COVID-19 - Vaccine
What is the COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccine helps our bodies develop immunity against COVID-19 virus by stimulating our immune system to fight SARSCoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) whenever we are exposed to it.
Various platforms such as RNA genetic sequencing, viral vectors, deactivating viruses and protein sub-units have been used to provide safe and effective coronavirus vaccines. It gives you the best protection against COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccine is regulated and complies with the following Acts:
- Poisons Act 1952 (Act 366) and its regulations
- Sale of Drugs Act 1952 (Act 368) and its regulations
- Drugs and Cosmetic Control Regulations 1984
- Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act (Act 342)
Studies have shown that getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can lower your risk of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccines also help reduce the risk of severe illnesses and deaths from COVID-19 infections among people who are fully vaccinated.
Getting sick with COVID-19 can cause serious health consequences, even in children. Currently, there are no reliable ways to predict who will have mild or severe illness or who may have long-term health issues after COVID-19 infection.
Therefore, do ensure that you and your family are fully vaccinated. Take your booster doses when you are eligible and consider enrolling your children for vaccination once it is available to them.
Understanding COVID-19 Vaccines
At the moment, frontrunners in the coronavirus vaccine race include Moderna, Pfizer BioNTech, Sinovac Biotech and Oxford AstraZeneca.
The vaccines protect against symptomatic forms of COVID-19, but it is still unclear whether they will stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19. Therefore, you should still continue to take appropriate precautions in protecting yourself and others around you even after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Types of vaccines | mRNA | Viral vector | Inactivated virus |
---|---|---|---|
Primary Content And How It Reacts
| mRNA sequence which enters the individual cell to produce the specific virus protein | Contains modified (vector) virus to transport the antigen genetic code. The human cell will produce the targeted protein | A virus that has been killed using high heat, chemical, or radiation |
Function
| Uses the mRNA molecule to stimulate immunity in order to recognize the targeted virus protein | A safe viral vector is used to deliver the genetic material of the targeted virus and stimulating the human immune response | A virus that has been killed and used to stimulate the human immune response |
Advantages
|
|
|
|
Challenges
|
|
|
|
Treatments
| None |
|
|
Vaccine Candidate
|
|
|
|
Source of information: AKADEMI SAINS MALAYSIA
- Technology and the COVID-19 vaccine
Both the Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech’s vaccines use mRNA (messenger RNA) technology and it is interesting to note that the mRNA vaccines have never been approved for use in any disease. It has however received emergency use authorization from the FDA.
mRNA vaccines work by injecting pieces of the virus’ genetic code into the body to stimulate an immune system reaction which enables the body to defend itself against the coronavirus.
The mRNA in the body breaks down fully within 48 hours. As it doesn’t enter the human nucleus, it does not affect human DNA. Both Moderna and Pfizer’s mRNA vaccines require 2 doses for adequate protection, and the doses are administered between 3 and 4 weeks apart.
Oxford AstraZeneca and Sinovac Biotech’s vaccines employ a modified delivery virus (that usually causes symptoms such as the common cold) to introduce SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins to the immune system, which then mounts a defence against it. The delivery virus is attenuated or modified so the person won’t develop the common cold when administered with this vaccine.
The national COVID-19 immunisation programme by the Malaysian government is an important step to stop the pandemic. Benefits from the immunisation programme include;
- Preventing someone from COVID-19 infection or becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19.
- Curb the spread of COVID-19 to others.
- To achieve herd immunity where a significant amount of the population is protected through vaccination against the virus, making it difficult for the disease to spread.
- Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act (Act 342)
Update: Recent announcement by the Ministry of Health, Malaysia on 25 May 2021 indicated that only the Pfizer vaccine is allowed for pregnant women between week 14 and 33, or they should defer vaccination till after their delivery. The AstraZeneca and Sinovac vaccines are not recommended at the moment. As for breastfeeding mothers, both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are suitable for them. For Sinovac vaccine, it is currently not recommended for pregnant women due to the limited clinical data. Breastfeeding mothers who would like to opt for Sinovac vaccine are required to consult their specialists prior to vaccination.
