Through a webinar organized by the National Hispanic Medical Association, a group of medical experts fought one by one the doubts and myths that many people expressed regarding vaccines against COVID-19.
Dr. Ricardo Correa, from the Phoenix Allies Community-Health Clinic and the University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix, said that, although the vaccines were emergency approved by the FDA, they can be trusted, as they have proven to be a of the best ways to avoid the serious consequences of the virus and explained that the vaccine was not created as quickly as the general public believes.
“The reality is that the vaccine has been in development for more than 20 years,” said Correa, who mentioned that vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome – SARS – were one of the first vaccines to combat the virus that has caused COVID-19.
He explained that scientists by their experience investigating this virus and with the use of technology, had the basis for a vaccine that would protect people from the virus. “As the student followed the virus that causes COVID-19, they only added the last piece to the vaccine.”
How effective are COVID-19 vaccines?
Correa says the vaccine protects people from getting seriously ill and also prevents more variants of the virus from appearing.
According to the CDC, viruses are constantly changing through mutation, but slowing the spread of variants requires getting vaccinated and taking other safety measures to protect ourselves from the virus.
If I was infected with COVID-19, do I need to get vaccinated?
“When a person has been infected with COVID-19, we don’t know how long the antibodies will last,” says Dr. Raul Gonzales, a family practitioner at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital.
Scientists continue to study the durability of vaccine antibodies, ensuring that the antibodies in a COVID-19 vaccine last longer than the antibodies one develops when infected with COVID-19.
Gonzales emphasizes that the vaccine does not totally prevent a person from contracting the virus, but it can help prevent the most serious effects. The vaccines do work and the effectiveness results of the vaccines are high, the doctors confirmed. For example, Pfizer’s vaccine is 95% effective in people 16 years of age and older in preventing cases of COVID-19 infections.
I am between 20 and 30 years old, I live a healthy life and I exercise. Do I need to get vaccinated?
Dr. Christian Cornejo, from Mary’s Center for Maternal and Child Care, explained that he has seen many young people coming to hospitals. With the Delta variant, the virus is more contagious and continues to affect people who are not vaccinated.
“The vaccine is not just for the person,” Gonzales said. “As there is no vaccine for 12-year-olds yet, they must be protected.”
If my children and I are vaccinated, do we need to wear masks?
Doctors suggest that people continue to wear masks indoors such as public transportation and that masks are to protect everyone. In places with open environments the risk is much lower, but if it is congested with people, you have to wear masks.
When can children be vaccinated?”
Cornejo reaffirms that there are now several clinical studies in the United States to ensure that children can be vaccinated. Since March, Pfzier and Moderna continue their trials to develop their vaccine for children from 6 months to 11 years.
For parents concerned about going back to school and about face-to-face classes, Correa insists that it is very important to continue teaching their children to use masks.
“All education begins at home,” Correa said. “Schools are a breeding ground for the virus, the best recommendation is to educate the children and continue with the masks.
At the end of the seminar, the doctors reaffirmed that everyone has to get vaccinated. If there are questions about health problems, I suggest they talk to their doctors and get the appropriate answers, said Gonzales, who emphasized that it is important for people to inform themselves about the virus with reliable sources, such as medical experts and avoid using social networks such as source of information.
“The responsibility is ours,” Correa concluded.
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