It has been a long journey through the COVID-19 pandemic likely for everyone. As the coronavirus deaths in the United States have reached over 300,000 individuals, it can be challenging at times to see a silver lining. But, we are all stronger together and must continue to do our part in helping to keep ourselves and others safe and healthy during these challenging times. Now, news of the first doses of an FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech has been sent to all 50 states in the U.S., in addition to the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The CEO of Pfizer reported that the company is aiming to make 1.3 billon COVID-19 vaccine doses across the world next year, and approximately 2.9 million doses of the vaccine will be received across the U.S. this week. As of right now the first doses of the vaccine are being distributed to health care workers due to the limited supply, and it may take months until the vaccine can be administered to the general public, according to CNN.
Sadly, the pandemic is not slowing down, with approximately 110,000 current COVID-19 hospitalizations reported in the U.S. on Monday, December 14th, as reported by the Covid Tracking Project. According to CNN, Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, warned that even with the introduction of a vaccine, “I don’t believe we’re going to be able to throw the masks away and forget about physical separation in congregate settings for a while, probably likely until we get into the late fall and early next winter.” He also commented on the effectiveness of the vaccine, stating, “It’s going to be gradual, and I think we will know when we see the level of infection in the country at a dramatically lower level than it is right now that we can start gradually tiptoeing towards normality.”
The vaccine is currently authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has authorized it to be given to people 16 and older. CNN also reports that Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is also being reviewed and may be the next in line to be authorized for emergency use in the near future. According to the FDA, the most commonly reported side effects of the vaccine were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, and fever. Most individuals reported these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose, and stated that the effects lasted typically for several days.
Some individuals may be concerned about receiving the COVID-19 vaccination, but the CDC reassures that routine processes and procedures remain in place for the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. Read more about how the U.S. vaccine safety system is ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
Check out these benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine per the CDC:
This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.
Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.
Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Derek, and Dr. Emad is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Stephens would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.
References:
https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/14/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/8-things.html
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html