What’s in it? Can it affect fertility in men or women?
What are your questions and concerns about the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley?
In an ongoing conversation, The Morning Call reporters have tried to answer your questions. In addition, officials at St. Luke’s University Health Network on Thursday held an online community update on the COVID-19 vaccine. Here are some of the questions St. Luke’s doctors answered:
Are we seeing variant strains in Pennsylvania?
St. Luke’s: The most common variant in the U.S. is the U.K. variant, which has been seen in the Philadelphia area.
What’s the risk for severe reactions from the vaccine?
St. Luke’s: It’s estimated that 5 out of every 1 million people could have a severe reaction with the Pfizer and Moderna shots, many of whom had pre-existing allergies to medications or food.
When will the Johnson & Johnson vaccine be available?
St. Luke’s: The FDA’s advisory committee is meeting Feb. 26 to discuss whether to make the vaccine available under an emergency use authorization, with doctors expecting it could be available in March.
I got both shots. Do I still have to quarantine if I come in contact with someone who has COVID-19?
St. Luke’s: The CDC recently released new guidance stating that those who have had the vaccine do not need to quarantine after they’re fully immune — two weeks after the second dose. What’s in the vaccine?
St. Luke’s: The vaccine is made up of four ingredients: lipid nanoparticles, mRNA, salt and sugar.
It does not contain mercury, aluminum, preservatives, latex, antibiotics, yeast or fetal cells. Nor does it have tracking devices or microchips.
Can people with a compromised immune system get the vaccine?
St. Luke’s: There’s no biological reason to believe the vaccine would be harmful, doctors said. The benefits of getting the vaccine outweigh the risks.
Can women who are pregnant, breastfeeding or considering getting pregnant get the vaccine?
Yes.
Can the vaccine affect fertility in men or women?
St. Luke’s: While there are no published studies on the vaccine and fertility, there is no evidence the vaccine affects fertility. Doctors say it’s just a myth.
Here are some other questions from readers, answered by reporters at The Morning Call. If you
have a question, go to mcall.com/ yourcall.
I don’t have a computer or internet access. How can I sign up to get the vaccine?
This is an issue for many, especially seniors.
Allentown officials have created a call center to help seniors in the city and across Lehigh County register for the vaccine. Residents 65 or older can call 610-890-7069 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Both LVHN and St. Luke’s have phone lines, 888-402-LVHN and 866-STLUKES, respectively, dedicated to vaccine appointments.
I got my first dose, but I’m worried about a shortage. Are second doses guaranteed?
Vaccines have been distributed to match the need for the second dose, according to reports. When you get it, a record of which vaccine you received is created to help make sure your second dose matches the first.
But, a one-dose vaccine is in the works, too. Johnson & Johnson asked U.S. regulators Thursday to clear the world’s first single-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
I had COVID-19. Can I contract a different strain?
Officials at the CDC are still researching variants identified in the U.K., South Africa and Brazil.
So far, studies suggest antibodies generated through vaccination recognize these variants. However, researchers are still working to learn how widely these new variants have spread, how the disease caused by these new variants is different, and how they may affect existing therapies, vaccines and tests.
When will children be able to get the vaccine?
The two available vaccines, from Pfizer and Moderna, are not approved for children under 16 and 18, respectively. Officials have not yet set a date on when they will be available, saying more research is needed to make sure any vaccine will be safe and effective for infants, kids and teens.
I had COVID-19. How long do I need to wait to get my vaccine?
If you were treated for COVID19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Officials recommend talking to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received.
What is the protocol for traveling to other states after you’ve had the vaccine?
Each state has different requirements and protocols for travelers during the pandemic. The CDC has a “Travel Planner” that will explain specific requirements on mask mandates, self-quarantining requirements, gathering limits and restrictions on businesses depending on where you’re going.
However, officials at the CDC say postponing travel and staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others.
When will I be able to go without a mask?
State officials have not yet set an end date for the blanket mask-wearing directive, which requires face coverings indoors and for anyone who is outside and social distancing can’t be maintained.
The order will remain in effect until officials determine the public health risk is sufficiently reduced so that face coverings are no longer necessary, according to the state Department of Health.
I don’t live in Pennsylvania, but I’m registered at a hospital here. Can I receive the vaccine at that facility?
Yes, you can get the vaccine outside your home state.
When are college students set to be vaccinated? What if their primary residence is out-of-state?
College and university students are part of Phase 2 — the last group outlined in the state’s vaccination rollout plan. And since individuals who don’t live here full time can get vaccinated here, they will be able to get it when it’s their turn.
Do you have to receive your second vaccine from the same provider?
Officials are recommending residents receive their first and second vaccination from the same enrolled provider if possible.
Dental hygiene students at Northampton Community College are welcoming new patients to the Litwak Dental Clinic in the college’s Fowler Family Southside Center, 511 E. Third St., Bethlehem, to provide multiple oral assessments, cancer screenings, dental cleanings, radiographs, fluoride treatments and dental screenings, all under the supervision of licensed hygienists and dentists. The clinic is open Monday-Friday through May 4. Dental cleanings are free for all NCC credit students. The public can use the services for a nominal fee.
For an appointments, call 610-861-5442.