A Conversation with infectious diseases expert Dr. Amy Duckro BY MEAGHAN CARABELLO COVID-19 VACCINE: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW RECEIVING THE VACCINE? This vaccine is new to us, and naturally there are a lot of questions about it. The backdrop here are the pockets of skepticism about the safety and efficacy of vaccines in general. As an infectious diseases expert, I frequently hear patients’ concerns about vaccines; it’s always important to understand more about their reservations. Here are some common questions that we are hearing about the COVID-19 vaccines: How could the COVID-19 vaccines be developed so quickly? Are they safe? Recognizing the urgent need for safe and effective vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic, the FDA is using its various authorities and expertise to speed the development and availability of vaccines that have met the agency’s standards for quality, safety and effectiveness. In this case, the scientific community built on the foundation of previous vaccine research and expanded on it to include new methods of developing vaccines. In addition, due to the pandemic’s high infection rates, the pace of clinical trials—usually the longest part of the process—was accelerated. Also, the federal government invested significantly in the necessary manufacturing capacity to support companies as they aggressively pursue rapid development and distribution of eventual vaccines. Why are they approving a vaccine that is still in clinical trials? Phase 3 is the final phase of a clinical trial before safety and effectiveness data are provided to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for review and approval. The vaccines currently available were granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA following a review of Phase 3 data. An EUA is not an FDA approval, but it does facilitate the availability and use of countermeasures needed during public health emergencies. Does the vaccine use a live or a dead virus? None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. It is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine, and the vaccine does not interfere with the interpretation of COVID-19 test results. Can I stop wearing a mask if I get a vaccine? No. While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 Updated as of 1/13/2021 Dr. Amy Duckro As Coloradans prepare to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, they may be asking various questions related to the vaccines, their distribution, effectiveness and associated risks. We connected with Kaiser Permanente infectious diseases expert Dr. Amy Duckro to discuss the common questions being asked by the public and the company’s plan to protect its members and the community. WHAT KINDS OF CONCERNS ARE YOU HEARING FROM PATIENTS ABOUT 16 Business in Colorado Magazine 2021
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