponential ability to spread and accelerated death toll.

We do not have information concerning the validation of the equipment in private companies.  We are sure that equipment used in federal institutions have appropriate quality/ improvement measures for all of the federally funded research.

Skepticism is prudent given our history in this country. Scientists from our Black communities have been at the forefront of developing the vaccine. A  large preponderance of Black physicians which includes membership of the National Medical Association (organization of Black physicians across the USA) and the OLD North State Medical Society (organization of Black physicians across North Carolina) trust the science, support the utilization, and have themselves taken the COVID-19 vaccine. Part of our mission is to ensure our communities of Black families are not left behind and unprotected.. When presented with further knowledge and evidence by trusted sources, we hope that everyone will heed the advice to take the COVID-19 vaccine.

In reviewing the available data from the CDC to date there have been no reported cases of Guillain-Barre following the vaccination for Covid 19.

All the vaccines currently authorized by the FDA for use in the USA (Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J ) all have excellent safety profiles in their extensive clinical trials that included many thousands of subjects from diverse backgrounds. Certainly, there are side effects potentially for any and all vaccines but they are designed to significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality from the Covid 19 virus. You should take the vaccine to protect yourself and others from this deadly virus. To date, 520,000 Americans have died and many could have been spared if they had the opportunity to get the vaccine along with using the other recommended guidelines from the CDC and Dr. Fauci (NIH). It is true that the full effects of the virus on different age groups are not completely known one year after the virus began to ravage the world. Given the worldwide scientific efforts, the speed at which the vaccines came to market is unparalleled, but there were no shortcuts or safety violations in the process.

Historically, you have reason for concern, and it is true that there are biases in the medical field which are associated with a different level of treatment for Black, Brown, and Indigenous peoples. We need to seek information from trusted medical professionals and respected organizations such as the Old North State Medical Society that are formed by persons from a similar background. Many of the biases we face are subconscious and as citizens and patients, we must recognize them and take appropriate actions to not be adversely affected. Information and knowledge are powerful tools to help counter these biases. We also have biases instilled in us by historical events in the past and we must not fall prey to the same old stereotypes that continue to imprison our minds and bodies. We have some responsibility in correcting this equation going forward. “Ice has the same temperature and one’s is colder than the other’s.” Medical advances which make it possible for many of us to continue to live productive lives or be cured comes from years and years of informed and educated therapies developed by some of the brightest minds in the world. No “trials”(experiments) are done without the proper consent of the individual or family unlike in years past. Medical ethics forbid such now. Seek truths! Challenge convention when necessary and always be armed with facts.

All COVID-19 vaccines approved in the United States are very effective in preventing serious illness and death.  The vaccines are new and limited data are available to determine exactly how much of this risk is reduced by vaccines. Early results of a study in the UK show that COVID hospitalisation and death are reduced by over 75 due to the COVID vaccine. It is possible to become seriously ill or die from COVID even if you have been vaccinated.  This is why vaccinated persons should continue to wear masks, wash hands, and practice social distancing during the epidemic.

nRNA in cells is broken down by normal cellular processes.  COVID vaccines contain a limited amount of nRNA. Not all of the mRNA is actually incorporated into cells after the vaccine is given.  Intracellular mRNA is degraded rapidly. Once degraded, mRNA from the vaccine stops manufacturing covid components.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the expected benefits outweigh potential risks. Based on the data, the vaccine has proven to be safe for individuals with the co-morbidities that are prevalent in the black community.

At this time, it is not advisable for students to attend largely populated indoor events unless they can maintain 6 ft distance and wear a mask at all times.

Reasons that persons do not take vaccines are multiple and complex. There are many social norms that are barriers to vaccines. Some persons may not fully recognize the risks of COVID-19. Others recognize the risk but are counting on herd immunity to protect them. COVID-19 has revealed many challenges to public health and vaccinations inherent in the social, political, and economic systems of the United States and globally. These challenges represent persistent threats to the control of the pandemic. Constant positive reinforcement, support, and education will be required to achieve high vaccination rates.

Herd immunity means that enough people in the community are protected from getting a disease because they’ve already had the disease, or they’ve been vaccinated against the disease. 

Herd immunity makes it hard for the disease to spread from person to person, and it even protects those who cannot be vaccinated. The percentage of people who need to have a vaccination in order to achieve herd immunity is still being determined by the CDC and other experts who are studying herd immunity for COVID-19 and will provide more information as it is available.

