The Pfizer COVID vaccine has been approved and is currently being rolled out in Tampa. As we head into the end of an incredibly long and difficult year, there is light at the end of the pandemic-tunnel. Yet many of us in and out of the medical community are wondering, how effective will the COVID vaccine be for seniors? Now that we are also flu season, protecting ourselves from the risk of developing COVID feels more important than ever. Hope maybe around the corner with the new vaccine. If you are or know a senior in need of the vaccine, read on for the latest about its efficacy and safety. 

THE VACCINE

According to The NY Times, the COVID vaccine “made by Pfizer and BioNTech provides strong protection against Covid-19 within about 10 days of the first dose.” Even better? It’s been reported that the vaccine “worked well regardless of a volunteer’s race, weight or age.” Yale University immunologist Akiko Iwasaki stated, “This is what an A+ report card looks like for a vaccine.”

Here’s what we know about the vaccine:

• 95% effective rate
• No serious side effects
• Safe and effective for elders

COVID VACCINE AND SENIORS

Just how effective is the COVID vaccine for seniors? According to this article, “the companies said their vaccine was more than 94% effective in adults over 65.” The first doses of the vaccine are said to be going to those who are the most at risk which includes:

• Senior homes
• People with serious health conditions
• Medical workers

HOW IT WORKS

The COVID vaccine is administered in two doses. While there have not been any serious side effects reported in trials, there are mild ones to be aware of. Those who get the vaccine will be briefed on how symptoms may appear similar to COVID itself, but will be much milder. 

Possible symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Aches

It will be advised to take a day of rest after the second dose in case these symptoms occur. Not to worry, the symptoms will go away. Dr. Choi wrote in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine advising doctors to tell those getting the vaccine that these symptoms are “a sign that the vaccine is working, despite the unfortunate similarities with the disease’s symptoms.” While studies continue, it is likely that seniors will benefit from a higher dose of the vaccine due to weaker immune systems. 

An excerpt from The Lancet states, “It is encouraging that more studies in older adult populations are underway and will hopefully bring opportunities to implement nuanced analyses of how underlying health status and frailty affect vaccine safety, reactogenicity, immunogenicity, and efficacy in older adults in real-world settings.”

OCANA MEDICAL CARE

At Ocana Medical Care, located in Tampa, FL, we aim to bring you as much information in advance as possible to be sure you have all the knowledge as we do regarding the vaccine and its safety for seniors. In order to protect your health and others, we advise all seniors to get the vaccine as soon as possible. 

Stay up to date with us for more information about the vaccine as it becomes readily available. If you or someone you know is feeling ill, please reach out to us today to schedule an appointment. We’re in this together. #ocanacares