Answering Common Questions About the COVID-19 Vaccine: Part 2

Annika Miller Lampropoulos & Rachel Gasson

Earlier this week, we shared answers to commonly asked questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccine options. 

While we are able to answer the majority of these questions with research published by cdc.gov, please note that individual circumstances may vary. For answers to questions specifically pertaining to your individual health, please consult your primary care physician. 

Our previous blog post addressed the common side effects of the vaccine, dosage requirements, how to get the vaccine and whether it is recommended that you receive the vaccine after you have already contracted COVID-19 and recovered. Refer to our previous post for answers to those questions.

As we move into the month of May, it is reported by Our World in Data that 43% of eligible American adults are at least partially vaccinated. Throughout the next few months those numbers are expected to continually increase. 

With 57% of American adults still not vaccinated, we would like to answer a few more of your commonly asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Specifically: 

• What is the update on the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine? 

• Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I have gotten 2 doses of the vaccine?

• If I am pregnant, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine? 

• If I have an underlying condition, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

What is the update on the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine? 

Administration of the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen COVID-19 vaccine was temporarily paused by the FDA as of April 12th. The decision to pause this particular vaccine was made after six cases of a rare and severe blood clots were reported. All six people were women ranging from 18-48 years in age. 

Symptoms were reported between 8-13 days after receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. After the initial pause, seven more cases have been reported. Three women have died. 

Upon further examination of the data, the FDA and CDC have given the go-ahead for administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to be continued. Data shows that the chance of experiencing a similar blood clot is extremely low, and the benefit of receiving the vaccine outweighs the risk. 

The update is in effect as of April 23rd. 

Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I have gotten 2 doses of the vaccine?

In order to be considered fully vaccinated, you must wait two weeks from your second dose of the Modern or Pfizer vaccine. If you receive the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you must also wait two weeks from the administration of your single dose. 

After you are fully vaccinated, there is no need to wear a mask either outdoors or indoors when you are in the company of others who are also fully vaccinated. If someone in your company is classified as high-risk, it is particularly recommended that you continue to wear a mask for their safety.

Masks are not necessary when in outdoor situations unless the area is particularly crowded. The CDC recommends that crowded indoor settings be avoided. If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, remain at home until you are able to be tested and receive negative test results. Although extremely uncommon, it is possible that one could contract COVID-19 even after being vaccinated. 

If I am pregnant, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

There is no data suggesting that any of the three vaccines would be unsafe for women to receive when pregnant. 

However, there is still the very rare possibility that one may contract TTS, the disorder mentioned previously in regard to the blood clotting. As a precaution, all women between the ages of 18-48 should consider the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines as alternative options to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

Clinical trials are being continuously conducted to test the impact of all three COVID-19 vaccines on pregnant women. Although there have been no reported ill-effects, the data is still somewhat limited. 

“V-safe” is a smartphone-based tool that uses text messaging and web surveys to provide personalized health check-ins after vaccination. Pregnant women are encouraged to participate in the “V-safe” pregnancy registry. Participation will allow for an increase in data pertaining specifically to pregnant women and the COVID-19 vaccines. 

If I have an underlying condition, can I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, most people over the age of 16 are being recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. If you have a unique or sensitive condition, be sure to consult your primary physician to determine what the right decision is for you. 

In fact, those with health conditions that put them at particular risk of complications resulting from COVID-19 are encouraged to make receiving the vaccine a priority. 

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Please visit cdc.gov for any more questions related to COVID-19 or email the Rexburg Free Clinic with any health-related questions you would like to see addressed in our future blog posts. (annika.miller17@gmail.com)