Dr. Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, has said that the U.S. needs to get between 70 and 85 percent of its population vaccinated against COVID-19 to achieve herd immunity.

Each virus is different, hence why they often call this a “novel” coronavirus. New vaccines usually take years to develop and pass through all 3 phases of human clinical trials before being FDA approved for release. These vaccines were expedited and released for emergency authorization due to the severity of the disease(>500K deaths).

As for the consternation over the mask, I agree there was initial confusion as to whether the mask helped but a quick revisiting of the Spanish Flu pandemic confirmed that mask, hand washing, and physical distancing were the most effective mechanism to mitigate the spread. And then it became political and not wearing a mask was a show of support for our previous President.

Great question from what I could find here is an answer for how asbestos could have gotten into the powder:

Talc and asbestos are minerals that naturally form close to one another. Some talc deposits become contaminated with asbestos during the mining process, which is how it makes its way into the final product.

The chances of contaminants in the vaccine are extremely low as the vaccine is manufactured and not mined.

Weight does not impact the effectiveness of the vaccine unless the person has a compromised immune system which can occur with Diabetes( in particular, uncontrolled Diabetes). There is no weight-adjusted dosing for the vaccine as in clinical trials there were people of body habituses enrolled and the vaccine was equally effective in them all.

The three vaccines approved for administration are made by Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J. Pfizer and Moderna are messenger RNA vaccines while J&J is a viral vectored vaccine that targets a specific protein in the COVID-19 virus. Pfizer and Moderna are two shot vaccines; at this time, J&J is one shot. In clinical trials, the vaccines produced by all three companies reduced the fatality rate of COVID-19 as well as the rate of hospitalization. You should not worry about what company you receive the vaccine from.

We must all even after getting vaccinated continue to practice the 3 Ws of wearing a mask, washing your hands and socially distancing at least 6 feet from others.

Besides the dose differences, the cold storage differences and different levels of reported protection. All of the COVID-19 vaccines receiving EUA will work well to protect people from getting ill. NIH is working on creating a community-friendly document that looks at more of the details of the differences.

Besides the dose differences, the cold storage differences and different levels of reported protection. All of the COVID-19 vaccines receiving EUA will work well to protect people from getting ill. NIH is working on creating a community-friendly document that looks at more of the details of the differences.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require specialized handling procedures (e.g sub-zero storage temperatures) not routinely available in community physician offices.  Also, the current supply of the vaccine is limited and therefore only being shipped to entities able to vaccinate large groups at a time.  ONSMS is working with state officials to ensure our physician members will be able to vaccinate from their offices as supplies increase.

People with underlying medical conditions can receive the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines as long as they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.  People with HIV and those with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses or medication might be at increased risk for severe COVID-19. They may receive a COVID-19 vaccine. However, they should be aware of the limited safety data:

1.   Information about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines for people who have weakened immune systems in this group is not yet available
2.  People living with HIV were included in clinical trials, though safety data specific to this group are not yet available at this time
3. People with weakened immune systems should also be aware of the potential for reduced immune responses to the vaccine, as well as the need to continue following the 3Ws to protect themselves against COVID-19.

The CDC recommends getting your 2nd dose from the same manufacturer as the 1st dose: The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines “are not interchangeable with each other or with other COVID-19 vaccine products,” the CDC says. “The safety and efficacy of a mixed-product series have not been evaluated.”

The CDC does allow the mixing of Pfizer and Moderna shots in “exceptional situations,” such as when the vaccine used for someone’s first dose is no longer available due to a supply shortage, or if it’s unclear which vaccine they got for their first dose.

Yes, people who have had severe allergic reactions or who have had any type of immediate allergic reaction to a vaccine or injectable therapy are advised to take the COVID-19 vaccine. They should be monitored for at least 30 minutes after getting the vaccine (whereas all others are monitored for 15 minutes post-vaccination).It is still recommended that you take the COVID-19 vaccination unless one of those allergic items is contained within the vaccine.

 All vaccination providers should have appropriate personnel, medication, and equipment to handle an allergic reaction. If you only experience a red, itchy, swollen or painful rash where the first injection occurred, you should STILL get the second dose. The rash is referred to as “COVID arm.” Treat the symptom you have with appropriate medication (antihistamine, pain reliever, etc.). It may be recommended that you receive the second dose in the opposite arm, but having this rash is NO indication that you will have a severe allergic reaction after the second dose, or even that the rash will recur.

There is no Penicillin in the vaccine so it will not cause a reaction to a person with a Penicillin allergy.

