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Change Your World Week Winter 2022 (Archived)

This website features links to student-designed web pages to raise awareness on issues they have researched, as well as election-related information such as races, candidates, and ballot initiatives. Each page represents student work to inform their peers

Facts about the Vaxx; Unbiased research about the Covid-19 vaccine

Cartoon headshots of various people. Caption reads This is a Student-Created webpage.

Introduction

Welcome to “Facts about the Vaxx; Unbiased research about the Covid-19 vaccine,” A Change Your World Week website dedicated to bringing you accurate and trustworthy facts about the COVID-19 vaccine. Before we go into what we’ve found, we want to preface this with the fact that all information will be from sites that correspond with government organizations, health organizations, and other reputable sources ending with .org, .edu, or .gov. The main websites we used are John Hopkins, the CDC, Mayo Clinic, and our local health departments’ websites!

For more information about the COVID-19, side effects, adverse reactions, recommendations, and more, feel free to visit any of the sites listed!

 

Recommendations

The CDC recommends that, if able, you receive all available doses of the vaccine. You should look at our “What is available and recommended?” section for information about CDC recommendations, or visit the CDC website for more information. (CDC)

What’s available and recommended?

There are three different vaccines, and they all have different age requirements and recommendations.

Individuals aged 5-11 should receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. With this vaccination, you should receive both a first and second dose, given three weeks apart, but a booster has not been authorized or recommended at this time. You are considered up to date if you’ve received all recommended vaccinations.

Individuals aged 12+ should receive the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. With this vaccination, you should receive both a first and second dose, given three weeks apart, and booster vaccination. If you are 12-17, you should receive the Pfizer-BioNTech booster (as the Moderna vaccine has not been authorized for anyone under 18). If you are 18 years of age or older, you can receive either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna for your booster shot. You are considered up to date if you’ve received all recommended vaccinations, including a booster.

Individuals aged 18+ can get Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson and Johnson’s vaccination. For Johnson and Johnson, there is only one dose, but a booster is recommended. It is recommended that the booster for Johnson and Johnson be either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. If you receive Moderna, there are two doses, administered 4-8 weeks apart, and a booster is recommended. For the booster, it is recommended you receive either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. If you receive Pfizer-BioNTech, you should receive both a first and second dose, given three weeks apart, and booster vaccination. It is recommended that the booster for Pfizer-BioNTech be either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna. You are considered up to date if you’ve received all recommended vaccinations, including a booster. 

(CDC)

 

 

Side effects

With getting the vaccination, there are side effects that may remain for a few days and may be unpleasant or uncomfortable. For some, the after-effects and side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine can be unpleasant. After the first/second/third dose of Pfizer-BioNTech, Johnson and Johnson, or Moderna, most people at first experienced redness, pain, or swelling where they got the vaccine. Afterward, specifically after the second dose or third dose of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna, some experienced fever, chills, nausea, headache, muscle pain, and tiredness. These are all “normal signs that their body is building protection.” These side effects should subside within a few days. To help ease the side effects, such as pain in the arm, swelling, and redness, use a cold cloth and move your arm around. With the other side-effects, such as a fever, make sure to stay hydrated. Over-the-counter painkillers and fever reducers can also help reduce discomfort. You should visit your healthcare provider if the pain, swelling, and redness in your arm get worse after 24 hours, or if your fever and other symptoms haven’t gone away after a few days. (CDC)

Risks

With getting the COVID-19 vaccine, there are risks associated, just like with any other vaccination. 

