COVID-19 vaccines

Many people are not planning to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Let me help you decide based upon science. The current two mRNA vaccines could be some of the safest ever given. A new process made rapid development possible, not a shortcut. They are not using a live or weakened virus; they are using messenger RNA (like a scroll of paper with instructions), which our cells read, then print a specific protein receptor (like the lock on the front door of your house, found on the capsule of the virus). Our cells send it out as a template to create antibodies (keys), which allows us to attack live COVID-19 virus.

You do not get a mild case of the disease, as with some other vaccines, because the protein receptor we print via the mRNA is not attached to the virus. Messenger RNA does not enter the nucleus of cells and does not change our genes (DNA).

Things I specifically do not like about COVID-19: First, a number of cases cause severe inflammatory reactions resulting in chronic disabilities. Numerous studies show cardiac disabilities, even in young, healthy people, which may lead to lifelong scarring of heart tissue. Second, evidence shows COVID-19 can cause your immune system to attack your own body, resulting in lifelong autoimmune diseases. Even if you have no symptoms initially, this may cause serious problems down the road.

Bottom line — protect yourself, friends and relatives. The way we’re going to beat this is by vaccination.

Dr. Glenn R. McDermott, assistant professor of Clinical Internal Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia Beach