COVID-19 vaccination begins in the US: how to prepare and what to expect

On Monday, December 14, the United States received its first coronavirus vaccination, opening a new chapter in the fight against the pandemic, which has killed more people in the United States than in any other country. New York Times.

Photo: Shutterstock

Shortly after 9 a.m., the new Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine was introduced for the first time at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, New York. It was the first known vaccine since the vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration at the end of last week.

“I believe this is the weapon that will end the war,” Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said shortly before Sandra Lindsay, an intensive care nurse, was given the shot.

Lindsay, who has treated patients throughout the pandemic, said she hopes her public vaccinations will instill confidence in the safety of the vaccines.

“I’ve seen the alternative and I don’t want it for you,” she said. “I feel like healing is coming.” "I hope this marks the beginning of the end of a very painful period in our history."

“The first vaccine has been made. Congratulations USA! Congratulations to the WORLD!” US President Donald Trump wrote on Twitter.

Photo: twitter.com/realDonaldTrump screenshot

How the country prepares for vaccination

A small crowd cheered the trucks leaving the loading dock at Pfizer's Michigan plant on Sunday, December 13, embarking on the historic journey of getting insulated boxes of the first national COVID-19 vaccine to hospitals and health departments across America. Writes about it USA Today.

Hours later, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially announced that they had signed the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommendation for the first approved coronavirus vaccine for people 16 and older. The plans require that medical staff and long-term care patients be vaccinated first.

A caravan of FedEx, UPS and Boyle Transportation trucks, escorted by unmarked police cars, left the parking lot around 8:25 a.m. and headed to airports and distribution centers. Pfizer said it will supply 6,4 million doses in the first batches. Federal officials say deliveries will be phased in, arriving at 145 distribution centers on Monday, with another 425 locations receiving deliveries on Tuesday and the remaining 66 on Wednesday (Dec. 14, 15 and 16, respectively).

The publication notes that it will take months to produce and distribute a vaccine sufficient to vaccinate most Americans, and experts warn that infections and deaths are likely to continue to rise this winter.

Senior Officials Get Early Access

On Sunday, Dec. 13, officials said President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence will be among senior officials to be offered coronavirus vaccines over the next week or 10 days to protect against an outbreak that could harm government functions.

The vaccinations will be offered to officials from all three branches of government, including leaders of the White House, Congress and the Supreme Court. White House employees working in close proximity to Trump will also be among the first to receive vaccines.

On the subject: Scientist who collaborated with Pfizer and Moderna reveals what COVID-19 vaccines are made of

CDC chief Robert Redfield signs contract for Pfizer vaccine

The Pfizer coronavirus vaccine quietly overcame its last hurdle in the U.S. when the CDC announced on Sunday, December 13th that their director, Dr. Robert Redfield, had given the green light to mass use of the vaccine. The FDA has also approved the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine.

Can vaccinated Americans spread COVID?

It's not clear if a vaccinated person can get the virus without showing any symptoms and potentially infect others, said National Institutes of Health director Francis Collins.

“This means that if you have been vaccinated, you still need to think of yourself as potentially infectious,” Collins said. — Masks will continue to be a part of our lives. We must acknowledge this and not retreat or let our guard down.”

How long will masks be needed? Collins echoed the prevailing thought among experts that 70 to 80% of Americans must develop immunity before herd immunity protects everyone.

“We think we can get there by June if enough people agree to get vaccinated,” he said.

The first vaccines will not slow the rise in mortality

By Monday, December 14, the United States had crossed the once-unthinkable threshold of 300 deaths from COVID-000—even with vaccines on the way. The country is averaging more than 19 new infections and nearly 210 deaths per day.

The CDC director warned that 1 people could die in the country by February 450, a few days before the anniversary of the first known death from COVID-000 in the United States. John Schwarzberg, emeritus professor of infectious diseases and vaccinology at the University of California, Berkeley, believes the US could reach half a million deaths.

How states and cities prepare

• Gov. Phil Murphy said that in New Jersey, one of the worst-hit states, medical workers at Newark University Hospital will be the first to receive the vaccine on December 15.
• Rhode Island officials said the vaccine would arrive in select hospitals on December 14 and 15. They will also start with frontline personnel.
• In North Carolina, some hospitals are hoping to begin administering the vaccine on Dec. 14 — as long as they receive their supplies on time.
• Mayor Bill de Blasio has pledged the vaccine will be distributed fairly in New York, saying it should reach people of color who are "disproportionately affected by the coronavirus and need the vaccine the most."

The first batch of vaccine doses is due to arrive in each state on Monday, December 14th.

What you need to know about vaccination

Because COVID-19 is a new disease and its vaccine is new, CDC official website it has rightly been noted that patients may have questions about what happens before, during, and after the visit for vaccination. What to do?

Before vaccination

It is recommended that you check with your doctor if a vaccine is recommended for you right now.

When going to an appointment, cover your mouth and nose with a mask when you are near other people and keep at least 6 feet (1,8 meters) away from others.

At the doctor

You should receive a paper or electronic newsletter that details the specific COVID-19 vaccine that is being offered to you. Each approved COVID-19 vaccine has its own fact sheet containing data to help you understand the risks and benefits of receiving that specific vaccine.

You should be given a vaccination card or printout that will tell you which COVID-19 vaccine you received and the date and place you received it.

On the subject: Fight against COVID-19: which is more effective - vaccination or natural immunity

After vaccination

Most COVID-19 vaccines will require two shots to work effectively. Give a second shot, even if you have side effects after the first, unless your doctor tells you not to take the second shot.

Ask your doctor about getting started with V-safe, a free smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized medical examinations after a COVID-19 vaccination. V-safe also reminds you to get a second dose if you need it. Find out more at this link.

Side effects

You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building defenses. These side effects may affect your ability to go about your daily activities, but they will go away after a few days.

Common side effects

On the injected arm:

• pain;
• swelling.

In body:

• heat;
• chills;
• weakness;
• headache.

If you experience pain or discomfort, talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

To reduce pain and discomfort at the injection site, cover the affected area with a clean, cool, damp cloth. Try to use your hand in daily activities or strain it on purpose. To reduce heat discomfort, drink plenty of fluids and dress lighter.

You may be interested in: top New York news, stories of our immigrants and helpful tips about life in the Big Apple - read it all on ForumDaily New York.

When to call a doctor

In most cases, discomfort from heat or pain is normal. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider:

• if redness or soreness at the injection site worsens after 24 hours;
• if the side effects bother you or do not go away after a few days.

It is important to know

Side effects may be similar to the flu and even affect your ability to do your daily activities, but they should go away after a few days.

The body needs time to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you for a week or two after the second shot. Continue to wear a mask and practice social distancing. More details - on the CDC website.

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