The first vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer had 94% and 95% effectiveness, respectively.  The Johnson and Johnson vaccine, which was just approved, had a 66% effectiveness at preventing moderate to severe disease.  

These are statistics in how effective the vaccine is in preventing the disease.  What is also very important is that none of the patients who received any of the vaccines had severe enough disease presentations to require hospitalization, and none of the patients who received any of the vaccines died from COVID-19.

All vaccines have chemicals that add to the stability of the vaccine.  It is believed that polyethylene glycol is what causes an allergic response to the vaccines.  The risk of developing anaphylaxis, or severe allergic response, was 11.1 per million doses given, and 72% developed within the first 15 minutes after a dose was given.  For this reason, anyone who receives a dose is monitored for 15 minutes for any allergic response.

Great observation and you are correct that there is more genetic variability within people who phenotypically noted as Black than there is among European whites. That being said, a challenge for researchers is that they are not diverse enough to make the push to disaggregate data in clinical trials that way. Because in researchers’ minds, all Black people are classified the same which has been a point of contention for the National Medical Association since the genomic project was completed.

However, we walk a slippery slope as you contend when we discuss this because race is truly a social construct developed for the assigning of value to individuals which produces a caste system.

The COVID-19 vaccine trials began in the summer of 2020 and we only have a few months, not years, of follow-up data. Fortunately, there are decades of vaccine safety data from other vaccines and we know that long-term side effects are quite rare. The CDC is actively collecting safety data via the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), which has been tracking safety on all vaccines since 1990. More information regarding long-term side effects will be made available as they are gathered.

The CDC is also implementing a new smartphone-based tool called v-safe to check-in on people’s health after they receive a COVID-19 vaccine. When you receive your vaccine, you should also receive a v-safe information sheet telling you how to enroll in v-safe. If you enroll, you will receive regular text messages directing you to surveys where you can report any problems or adverse reactions you have after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

If and when you decide to travel you must be fully aware that you are increasing the risk of getting COVID-19.  You must weigh your risks and potential consequences with your desire to travel.

The following are the requirements for travel as outlined by the CDC:

New Travel Requirements:

All air passengers coming to the United States, including U.S. citizens, are required to have a negative COVID-19 test result or documentation of recovery from COVID-19 before they board a flight to the United States. See the Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.

Recommendations on safer travel:

• If eligible, get fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and wait 2 weeks after getting the final vaccine dose prior to travel to make sure your body has built protection.
• Get tested with a viral test 1-3 days prior to travel and keep a copy of your results during travel.
• Check travel restrictions for your origin and destination prior to your trip.
• Avoid crowds and stay at least 6 feet away from anyone who did not travel with you as much as possible.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol) often.
• Avoid contact with others who are sick.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Bring extra supplies such as masks and sanitizer.

The second dose causes an augmented immune response that is greater than what occurs with the first dose. Most common side effects after the second dose are fatigue, malaise, headache, soreness at the injection site, and even some have had fevers. All of these are encouraging signs that our bodies are mounting a physiological response to the vaccine(which is what we want). Many people take some tylenol to mitigate these side effects including myself when I took the second vaccine. These symptoms usually resolve within 48 hours.

It is likely that lifting the mask restrictions in Texas, Mississippi and Alabama will result in an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in these states. A recent study published in Health Affairs, for example, compared the Covid 19 growth rate before and after mask mandates in 15 states and the District of Columbia. It found that mask mandates led to a slowdown in daily COVID-19 growth rate. The first five days after a mandate, the daily growth rate slowed by 0.9 percentage points compared to the five days prior to the mandate; at three weeks, the daily growth rate had slowed 2 percent.

The numbers are roughly comparable. They are far greater than other medications that have been approved with far less minority input. Studies done to analyze the clinical trials of both Pfizer and Moderna have shown that efficacy was roughly equivocal. Of course more data is forthcoming.  What protocols were put in place during the trials to ensure that the same ethnic and racial disparities that afflict the medical system in general, especially the tendency to dismiss concerns of those not in the majority demographic and not take them seriously.

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) is engaged in a range of efforts to encourage greater diversity in clinical trials, including  education and outreach campaign and working with varied stakeholders. It also developed recommendations to industry and agency staff on how to collect race and ethnicity data in clinical trials. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has longstanding guidelines on the inclusion of women and minorities as subjects in clinical research. In addition to these general guidelines, there have been specific efforts focused on COVID-19 vaccine trials. For example, in June 2020, the FDA offered nonbinding  recommendations to the industry on development and licensure of COVID-19 vaccines that strongly encouraged the “enrollment of populations most affected by COVID-19, specifically racial and ethnic minorities.” Both Pfizer and Moderna have said they worked to ensure that people of color were included in their trials, with Moderna even slowing down enrollment to try to enroll more racial and ethnic minorities.