Vaccine | Pregnant Mothers | Lactating Mothers |
---|---|---|
Pfizer
| Suitable for pregnant mothers between 14 – 33 weeks of pregnancy. Or delay until after delivery. | Suitable to be vaccinated. |
Astra Zeneca
| Not recommended at the moment. | Suitable to be vaccinated. |
Sinovac
| Not recommended at the moment. | Limited clinical data. Recommendation will be given after consultation. |
Source of information: Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
Government bodies and health authorities around world
are encouraging eligible members of the general public
to get vaccinated. This is because as more people get
vaccinated it reduces the chances of transmission.
Which means it becomes more difficult for the virus to
spread, hence making it safer for the society if more
people get vaccinated.
But, what if you are
pregnant or breastfeeding? Is it (really) safe to get
vaccinated for COVID-19?
Is it safe to get vaccinated if you are
pregnant?
There is currently very little data available to
assess the safety of COVID -19 vaccines on pregnant
women and breastfeeding mothers because of the lack of
clinical testing during the development of the
COVID-19 vaccine. Having said that, based on the
safety and efficacy data of the current vaccines in
the market, the World Health Organization (WHO) states
they do not have any reason to believe there will be
specific risks that would outweigh the benefits of
vaccination for pregnant women. In fact, findings of a
few studies did not indicate any adverse effects on
fetal development.
Additionally, pregnant
women and breastfeeding mothers have also taken other
vaccines such as tetanus toxoid, influenza and
pertussis for example. However, If you are still
unsure, we highly recommend that you speak to your
OB-GYN to seek advice and discuss about your
eligibility for COVID -19 vaccination.
Is it safe to get vaccinated if you are
breastfeeding?
While there is currently very little data to
suggest the safety and efficacy of the COVID -19
vaccines on pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers,
there are also no known risks of the COVID-19 vaccine
to breastfeeding mothers.
This is because the
vaccines currently available in the market are
non-replicating vaccines. Non-replicating vaccines can
create an immune response but do not reproduce inside
host cells – meaning that there is no possible
way by which the vaccine can pass to your baby through
breast milk.
- It is encouraged for pregnant woman and breastfeeding mother to consider getting vaccinated against COVID -19 especially if you are in the frontline e.g. a healthcare worker or have known medical conditions. However, the decision should be made as a mutual agreement between the mother and her consultant. She should get clearance from her consultant prior to considering getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
- Despite insufficient data on the potential effects of the Covid-19 vaccines in expecting and nursing mothers, the Health Ministry will allow them to be inoculated if the benefits outweigh the risks. However, the decision to either allow or advise these mothers against receiving their vaccine shots must come from a specialist after assessing their potential risk
One of the key considerations to note is that women who are pregnant and part of a group recommended to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, such as healthcare personnel, may choose to be vaccinated after thorough discussions with their doctor.
ReferencesSource: Ministry of Health Malaysia (Updated February
2021) World Health Organization (WHO) (Updated
February 2021)
“Panduan Vaksinasi
Untuk Ibu Mengandung dan Ibu Menyusukan Bayi”.
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia.
Accessed from
http://covid-19.moh.gov.my/vaksin-covid-19/panduan/panduan-vaksinasi-untuk-ibu-mengandung-dan-ibu-menyusukan-bayi
Can those with cardiovascular conditions or heart
problems take the COVID-19 vaccine?
In short, yes. In fact, heart patients are
highly encouraged to take the COVID-19 vaccine as it
can help to protect them from contracting the virus.
Here’s why.
According to studies,
heart patients have a higher risk of developing health
complications from COVID-19 compared to those without
history of heart problems. That is why, heart patients
fall under a group of people who have been prioritized
to get the COVID-19 vaccine alongside other patients
with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension
and high cholesterol etc.
