The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Madison County officials discuss side effects from vaccine
WAMPSVILLE, N.Y. » Madison County coronavirus cases seem to be taking a downward trend. Officials commented on this and other county updates during a recent Facebook video message.
“We’re seeing a decline in the number of cases each week, which is a great sign,” remarked Madison County Public Health Director Eric Faisst.
He stated the county was reporting 18 new cases a day on average. He also reported that there were zero positive cases being reported at nursing homes within the county.
Officials noted that 14 county residents were hospitalized with COVID-19 as of the time of his report on Friday afternoon.
As of Feb. 8, there are 109 active COVID cases in Madison County and 85 total deaths related to the virus.
In Oneida County, 1,222 active positive cases were reported in data released Feb. 8. Additionally, there are 365 total Covid-19-related deaths. Officials said 84 patients are hospitalized in Oneida County; 10 are hospitalized out of the county.
Exploring vaccination updates, Faisst shared that 2,847 doses (both first and second doses total) of the COVID vaccine have been administered by Madison County since its first vaccination clinic on Dec. 31, 2020. Of that total, 824 second doses have been administered. Some vaccinations have taken place at a clinic held on SUNY Morrisville’s campus.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo had announced earlier in the week that local governments could expand their vaccination efforts to include taxi drivers and restaurant workers, among others, if they so choose.
Faisst said that Madison County is still diligently working through its 1B vaccination category, which primarily includes firefighters, teachers, and law enforcement, as designated by NYS. Therefore, the county is going to wait before reaching out to other categories of people, he said.
County supply of vaccine
has been quite low, with only 100 doses received and administered last week, he said. Appointment bookings are week-to-week, not ahead of time, Faisst said, to ensure there is enough supply.
Some people are worried about what side effects are normal after receiving the vaccine, particularly after the second dose. Is it ok to feel sick, tired, and achy? Dr. Seelan Newton, Madison County Department of Health Medical Director, shared insight from his own experience.
“I received my second dose...about 18 hours later, I got some chills and some muscle aches and some fever, which just lasted a few hours. I took some Tylenol and it got much better. My first dose, the only thing that really bothered me was my arm was sore,” he said.
Common side effects from receiving the 2nd dose of the vaccines include fever, chills, tiredness, headache, soreness at the injection site, and body aches, according to the Madison County Health Department. Newton said these symptoms could last a few days, but they should improve.
The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends those who experience pain or discomfort to talk to their doctor about taking an overthe-counter medicine, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Additional post-vaccination tips to ease pain, particularly at the injection site, include applying a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area, and using or exercising your arm.
To help with fever-related discomfort, the CDC recommends drinking plenty of fluids and dressing lightly.
“[The side effects are] common. This is what we expect the vaccine to do. It basically indicates that your immune system is working to the vaccine,” he commented. He noted that allergic reactions to the vaccine are extremely rare.
Getting the second dose is important, Newton said. Without it, you may not be as protected as you should be. “The studies were done with you getting both doses, and that’s what provides you the best immunity, anywhere from 9495%,” he said.
It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot, the CDC says.
After getting vaccinated, residents should continue to practice the same precautions they have been to limit the virus’s ability to spread. These include social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing. According to the CDC, this is because scientists are still learning about herd immunity as it relates to COVID-19 and whether the virus can be carried and transmitted to someone by a vaccinated person.
Scientists and the public have become aware of COVID-19 variants that have immerged. So far, the UK variant appears to be covered by the current vaccine, Newton said. The South African variant requires more study to be sure. These variants make it all the more important to stay cautious and prevent COVID’S ability to spread, Newton said.
Visit Madison County’s website for more information on COVID-19 and county-related updates.