The data show that although people of color are underrepresented in the clinical trials for the two initial COVID-19 mRNA vaccines compared to their share of the population, the trials include people from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds and are more diverse than some trials have historically been.  Studies have also shown that COVID-19 disproportionately affects Black people in severity and mortality and Black people are currently receiving the vaccination at much lower rates than Whites.  Given these known factors, Black people should receive the vaccination as soon as it is available to them to reduce risk of severe disease and death.

You can read more in this article on Racial Diversity within COVID-19 Vaccine Clinical Trials by KFF.

Both vaccines are safe and effective. Whichever vaccine is offered is safe when it is your turn.

There is a need for vaccination in this age group. However children under the age of 16 will not receive the vaccine until there is the completion of clinical trials in this age group that display that the vaccine is safe. Currently the Pfizer vaccine is being given to teenagers 16 and up.

Until the vaccine clinical trials are completed, there will not be any FDA approval for children’s vaccines.

The only test that will determine if you are immune is to have an antibody to the spike protein test. Per the CDC website:

Antibody or serology tests look for antibodies in your blood to determine if you had a past infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.

• Antibodies are proteins created by your body’s immune system soon after you have been infected or vaccinated.
• Antibodies help you fight off infections and can protect you from getting that disease again. How long this protection may last is different for each disease and each person.

Antibody tests should not be used to diagnose a current infection with the virus that causes COVID-19, except in instances in which viral testing is delayed. An antibody test may not show if you have a current infection because it can take 1–3 weeks after the infection for your body to make antibodies.

YES. The currently available Covid 19 vaccines Pfizer/ BioNTech, AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccine do not have eggs in their ingredients and there is no contraindication in persons that have egg allergies.

Yes.

To my knowledge no reporting of specific side effects for black males or any racial group has been reported. It has been noted that black men are more likely to die of covid so this should be weighed in every black man’s decision process.

Yes.

Everyone should follow the recommendations of the manufacturer of the vaccine for the appropriate wait times. Typically it’s around one month, specific dates depend on the manufacturer.

Social distancing and gathering maximums are decided by the governor.  The future is unknown. I’ve personally set my expectations for next year given the similarity to the Spanish flu pandemic that lasted 2 years. I would consider anything earlier a bonus!

Both Pfizer and Moderna discovered in early studies that their vaccines provoked a relatively weak immune response when given just as one dose. There was a much stronger immune response when a second dose was added. The period that was deemed most effective in the prevention of virus contraction was determined to be 4 weeks in Moderna trials and 3 weeks in Pfizer trials. 

If you can not get the second shot in 4 weeks, don’t fret. CDC guidelines allow second doses to be given up to 4 days earlier than recommended. The CDC also allows the second dose to be given up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose. This window has been studied and shown to be effective. We currently don’t know if delaying the second dose longer has an impact on immunity. Despite this grace period, the CDC does recommend receiving your second dose of vaccine as close to the required interval as possible.

After receiving your vaccination, I would encourage each of you to first become informed. Become knowledgeable about the vaccine and the virus. Let family and your community know about your experience.  Be willing and ready to answer the questions they have, or know where to direct them to get those answers.

Currently there are no vaccines approved for children. They are just beginning clinical trials for the 12-16 year age group. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for 16 years and above. The Moderna vaccine and the Johnson & Johnson vaccine are approved for 18 years of age and above. I do believe/recommend that those teens that qualify to receive the vaccine should receive the vaccine. Especially those with chronic diseases that put them at increased risk for complications should they get COVID-19.

Please see the CDC and NIH links on ONSMS website. We will update when more information is available.

Again, the duration of protection is still being researched. This information hopefully will be forthcoming, which will then guide medical decisions about the frequency of future vaccinations.

Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity.

When it is your turn to get the vaccine, you will be allowed to obtain the vaccine in your area based on federal guidelines.

Absolutely, any vaccine that is offered is safe and will protect you from future hospitalizations and deaths.