Therefore, if
you are an individual that have heart conditions, or
if your family member is a heart patient, you should
take or advice your family member to get vaccinated
against COVID-19 – by taking this action, not
only are you protecting yourself but you are also
protecting your loved ones from COVID-19.
However, it is understood that you may
have some concerns over the safety of the COVID-19
vaccine, especially since you or your loved ones have
pre-existing medical conditions. Would it worsen the
condition or will the side-effects be more severe?
Will those with cardiovascular disease or heart
problems experience any side effects?
The current mRNA COVID-19 vaccines available in
the market have been shown to be safe for use for
heart patients. This is because people with
pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes,
heart problems, hypertension and high cholesterols
were included in the early clinical trials.Which means
that the vaccines have been tried and tested by people
who have the same medical conditions as you and they
were found to benefit from the vaccine.
When it comes to side effects, most
vaccine can have side effects. It is important to note
that both the mRNA vaccines PfizerBioNTech and Moderna
do carry the risk of some common side effects such as
pain, redness or swelling in the shoulder muscle area
where the injections were administered, as well as
fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, chills, fever and
nausea. These symptoms will most likely resolve within
one or two days. If the symptoms persist, please
consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
However, if you history of allergic
reaction to any component (active ingredients or
excipients or any material used in process) of the
vaccine or similar vaccines, it is advisable for you
not to get the vaccine – not at least until more
safety data become available.
Should you get vaccinated if you have
cardiovascular disease or heart problems?
Yes, you should. As advised by Ministry of
Health, everyone who is medically eligible should get
vaccinated. This is because as more people get
vaccinated, the slower the virus would spread, and as
a result our community will be safer.
However, if you are still concerned about
the safety of these vaccinations, we encouraged you to
seek consultation with your doctor. Click here to
speak with our doctors. Our doctors will be able to
assess your medical and allergy history to determine
your eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines.
However, if you still have concerns, you
may well get advice from your consultant.
References
1. “Should heart patients take the COVID-19
vaccine?”. Singapore Heart Foundation.
Accessed from
https://www.myheart.org.sg/press-and-media/heart-news/heart-patient-and-covid19-vaccine/
2. “The effects of virus variants on
COVID-19 vaccines”. World Health Organization (1
March 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-effects-of-virus-variants-on-COVID-19-vaccines
3. Merschel, M. “What heart and stroke
patients should know about COVID-19 vaccines”.
The American Heart Association.
Accessed from
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/01/15/what-heart-and-stroke-patients-should-know-about-COVID-19-vaccines
4. “COVID-19 VACCINATION”. Ministry
of Health Singapore (n.d).
Accessed from
https://www.moh.gov.sg/COVID-19/vaccination
None of us ever expected that our lives would change
indefinitely when the COVID-19 pandemic took over the
entire world by storm. We are now left to embrace the
‘new normal’ of living. Something that
still needs getting used to. Some light did come to
show early this year when some pharmaceutical
companies begun rolling out the much-awaited COVID-19
vaccine. Even so, they are increasing the production
of these vaccines as we progress daily.
This is a step in the right direction as
it prepares us to return to normal life by achieving
herd immunity – a term used to describe a huge
population that is immune to a virus. Through herd
immunity, the risk of large-scale outbreaks –
like we have seen over the past year – is
significantly reduced1. However, two important
questions remain – can you still get infected
with COVID-19 after taking the vaccine, and are you
eligible for the vaccine if you have previously tested
positive for the virus? Let’s find out together.
Let us first understand that the COVID-19 vaccines
that were developed have been found to be effective at
preventing a COVID-19 infection. However, there is
still a minor possibility that you can contract
COVID-19 despite being vaccinated. Rest assured, that
it is a very slim chance and with vaccination already
taking place at break speed, the risk of COVID-19
infections become even lower.
It’s
also important to be aware that the coronavirus
vaccine might not have enough time to provide complete
protection - not that it is ineffective against
COVID-19. This is why mRNA vaccinations need to be
given in two dosages and require approximately two
weeks to fully activate our immune system response.
