As COVID-19 ravages, the news that a vaccine is just around the corner offers a bright light on a potentially dark winter. Pfizer, BioNtech, and Moderna’s vaccines have reported high efficacy rates in clinical trials. The FDA is scheduled to vote on Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer’s vaccine on December 10, with the first doses already traveling by plane to centralized positions. Limited quantities of vaccine are expected by the end of 2020, with supplies increasing substantially in 2021.

Aside from the administrative logistics, hurdles remain in the form of awareness and misinformation. All of us have a role to play in dispelling myths and getting out the facts. Here are five things everyone should know about the COVID-19 vaccine:

(1) Is it normal to feel sick after getting vaccinated? When people feel bad after a vaccine, they often claim they got sick from the vaccine or had a bad reaction. Vaccines work by giving the body a preview of the virus so that the immune system can recognize it and develop antibodies to fight it. Chills, fever, and muscle aches are common following a vaccine and a sign that it is working.

(2) Does the shortened approval process for a COVID-19 vaccine compromise safety? The FDA is expediting vaccine availability through Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). EUA is used in a public health emergency when the benefits of a product that hasn’t received full FDA approval outweigh any risks. It is important to emphasize that all COVID-19 vaccines are rigorously tested on tens of thousands of people in multi-phase clinical trials that are overseen by established safety control boards and protocols. Additionally, the CDC follows long-established protocols to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.

(3) When can I get a vaccine? Following CDC guidance, the state of Missouri has created a COVID-19 Vaccination Plan laying out a phased rollout to priority populations. Early doses will target frontline health care workers and long-term care facility staff. The focus then moves to critical infrastructure workers, those ages 65 and up, and communities at higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. Supplies are expected to expand substantially in 2021. It is anticipated that 90 to 180 days after initiation the vaccine will become broadly available to any adult who wants one.

(4) Who will pay for the vaccine? The federal government is using taxpayer dollars to distribute the vaccine and ancillary personal protective equipment (PPE) to providers at no cost. Anyone who wants and needs a vaccine can get one free of charge. Providers may charge a fee to cover the cost of administering the vaccine and seek reimbursement from private and public health insurers.

(5) How many doses are needed? The first vaccines likely will require TWO doses. This is standard for many FDA-approved vaccines. The second shot boosts a vaccine’s effectiveness, especially for older people. Unfortunately, this brings a potential drop-off rate after the first dose. Educating employees and the public about this upfront will reduce this occurrence.

COVID-19 vaccine administration plans are being updated regularly. The BHC is tracking the CDC and Missouri plans – stay tuned for more information as it become available.

Warm Regards,

Louise Y. Probst,
BHC Executive Director