For some, allergic reactions can occur. Severe allergic reactions are “rare and have occurred in approximately 5 people per one million vaccinated in the United States.” If you know what your allergies are, and you’re concerned about having an allergic reaction, you can look through the ingredients here. You should also talk to your health provider if you’re concerned about getting the vaccine due to an allergy. Immediately following getting the vaccine, and in the hours after, you should be on the watch for difficulty breathing, wheezing, rashes, hives, swelling of your tongue or throat, and a drop in blood pressure, among other symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms or any other symptoms of an allergic reaction, you should contact your health provider or call 911. (CDC)

If you receive or have received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, there is a chance you could develop blood clots. “The clotting disorder is called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), and it is rare—in 17 million people who got J&J, 54 cases of TTS were reported, 36 of those people were cared for in an intensive care unit, and nine people died (which represents over 15% of cases)...Based on these numbers, the risk appears to be greatest—1 in 100,000—in women ages 30 to 49.” If you fall into this category, of being female and between the ages of 30-49, you should watch out for the following symptoms: headaches (severe and persistent), blurred vision, chest pain, leg swelling, shortness of breath, severe abdominal pain, easy bruising or blood spots around the injection site. If you experience any of these, regardless of whether you fall into the high-risk category, you should contact a healthcare provider or call 911. (Yale)

Another risk factor you should look out for is Guillain-Barre syndrome. Individuals, specifically males aged 50 or older, are at high risk of developing Guillain-Barre syndrome after receiving the Johnson and Johnson vaccination. Guillain-Barre syndrome is “a rare disorder where the body’s immune system damages nerve cells, causing muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis. After more than 18.4 million J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine doses administered, there have been around 305 preliminary reports of GBS identified as of March 2022.” Most of these cases came on about two weeks after their vaccination. If you fall into the high-risk category, you should watch out for the following symptoms: double vision, pain, prickling/pins and needles, weakness, instability, difficulty breathing, high or low blood pressure, high heart rate, and difficulty with facial movements. If you experience any of these, regardless of whether you fall into the high-risk category, you should contact a healthcare provider. (CDC, Mayo Clinic)

Finally, there’s the risk of myocarditis (inflammation of the heart) or pericarditis (inflammation of the outer wall of the heart) with the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine. This risk affects more males than females, and mostly affects young adults and children. This risk can strike a week after the vaccination occurred, more often after the second dose, and most recover quickly. If you fall into the high-risk category, you should watch out for the following symptoms: chest pain, difficulty breathing, and the feeling of a fluttering, pounding, or rapid heartbeat. If you experience any of these, regardless of whether you fall into the high-risk category, you should contact a healthcare provider or call 911. (CDC)

Despite all of these scary risk factors, the CDC “continues to recommend that everyone ages 5 years and older get vaccinated for COVID-19. The known risks of COVID-19 illness and its related, possibly severe complications, such as long-term health problems, hospitalization, and even death, far outweigh the potential risks of having a rare adverse reaction to vaccination.” (CDC)

Addressing misconceptions

With the COVID-19 vaccinations, there are a lot of concerns and misconceptions about the vaccine itself, the effects of it, and the production of the vaccination. Here, we’ll address all concerns and misconceptions about the vaccination using information from the CDC and John Hopkins.

“The natural immunity I get from being sick with COVID-19 is better than the immunity I get from COVID-19 vaccination.” -  Getting COVID-19 can provide some protection from future illness, but there’s no telling what reaction you’ll have to COVID-19. You could get a severe case and become seriously ill, or have a mild case and be relatively okay. There’s no way of knowing for sure. It’s safer and more effective to get the COVID-19 vaccination, which will help your immune response and help create antibodies against COVID-19, without the potential of severe illness or death. (CDC)

“COVID-19 vaccines cause variants.”  - COVID-19 vaccines actually don’t cause variants, and variants are caused when the virus spreads to other people. The COVID-19 vaccine actually helps prevent the spread of variants. (CDC)

“All events reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) are caused by vaccination.”-  Anyone can use this reporting system, but some of these events may not be directly related to the vaccine. Additionally, some information is incomplete, which doesn’t help. There are risks that come with the COVID-19 vaccine (see our “Risk” section) and these can be reported to the VAERS, but note that not all adverse reactions are a direct cause of the COVID-19 vaccine. (CDC)

"The mRNA vaccine is not considered a vaccine.” - On the contrary, the COVID-19 vaccine is considered a vaccine, but it works differently than most vaccines. “The mRNA vaccines do not contain any live virus. Instead, they work by teaching our cells to make a harmless piece of a ‘spike protein,’ which is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19.” (CDC)

“COVID-19 vaccines contain microchips.” -  Vaccines are not created to track the movement of the population, but to fight the virus/illness/disease it was created to combat.

“Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine can make you magnetic.” - The COVID-19 vaccines contain no metals.  “COVID-19 vaccines do not contain ingredients that can produce an electromagnetic field at the site of your injection.” (CDC)

“COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States shed or release their components.” -  Shedding can only occur when the vaccine contains a small piece of a live virus. Since the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain a piece of the live virus, no shedding can occur. (CDC)

“COVID-19 vaccines can alter my DNA.” - The COVID-19 vaccine cannot alter any DNA. “The genetic material delivered by mRNA vaccines never enters the nucleus of your cells, which is where your DNA is kept.” The vaccine produces an immune response, but doesn’t ever alter or change your DNA. (CDC)

“A COVID-19 vaccine can make me sick with COVID-19.” -  Since no COVID-19 vaccine contains a piece of the live virus, it can’t make us sick with COVID-19. “COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are signs that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.” (CDC)

“COVID-19 vaccines will affect my fertility.” -  As of now, the CDC recommends vaccinations to individuals who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or planning to become pregnant. There are no known cases of infertility in men or women. (CDC)

“Being near someone who received a COVID-19 vaccine will affect my menstrual cycle.” - Vaccinations will not affect your menstrual cycle, but infections, stress, changes in diet, and other changes might affect your menstrual cycle. (CDC)

“Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will cause me to test positive on a viral test.” - You won’t test positive on a viral test after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Viral tests look for current infections. If you’ve had a previous COVID-19 infection, you might test positive on an antibody test, which looks for previous infections.” (CDC)

“Researchers rushed the development of the COVID-19 vaccine, so its effectiveness and safety cannot be trusted.” - They were created following FDA guidelines and were approved by the CDC and FDA. Production was started very early on, and all available research about the COVID-19 virus was taken into account. “Studies found that the two initial vaccines are both about 95% effective — and reported no serious or life-threatening side effects. The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna were created with a method that has been in development for years, so the companies could start the vaccine development process early in the pandemic.” (John Hopkins)

“Getting the COVID-19 vaccine means I can stop wearing my mask and taking coronavirus precautions.” - While a COVID-19 vaccine will protect you from COVID-19, it’s important to still practice all guidelines in place by the CDC. (John Hopkins)

“The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are dangerous.” - While the side effects are unpleasant (see our “Side Effects” section) they aren’t life-threatening. There are certain risks that come with getting the COVID-19 vaccine (see our “Risks” section), as with any vaccine, so you should be aware of the risks of getting the vaccination. (John Hopkins)

“The messenger RNA technology used to make the COVID-19 vaccine is brand new.” - Not brand new at all! “The mRNA technology behind the new coronavirus vaccines has been in development for almost two decades. Vaccine makers created the technology to help them respond quickly to a new pandemic illness, such as COVID-19.” (John Hopkins)

“The COVID-19 vaccine was developed with or containing controversial substances.” - Not at all. All ingredients are FDA approved, as are the vaccinations. These vaccinations “contain mRNA and other, normal vaccine ingredients, such as fats (which protect the mRNA), salts, as well as a small amount of sugar. These COVID-19 vaccines were not developed using fetal tissue, and they do not contain any material, such as implants, microchips or tracking devices.” (John Hopkins)

Immunocompromised individuals and the vaccination

With the CDC's current recommendations, they recommend that all immunocompromised individuals receive the COVID-19 vaccine, unless an allergy barres them from getting the vaccination. “People who are very immunocompromised can’t have certain vaccines, such as the vaccine against measles, mumps, and rubella because the vaccine contains weakened live viruses that are too dangerous for damaged immune systems. Because the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines contain only the genetic instructions for a single protein specific to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it’s safe for this group to receive either vaccine. (Only patients with a history of a severe allergy to the vaccines’ ingredients should not be vaccinated.)” (University of Chicago Medicine) So because the vaccine does not contain a live strain of the virus, it isn’t considered dangerous to those who have compromised immune systems. However, if you are immunocompromised or fall into these categories: have cancer/are receiving active treatment, have an autoimmune disorder, are an organ transplant patient, have had a stem cell transplant, have HIV, or are taking corticosteroids, you should consult your health care provider before receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.  (CDC)