So even if an individual has received the
vaccination, practicing cautions in social or physical
distancing as well as basic hygiene is crucial.
A person can take the vaccine until the person has
recovered from the acute illness (if the person had
symptoms) and they have met criteria to discontinue
isolation. Why? Getting vaccinated can offer a
stronger and reliable immune system response to a past
COVID-19 infection as compared to the natural immunity
developed by the body.
As a matter of
fact, those who have recovered from COVID-19 were
found to have antibodies that were up to 10 times
higher than vaccinated individuals who did not
previously test positive for COVID-19. But those with
pre-existing immunity experienced systemic side
effects such as fatigue, headache, chills, fever, and
muscle or joint pains with considerably higher
frequency This is why those who fall in this category
are also encouraged to sign-up for vaccination as soon
as possible.
Hopefully it will. The most important thing is to do your duty as a good citizen by signing up for the vaccination. However, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 should not be considered a substitute for basic precautionary measures. We should always remember to do our part by practicing good hygiene habits like regular hand-washing, masking up when outdoors, and adhering to social distancing measures. By doing this, we are one step closer to beating the pandemic once and for all.
References
1. “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
Vaccines”. World Health Organization (28 October
2020).
Accessed from
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
2. “Information about the Pfizer-BioNTech
COVID-19 Vaccine”. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (4 March 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html
3. “Information about the Moderna COVID-19
Vaccine”. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (4 March 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html
4. “Key Things to Know About COVID-19
Vaccines”. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (13 March 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html
5. Wise, J. “Covid-19: People who have had
infection might only need one dose of mRNA
vaccine”. thebmj (2 February 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n308
Studies have shown that it is natural for any type of
virus to evolve into newer variants. It simply means
that viruses can mutate after some time. This
doesn’t mean that they are a new form of a
virus, but rather a different kind of the same virus.
Best way to describe this is is to think
of them as being part of the same family. Now, these
new strains may cause some changes that are a little
different from how we understand the original virus to
be. While many would panic especially when we keep
hearing about the COVID-19 new variants, its best we
first understand how this mutation works.
It’s true, new strains can either
increase or decrease the risk of a virus being
contagious. These strains may also affect the severity
or level of an infection. So, in the case of COVID-19,
how exactly do new strains affect the level of
symptoms? Does it impact the effectiveness of the
different vaccines that are already available?
Let’s take a closer look at how these happens.
Before we dive in a little deeper, it’s
important to note that virus strains exist because of
differences in geographic location. What does that
mean, you ask? It means that different countries or
regions may have the same primary virus, but new and
different virus strains may appear in these places
simply because of geographical reasons Let’s
look at the virus strain that was originally detected
in the UK for example. This virus strain, also known
as B117, was found to increase the risk of being
contagious by up to 50% compared to the original
COVID-19 virus. Whoa!
The South African
strain - B1351 - on the other hand, was found to be
50% more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus3.
Similarly, the P1 virus strain that was first detected
in Brazil was found to be up to 2.2 times more
contagious than the B117 variant. Pretty intense we
would say, but does a higher risk of being contagious
mean that there are more severe COVID-19 symptoms?
Meanwhile, B117 (UK) and B1351 (South
Africa) have not been found to affect the level of
COVID-19 symptoms experienced. However, more data is
required to understand the level of COVID-19 symptoms
experienced by those infected with the P1 (Brazil)
strain.
More recently is the strain
discovered out of India (B.1.617) which has caused
global record numbers in daily infections within the
country over the past weeks. It’s still too
early to say if this strain is the cause of rapid
spread in India, but experts are treating it as such.
It’s also being called a “super
mutation” that will make its way around to the
rest of the world. Oh no! This strain has already been
detected in countries like Germany, Belgium and even
in the U.K.
