Several doctors gathered for a virtual session to explain the benefits of the coronavirus vaccines and what they don’t know. Dr. Ardarian Pierre teaches family medicine. She says there’s concern the vaccines were developed so quickly they can’t be safe.
“You know we heard the terms ‘warp speed, warp speed.’ It was faster than normal but all steps, all the research, all the clinical trials were thorough and complete for the vaccinations to be used for emergencies,” said Pierre.
Pierre says the two dose vaccines are 95 percent effective at reducing transmission of COVID 19, two weeks after receiving the second shot. She says the vaccine doesn’t infect people with the virus, but they may have symptoms. Family physician Dr. Sonya Shipley says the benefits outweigh the risk. For those who worry about unintended consequences she had this to say.
“If you are alive. If you’re still able to see your friends, be with your loved ones then I think we did do well. Side effects are not ideal. We don’t know what the long term effects will be, if any. The initial data looks good. But what I do know is alive is better than not alive,” said Shipley.
Shipley added the myth the vaccines change the body at the cellular level is false. She says they aren’t sure how long the vaccines are effective-studies suggest about six months. Shipley adds it’s still important to wear a mask.
