Health experts give safety advice to all Missourians about receiving the coronavirus vaccine

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

With all Missourians now eligible to receive the coronavirus vaccine, providers want to make sure people are being as safe as possible and know what the vaccine entails.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has continued to ensure the public of the safety of the vaccine, but the CDC and the vaccinators agree that the information around the vaccine needs to be out there for anyone who may be hesitant.

Dr. Adam Wheeler with Big Tree Medical Home said the way people need to think about getting the vaccine is that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Wheeler said there are not many contraindications to why someone would react badly to the vaccines besides very rare chemical allergies. He said those who do have that type of allergy should look into the ingredients before receiving a shot.

The CDC has full lists of ingredients in the Moderna, Pfizer and Johnson and Johnson vaccine posted for the public.

Wheeler said if you have had an anaphylactic reaction to a chemical where you have gotten a rash, stopped breathing, and passed out, it is important to look over all of the ingredients in the dose you plan to receive.

"There is not a ton of data yet on people who are pregnant or breastfeeding but because people who are pregnant are higher risk, it is still recommended for them to get the vaccine," said Wheeler.

Wheeler said the amount of people that have died over the past year is the reason why people should be concerned about the virus and ready to get the cure.

"If you have something that reduces that risk by almost 100%, then you better have a pretty good reason for not doing it and those just aren't out there," said Wheeler.

It is likely that most people will experience mild symptoms after reeiving the vaccine.

Wheeler said it is most common for people to have a sore arm and many flu like symptoms. He said the mild side effects are a good sign and means your immune system is learning how to fight against the virus.

The CDC says side effects could include:

• Pain, redness, or swelling to the arm that you received the shot
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea

Wheeler said a lot of health experts have noticed that people who have had the virus previously they may have more side effects to the first dose and the effects may be more severe after getting both doses.

People should seek medical attention if they have shortness of breath or pass out. Wheeler said as far as they know, this is not an effect of the vaccine and is a result of something else happening in your body.

Although little is known about the vaccine protection against the different Covid-19 variants, Wheeler said they believe at this point the vaccine is most preventive against all variants, and can be altered if more information is released.

Wheeler said the vaccine is what will make life go back to 'normal.' "If you have a vaccine and I have a vaccine and we're in close quarters, we don't necessarily need to have masks on anymore.

How long the vaccine will protect you is still uncertain at this point. Dr. Fauci said the time frame right now is looking like at least 6 months, but likely longer.