COVID-19 Vaccines – AAOA Zoomcast

A brief summary of the COVID-19 Vaccines – AAOA Zoomcast Series: Just In Time Content for AAOA Members, Part II. Written by Haidy Marzouk, MD, FAAOA.

*Information related to COVID 19 is rapidly evolving

Panelists: Michelle Liu, MD; Nalin Patel, MD; Robert Stachler, MD.

Moderator: Jennifer Villwock, MD.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your most effective way to describe to others how the COVID19 vaccine works?
   1. The vaccine will teach the immune system to recognize the virus and neutralize it.
   1. It is not a live vaccine.
   1. We should all try to get vaccinated ASAP in an effort to develop herd immunity
   1. There are some side effects related to inflammatory response that people will get that are not severe.  These are worth it to protect ourselves and those around us.
2. What concerns have people brought up to you regarding the vaccine?
   1. Severe allergic reaction – the current literature quotes the rate of severe reaction as 1.3/1Million
   1. Concerns regarding infertility from the vaccine – there is no literature to support this
      1. We have to counsel our patients to be cautious regarding a lot of misinformation circulating
   1. Safety – The vaccine is very safe.  There is an inflammatory response that occurs with the vaccine that is expected such as fever, fatigue, arm soreness, and body ache.  This is temporary and not dangerous
3. How to approach hesitancy toward the vaccine?
   1. This is not related to level of education
   1. Early research shows that 14% of African Americans trust that it is safe and 34% of Latinos
      1. There are historical reasons for this
   1. Reassure people that this is NOT a live vaccine
   1. Be transparent that we looked into our own personal concerns and are willing to be vaccinated
4. How to approach concerns regarding vaccine safety?
   1. There has been some sensationalization regarding the rate of severe allergic reactions from the vaccine.
   1. CDC reported a rate of 1.3/million doses
      1. Many related to ingredient polyethylene glycol, which is in many household products
      1. This is not a reason to not receive the vaccine
5. What about the incidence of large local reactions that are delayed?
   1. Most of the reactions occur within 15 minutes
      1. Observation period can be considered for many
   1. Most have soreness at the site and muscle pain
   1. Few reports of nausea and lightheadedness, mild
   1. Fever/body aches for up to 3 days – more common after the second dose
   1. 0.2% rate of delayed large local reaction – not dangerous and often helped with antihistamines
6. What about those receiving immunomodulators/immunotherapy?
   1. SCIT – can consider spacing out vaccine and allergy shot 3-5 days apart
   1. SLIT – can consider holding SLIT for that week
7. What about patients receiving biologics?
   1. No issues or need to change biologic therapy around the time of the vaccine
   1. Those who are immune compromised are strongly recommended to receive the vaccine given it is not live and can be protective.
8. Where to refer patients to for more information?
   1. AAOA website – patient information section for vaccine FAQs
   1. Hopkins website
   1. CDC website
   1. Be cautious regarding the source of information provided
   1. Encourage others to understand the history of distrust among certain populations (Syphilis experiments etc.)
9. Do you intend to change PPE practices in the office once you and our staff are vaccinated?
   1. Vaccine effectiveness studies were in the context of social distancing.  We don’t know how much it will change without distancing.
   1. We know about effectiveness but not transmission yet.
   1. No panelist intends to change PPE protocol for now.
10. Closing thoughts
    1. WEAR YOUR MASK
    1. Continue to be vigilant no matter what part of the country you practice in and what the current rates are.  This is true both inside and outside of work.
    1. Be sensitive and supportive when people are hesitant.

VIew the COVID-19 Vaccines Zoomcast.