I was actually speaking with a friend last night, who is a science writer about the new COVID vaccines that have been distributed, and I'm actually quite excited by the technology. 

Posted by: @sjlovestosing

how this new one genetically changes our cells

This is actually NOT how mRNA vaccines work, which has been a common misconception circulating on the net. 

The CDC offers some wonderful insight on how mRNA vaccines work, and why the approach is so groundbreaking from an efficacy and safety standpoint:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html

Facts about COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines

They cannot give someone COVID-19.

• mRNA vaccines do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19.

They do not affect or interact with our DNA in any way.

• mRNA never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA (genetic material) is kept.
• The cell breaks down and gets rid of the mRNA soon after it is finished using the instructions.

The fact that our bodies can now learn to fight against a virus without actually having the whole virus in our system is wonderful news! 

Testing and clinical trials will be ongoing, and the primary concern is not whether these are safe or effective (they are incredibly safe and phenomenally effective) but how long they will provide immunity against the virus.

We don't know if it's six months or six years yet, so this is why ongoing research will be necessary.

In the meantime, despite having adverse reactions in the past to some vaccines, I'll be lining up to get this one. 

I do urge anyone who's on the fence to consider speaking with their doctor about it. 

Hi Folks, Who would have thought a vaccine would have come so quickly. Yes it’s gonna be questioned and their has been a lot of conspiracy theories etc on line. Here in the UK the vaccination is under way. It’s seems to be 60% for 20% against and the rest undecided. Reason it’s been rolled out so fast is a joint worldwide effort and all parts of the production line from research, development, testing and production have been set to work simultaneously. I understand concerns but I will have my sleeve rolled up when it’s my turn 💪

Hi,

I just wanted to point out that I was not trying to dissuade or encourage anyone concerning the vaccine. I was only putting out information. The sources that I have put on my last post are reputable. Please note that I included a URL from the CDC and one that supports the vaccine. 

Stella

Thanks Eric and Stella both for the good information!

@sjlovestosing No need to clarify. I agree and would want anyone to research the topic so they have informed consent before making the decision.  

We are incredibly lucky to even be able to discuss a technology like this. 😀

Important considerations regarding the vaccine.

In the UK the MHRA the body that regulates medicine and has given emergency approval for the pfizer mRNA vaccine. As a result of 2 nurses having a anaphylactic reaction to the vaccine they now recommend people with known allergies should not for now to have the vaccine until further investigations have been completed. Additional no immunosuppressant people were in the trial groups. This is important information for your informed consent.

Additionally the vaccine at present is not approved for pregnant and lactating women as the risk fertility has yet to be established.

Its is still early days for this vaccine and approval has been very rapid and I understand why some people may be concerned so I agree informed consent is important.

Hi Folks, Here in Northern Ireland we have just had news that from the 26th December we will be going into a full lockdown for 6 weeks!! The numbers have been going up and have gotten worse since the vaccine was announced. Some silly people think it’s a cure or a get out of jail free card. This vaccine is a gift but we still need to be so careful.

@veganostomy Thanks for this, Eric. I agree that informed consent for ANYTHING is vitally important. Also important to trace the source of the information, as there is so much misinformation out there. I will be rolling up my sleeve to get the vaccine the minute I am offered it. Yes, there may be side effects, but there are some pretty ugly side effects to Covid too! Just as with cancer treatment, you have to weigh the pros and cons. I have had radiation injury from cancer treatment, which is not fun, but not as bad as the alternative, which was death. 💀

Laurie

Thanks to all who have shared information about the vaccine. I plan to get it when I am eligible. Especially with being on Humira. My GI doctor has me getting the Hepatitis A and B vaccines too, because of the Humira. I also need to get the shingles vaccine when I get a chance. Lots of shots (jabs 😉) for this girl. 

Excellent topic and important information!! Its amazing science has advanced so well  from 20 years ago &   because of previous pandemics we have a vaccine ready so much sooner then ever, and without actual virus in it!! 

Is it a risk?  Not nearly as much as not having it. The flu shot has to change & had to be tweaked each year,  I imagine this will be too. CO19 has already changed in one country worse then  the Flu does each year, only this time transmission is  70%   faster. A JAB/SHOT (honorable mention for John! lol!)  in the arm is a welcome gift for me. . No comparison to the Flu virus though. This is a much more deadlier bug. 

At this point it is given to healthy individuals, seniors in care and front line workers first, giving time for further testing . We need these workers badly. Our local care home has 57 residents of 60, with covid & 3 nurses. 3 residents have died. In a town with a population around 5000, this is scarey stuff!! They had to bring in 6 out of town nurses to help. We have a 20 bed hospital! 

I know I'm in line too when the call is out there!