It should be noted that the COVID-19 vaccine can have less coverage in those who are immunocompromised, due to a weakened immune system. Even though you may not get full coverage from the vaccine, after talking to your healthcare provider, it is recommended you still get the vaccine (if able). “Even though immunocompromised patients have immune systems that respond less robustly to vaccinations, Mullane said the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines should provide some level of protection against COVID-19, which is better than no protection. How well the vaccines work will depend upon each patient’s overall state of immunosuppression at the time of receiving the two doses of vaccine.” (University of Chicago Medicine)

The CDC recommends that immunocompromised individuals aged 5-11 receive a total of three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech. Immunocompromised individuals aged 12-17 should receive a total of three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech and one booster three months later. Individuals who are immunocompromised and 18+ should receive three doses of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna nad a booster three months after. Individuals who are 18+ and received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine should receive a second dose of either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna and then a booster of Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna two months later. Consult with the CDC website for more details. (CDC)

 

All About the Booster

The booster shot for COVID is an extra layer of protection that one can choose to seek after the protection of the original dose of their vaccine starts to wear off over time (Johns Hopkins). The three brands of original doses of COVID shots that are given in the United States are Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson, but only Pfizer and Moderna offer the extra booster shots. If one received the Pfizer vaccine as their vaccine, they should seek the booster shot 5 months after their second dose. Adults ages 18 and up can choose to get a Moderna or Pfizer booster, but children ages 12-17 should only get a Pfizer booster shot. If one received the Moderna vaccine as their initial vaccine, they should seek the booster shot 5 months after their second dose and they can choose to get either Pfizer or Moderna as well. The catch to this is that you must be 18 years or older to seek out the booster. If one chose to get the Johnson and Johnson brand as their vaccine, adults 18 years and older are recommended to get boosted 2 months after their second dose. These individuals are allowed to choose between the Pfizer or Moderna booster as Johnson and Johnson do not make their own. (CDC)

 

Michigan's Vaxx Facts

The population of Michigan is 9,965,265. Currently, 59.6% of Michigan’s population is fully vaccinated against Covid. To be considered fully vaccinated, 2 doses of the vaccine are required. 66.4% of Michigan’s population has at least one dose of the Covid vaccine. In terms of the population of the entire United States, 64.8% of Americans are currently fully vaccinated against Covid, and 76.1% of Americans have at least one dose of the vaccine. This means that Michigan is slightly below the national percentage. (Mayo Clinic)

 

Where can I get the Covid-19 Vaccine?

If you feel as though getting vaccinated is the right decision for you, there are locations all over Michigan that are able to administer the Covid vaccines. The CDC notes that vaccinations are free to anyone in America regardless of immigration status or whether or not you have health insurance. This makes it easier for people of all classes to access the vaccine. The CDC recommends using vaccines.gov to help find a vaccine provider near your location. This website is very helpful in listing all of the vaccination sites available; you are able to filter the sites based on your zip code, which vaccine you wish to receive, and which appointment times are available to you. In the tri-city area, places such as Costco, Kroger, Meijer, Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid regularly administer Covid vaccinations. Additionally, health departments are offering pop-up vaccination clinics in different places such as college campuses and community centers. Another way to receive information on vaccination sites, according to the CDC, is to text your zip code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233. You can also contact your physician to receive information on vaccination sites. For more information on local vaccination sites, visit your county’s health department. The websites of local health departments in the area are listed below. 

 

https://www.saginawpublichealth.org/

https://www.baycounty-mi.gov/health/

https://co.midland.mi.us/healthdepartment.aspx

https://www.gchd.us/

 

 

Works Cited