Medical Director's Corner: Just So YOU Know

Vol. 3, 2021

Medical Director's Corner: Just so YOU know

Friends,

In my role as a physician, I've been asked a myriad of questions from patients, friends and others about the COVID-19 vaccine. Here are the most Frequently Asked Questions that I have received over the past several weeks.

1. If you get the vaccine in Florida, can you get the second shot in Monroe County? Answer: No, you must go back to the same location for the second shot.

2. Is the second shot the same as the first one? If so, why is it that people only seem to have a reaction to the second shot? Answer: Some people have reactions to one or both shots, which can be minor, mild, or severe after first, second, or both shots; mostly sore arms, chills, general malaise, etc. Some folks are experiencing side effects after the second dose, and it may be because of immunity being built from receiving the first shot.

Tarun Kothari, MD, FACG, FACP

Medical Director

3. Will we have to get a vaccine every year? Answer: This is unknown, but most likely as a booster shot to fight off variants of COVID-19, as the virus continues to mutate, as with any other viral illness.

4. If you have had COVID, should you get one or two shots? Recovery from COVID does not change vaccination protocols. If you, or a loved one, has recovered from the disease, you could wait three months, depending on the treatment you received or lingering symptoms. Discuss the situation with your primary doctor if you are unsure. Then, you should receive a vaccination depending on protocols. For example, two shots for Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Novavax, and only one shot for Johnson & Johnson.

5. I just received a different vaccine. Should I wait to get my COVID shot? Answer: Yes. If you have received any kind of vaccine, then you must wait 14 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

6. Which vaccine is better? Should I wait until better vaccines are on the market? Answer: All three vaccines currently available in the U.S. are highly effective and all of them prevent COVID hospitalization because COVID-19 in a vaccinated person results in a more mild infection, or a person may remain asymptomatic. This is why, until herd immunity is achieved, it is recommended that vaccinated people in the community continue to wear masks and maintain physical distancing. I highly recommend that you get vaccinated as soon as you are able and not wait.

For more COVID-19 FAQs, go to my blog at gutchek.com.

Disclaimer: The Medical Director's Corner and gutchek.com is for general education and informative purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your own health care provider for diagnosis, testing and treatment. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Rochester RHIO.

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