Jan. 21, 2021 | To better understand how COVID-19 vaccines work, it helps to first look at how our bodies fight illness. When germs, such as the virus that causes COVID-19, invade our bodies, they attack and multiply. This invasion, called an infection, is what causes illness. Blood contains red cells, which carry oxygen to tissues and organs, and white or immune cells, which fight infection. Different types of white blood cells fight infection in different ways. Macrophages are white blood cells that swallow up and digest germs and dead or dying cells. The macrophages leave behind parts of the invading germs called antigens. The body identifies antigens as dangerous and stimulates antibodies to attack them. B-lymphocytes are defensive white blood cells. They produce antibodies that attack the pieces of the virus left behind by the macrophages. T-lymphocytes are another type of defensive white blood cell. They attack cells in the body that have already been infected.

Jan. 21, 2021 | How much do you know about how the COVID-19 vaccines work? The vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness. Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection, but with all types of vaccines, the body is left with a supply of white blood cells called T-lymphocytes, called memory cells, as well as B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight that virus in the future. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes after vaccination. Therefore, it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection. Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity.

Jan. 21, 2021 | Now that the COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out, some considerations need to be taken before getting vaccinated. Adults with underlying medical conditions should receive the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines provided they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or any of its ingredients. Vaccination is important for adults with certain medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. People with allergies to foods, oral medications, pets or insects can be vaccinated although anyone who has ever had an allergic reaction to a vaccine should consult with their physician beforehand. A woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding can receive the vaccine as can someone who was previously diagnosed with COVID-19. Persons who have had a COVID infection or received antibody treatment should wait 90 days after the infection before being vaccinated.

Jan. 21, 2021 | It will take a few weeks for your body to build immunity after getting a COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, it’s possible that you could become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or after being vaccinated. The vaccine can cause mild side effects after the first or second dose, including headache, muscle pain or chills. You’ll likely be monitored for 15 minutes after getting a vaccine to see if you have an immediate reaction and you should plan to be observed for 30 minutes if you have significant allergies. Most side effects happen within the first three days after vaccination and typically last only one to two days. If you develop symptoms beyond those which you might expect, contact your doctor. If you’ve been exposed to COVID-19 and develop symptoms more than three days after getting vaccinated or you have symptoms after vaccination which last more than two days, you should self-isolate and get tested as soon as possible.

Jan. 21, 2021 | If you get the COVID-19 vaccine, does that mean you no longer have to take any precautions for avoiding infection? Dr. Robert Hopkins of UAMS’ Department of Internal Medicine says no. It takes at least two weeks after you receive the second dose of vaccine for you to develop protection from infection and studies are under way to make sure those who are vaccinated cannot catch and spread COVID without symptoms. Until most of our communities vaccinated and we know more about the vaccine, Dr. Hopkins says to avoid close contact with anyone other than members of your household, particularly if you have a higher risk for serious illness. Continue to wear cloth face coverings in public places, such as the grocery store, where it’s difficult to avoid close contact with others. Surgery masks may be used if available. Wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.