Should I get the vaccine right away or wait?

If you have the ability to get the vaccine sooner than later, I would recommend it. 

Moderna and Pfizer’s efficacy is very good at ~95%. It seems that both 2-dose vaccinations show some protection to the other variants. I think it is beneficial to obtain partial immunity against Covid even if these 2-dose vaccines only provide some protection against newer variants. We are still learning about these variants and if the vaccine actually shows its effect towards them. UPDATE** Pfizer has been approved for kids between the ages of 12-16. 

How long does a vaccine last? Does one brand last longer than the others?

At this time, we do not know how long it lasts. Many of us in the medical community are anticipating that it will be an annual vaccine like the flu vaccine. However, if you stop the spread, the virus doesn’t have a way to replicate and survive. Unfortunately only the amount of public use of the vaccine will give us a clue if this is possible as time goes on. 

The Johnson and Johnson vaccine, although not as effective as moderna and Pfizer, has the ability to prevent severe illness in up to 84% of the population. This is promising and ultimately what we would like for the future as it’s a one time vaccine instead of 2 shots. *UPDATE 4/15  At this time, the US has paused the use of JnJ vaccine due to chances of clotting (6 cases in 6.8 million doses given). For anyone who has JnJ and is scared, the likelihood of getting a blood clot from daily birth control is higher. **UPDATE 4/26 J&J Vaccine has resumed. 

Can an N95 mask be reused? ( if given a break between uses?)

As far as N95 masks, certainly! If one plans on using the mask all day long, we suggest designating a mask for each day of the week. Rotating through different masks is helpful in longevity. If you are using a mask for shorter periods of time, this can extend its life expectancy as well. Early on in the pandemic healthcare providers unfortunately were stuck with only one mask for weeks at a time. 

What are the questions you get most asked from people or friends?

The biggest question is when are we getting back to normal. It is pretty uncertain as I think even 2021 will be somewhat of a continuation. As the vaccine is given to more and more people, again, we’ll start to have a better idea. 

Other questions include what helps treat and prevent Covid. There is a monoclonial antibody IV therapy called bamlanivimab and etesevimab that have shown to significantly improve symptoms within 10 days of onset of Covid. Supplements like Vitamin D, Zinc, or Vitamin C have not shown significant findings that would suggest in the prevention of or a decrease in severity of Covid. We do know that masks and socially distancing DO work.

Generally people that are infected with covid are usually treated at home with over the counter medications unless having severe symptoms like difficulty breathing. 

And finally the last question is, how long is someone contagious for? As per the CDC, you are no longer contagious on the 11th day (10 days +1) from the START of symptoms. 

For the most up to date info visit the CDC