With any vaccination, there is a period of time that has to occur before you are “ fully immunized”, hence the need for the 2 doses with the first 2 vaccines on the market. It takes at least 2 weeks for the body to have a large enough response to the vaccine to have circulating antibodies for protection against the virus. The 2nd dose or booster dose is given to cause an even larger response to give more antibodies for a longer period of protection. An example would be the Tetanus booster that we have to get at least every 10 years because the antibody numbers decrease over time and we have to receive tetanus to “boost” the antibodies to an appropriate level of protection. Not fully protected from the virus until at least 2 weeks or more after completing the 2nd doses for Pfizer and Moderna.

Some COVID-19 positive patients may develop and suffer from chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, brain/cognitive changes, lightheadedness, joint pain, skin numbness, and tingling. However, the most common “long hauler” long-term symptom is fatigue.

COVID-19 can make blood cells more likely to clump up and form clots. Some large clots can cause heart attacks and strokes. Blood clots can involve other parts of the body such as the lungs, legs, liver, and kidneys.

Again, duration of protection is still being researched presently, this information hopefully will be forthcoming which will then guide medical decisions about the frequency of future vaccinations.

Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity.

There are many public strategies focused on Black communities organized by leading organizations already focused on Black health. The National Medical Association, National Urban League, NAACP, the four Historically Black Medical Colleges, National Black Nurses Association, and Old North State Medical Society are examples in North Carolina. A main focus in these strategies is providing scientific information and resources that community leaders and healthcare providers can use in their own spaces.

Healthcare providers can reach out to their own patients, with whom they have a prior trusting relationship, to assess their concerns and address their questions about the vaccines.  Providers can also try to provide the vaccine in their own offices, so patients can go to places that are familiar, and they’re likely to have transportation.  Healthcare providers should also stay informed of the impact of the disease and the vaccine on people of color so they can be the source of current, accurate information.

As this is a novel virus, there is likely no innate immunity. No study has shown the capability for innate immunity.

As vaccine availability increases, vaccination recommendations will expand to include more groups.

The information is not known at this time.

Again, the duration of protection is still being researched presently, this information hopefully will be forthcoming which will then guide medical decisions about the frequency of future vaccinations.

Experts are working to learn more about both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity.

There may be some injection site pain that could last for a few days particularly after taking the second vaccine for the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine.

These guidelines are changing constantly. Please trust the guidelines on the CDC website, “When to Quarantine.”

Much research data is forthcoming soon on pregnant patients, but thus far there are no concerns about the vaccine causing defects. Experts agree that those with a history of severe allergic reactions should consult with their medical doctor before taking the vaccine.

In clinical trials, side effects from the vaccine were common but mostly mild to moderate. These side effects include fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. Side effects throughout the body were more common after the second dose of the vaccine.  A small number of people had severe side effects that affected their abilities to do daily activities.

In older adults, the most common side effects were at the injection site and systematic symptoms like fevers and chills. The side effects tend to be mild to moderate and went away on their own quickly.

1.)It is possible a person could still get COVID-19 before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection. However, early evidence suggests that in the rare case that someone is infected after being fully vaccinated, they experience a milder course of illness than they would have otherwise

2) Yes. To protect yourself and others, follow these recommendations: Wear a mask over your nose and mouth.

3) No. All COVID-19 vaccines were tested in clinical trials involving tens of thousands of people to make sure they meet safety standards and protect adults of different races, ethnicities, and ages, including adults over the age of 65.

4) These guidelines are changing. However if you have been fully vaccinated,

• You can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask.
• You can gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household (for example, visiting with relatives who all live together) without masks unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• If you’ve been around someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.

However, if you live in a group setting (like a correctional or detention facility or group home) and are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get tested, even if you don’t have symptoms.

The first vaccines from Moderna and Pfizer had a 94% and 95% effectiveness, respectively.  The Johnson and Johnson vaccine which was just approved had a 66% effectiveness at preventing moderate to severe disease.  

These are statistics in how effective the vaccine is in preventing the disease.  What is also very important is that none of the patients who received any of the vaccine had severe enough disease presentations to require hospitalization, and none of the patients who received any of the vaccines died from COVID-19.

Global scientists and researchers will be continuing to vet and monitor global vaccine clinical data. 

More data is forthcoming after ongoing research on new vaccine predictions about boosters or future vaccines.

More data is forthcoming after ongoing research on new vaccine predictions about boosters or future vaccines.

In order to mitigate this COVID-19 virus and stop the spread of infection the US goal is to get as many Americans vaccinated as possible. All communities benefit from a high vaccination rate. The estimate for COVID-19 has been stated between 50-80% of the population needs to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity.

The vaccines offered are safe and will protect from future hospitalizations and deaths.