In a little over a year since its declaration as a public health emergency of international concern, COVID-19 had infected 94.6 million people and killed more than 2 million people globally. Health workers all over the world, from scientists to nurses, have been relentless in leading the charge against the pandemic.
For a while, it appeared that steps such as nationwide lockdowns, screening of international travellers at ports of entries, contact tracing, persistent advocacy and enforcement of safety practices (washing hands regularly under clean running water, wearing face covering in public places, practising social distancing) had contributed in containing the spread of the virus. However, it soon turned out that victory over the virus had been too soon to call. The virus showed it had a couple of tricks up its sleeve, two strains, which are reportedly more contagious emerged out of South Africa and the UK.
This disturbing news was not helped by the so-called “prevention fatigue” which has set in as more and more people began to feel complacent or exhausted by the constant adherence to safety protocols especially during period of festivities. This has predictably contributed to a second or third wave of infections and record daily infection and deaths reports from multiple countries. The situation however is not all grim, scientists and their partners have been working hard all this time to figure out a vaccine to add to the arsenal of weapons fighting against the virus.
According to the World Health Organisation, there are currently more than 50 COVID-19 vaccine candidates in trial. Between November-December 2020, over a dozen countries have begun vaccinating their frontline workers and the general public with the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sputnik V, and Sinopharm vaccines. Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine was the first to report success followed soon after by the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines both of which have the approval of the UK, USA, and EU regulatory agencies. This development has brought some measure of hope and renewed optimism to all of us living our day to day lives under the shadow of this disease.
But for many people news of mass vaccinations are treated with doubt and fuelled by conspiracy theories gone viral (pun not intended I promise). On social media, there has been a growing trend of people who have decided to opt out of being vaccinated and are actively recruiting others to resist this medical intervention.
In today’s post, Dr. Yaa Boateng-Marfo, a pharmacist shines a light on some of the more pressing questions we have seen from friends and family about vaccines and vaccinations.
What protection do vaccines offer?
Vaccines cause the body to produce antibodies which protect us from infectious diseases that can cause serious illness and even death.
What are the possible side effects of vaccines?
Common side effects of vaccines include pain and inflammation around where the injection was given; fever; headache; chills; feeling tired; muscle and joint pains. Serious side effects include severe allergic reaction which is rare and may occur in 1 in a million.
How do vaccines prevent illness?
Vaccines contain weakened or dead antigens (disease cause) which though not strong enough to cause the disease in healthy individuals are strong enough to cause the body to produce antibodies (body’s soldiers) against that disease. So, when your body comes into contact with the antigens later, the antibodies produced by the vaccine can fight against the antigens and prevent you from getting the disease.
Why are some taken more than once and have year limits?
- For some vaccines, the first dose does not produce adequate immunity, more than one dose is required to attain complete immunity. E.g. bacteria Hib which causes meningitis.
- For other vaccines, the immunity begins to wear off after a period so booster doses are required to regain adequate immunity. E.g. DTaP (vaccine that protects against Dipteria, tetanus, pertussis)
- Some viruses such as flu viruses change from season to season hence, flu vaccines are taken yearly.
Instead of chemical vaccine, wouldn’t we be better off relying on the preventive protocols and natural remedies?
- Preventive protocols reduce our chances of getting an infection, however, vaccines offer greater chance of preventing you and your community from acquiring the disease.
- Natural remedies are good in reducing symptoms of certain diseases, but vaccines have helped most countries eradicate diseases such as Polio and smallpox.
- History has taught as that vaccines have a better chance of eradicating diseases than prevention protocols.
Is it possible to implant microchips through vaccination?
Though microchips can be implanted through injection, there is no evidence to suggest that any microchip has or will be implanted through vaccination.
Are the other ingredients used in vaccines safe?
Yes, other ingredients used in vaccines are generally safe except in rare cases of severe allergy which might occur in 1-2 people in a million.
How can I find out what is actually in the vaccine?
You can find the composition of a vaccine on its label. You can also find the composition from the manufacturer’s website.
Can vaccines cause autism in children?
Research has shown that, vaccines do not cause autism.
What are the risk (s) of not vaccinating?
- No vaccination no protection against the disease.
- You spread the illness to the vulnerable
- You risk quarantine and isolation
According to the AU’s Africa Centre for Disease Control (CDC), authorities in at least 5 African countries say hospital capacity and oxygen supplies are running out as the continent-wide death rate this month (January 2021) surpassed the global average for the first time.
Dr. Nkengasong of the CDC explained that in recent weeks daily case rates across the continent have surged to roughly twice the previous peak in July and August and are likely to rise further. This is the time to raise our guard and ensure we continue to trust and adhere to advice solely from official health authorities as they are the most qualified in dealing with diseases.
Even though the tunnel is long, twisted, dark and seem to have no end in sight we can do our best to practise the safety protocols (wash hands regularly under clean running water, wear face coverings, practise social distancing) while we wait for light at the end.
Be sure to share this post with friends and family and don’t hesitate to leave your question or comment in the comment section below and we will be sure to contact you. Let’s all stay safe and healthy to read the next post!
Written by Michael Etrue
Contributing professional
Yaa Boateng-Marfo, PhD
Last page review: 23/12/2021
Next page review: 31/12/2024