This is why it’s
important to continue practicing basic precautionary
measures and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Through this, you are doing your civic duty as a
responsible citizen to prevent further widespread of
these new strains.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO),
there is no reason to believe that these COVID-19
virus strains can cause any vaccine to be ineffective
We can totally breathe easy now! This is because
COVID-19 vaccinations give our bodies some sort of
protection by working with our immune system, which is
the body’s natural defense against viral
infections. Through this, our bodies’ natural
defenses cover a wide range of COVID-19 infections,
even the new variants.
On a brighter note,
it’s also possible to make changes to existing
vaccines so that they offer better protection against
different COVID-19 virus strains1. This will be
especially important if data ever shows that these new
strains cause the COVID-19 vaccines to be not
effective, however there is no such news yet. We know,
what a relief!
Ultimately, it’s important for you to get vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent a COVID-19 infection. And by keeping the spread of the primary virus low, you help to reduce the risk of creating new virus strains in your country or region. Pretty simple, no? At the same time, it’s recommended that you carry on practicing basic measures such as regular hand-washing, masking up, and maintaining social distancing in public areas. By doing this, you can help to reduce the contagiousness of the main COVID-19 virus, whilst reducing the risk of COVID-19 virus strains altogether1. You’ve got this, people!
References
1. “The effects of virus variants on COVID-19
vaccines”. World Health Organization (01 March
2021).
Accessed from
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-effects-of-virus-variants-on-covid-19-vaccines
2. “Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
Overview and Safety”. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (21 May 2021).
Accessed
from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html
3. CJuan C. Salazar, MD, MPH, FAAP.“What
Are the New COVID-19 Strains, and Do They Infect Kids
More Easily?”. (01 February 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/coronavirus/what-is-the-new-b117-strain-of-covid-19-and-does-it-more-easily-infect-kids/
4. Simon Clarke.“Brazil coronavirus
variant: what is it and why is it a concern? An expert
explains”. (03 March 2021).
Accessed from
https://theconversation.com/brazil-coronavirus-variant-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-a-concern-an-expert-explains-156234
5. “New COVID variant with 5 mutations
identified in California”. Center for Infectious
Disease Research and Policy (12 February 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2021/02/new-covid-variant-5-mutations-identified-california
6. David Kennedy.“What you need to know
about the new COVID-19 variants”. (16 January
2021).
Accessed from
https://theconversation.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-covid-19-variants-153366
7. “SARS-CoV-2 Variant Classifications and
Definitions”. Center for Infectious Disease
Research and Policy (25 May 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html
8. Gayathri Vaidyanathan. “Coronavirus
variants are spreading in India — what
scientists know so far”. (11 May 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01274-7
A visit to the doctor’s for orthopedic problems (joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves) during a pandemic can be an uneasy experience. But it sure can be rewarding if you’re heading there for a COVID-19 shot. Why, you ask? If you have any type of pre-existing health condition, you may be at higher risk of getting COVID-19 than someone else without them. Simple equation!
Therefore, it's important to consider getting vaccinated immediately if you are eligible. But one question could be on your mind: is it safe to give the COVID-19 vaccine to someone who is going for orthopedic surgery? Let’s deep dive together to answer this question, shall we?
It's generally safe for you to take the COVID-19 vaccine if you are considered eligible. However, if you are undergoing surgery, you should first consult a doctor before getting vaccinated. Chances are that the doctor will advise you not to take it before surgery.
This is because any side effect from the vaccine may impact the outcome of the surgery. For example, any common side effect such as fever or muscle ache may slow down the rehabilitation or prolong the duration of hospitalization. On the other hand, patients who have experienced physical trauma (fractures, broken or dislocated bones) due to a car accident, fall or sports injury, may be asked upon arrival at the Emergency department if they already have received the COVID-19 vaccination.
Those who have bone or blood-related diseases (bone cancer, osteoporosis, and leukemia) that are severe and can cause terminal illness should also seek consultation with a doctor before getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Better to be safe than sorry, people.
Yes, it is safe for someone who has been given pain management medicine such as steroids for joint pain or inflammation to get the COVID-19 vaccine2. Also, it’s recommended to consult with the clinician in charge for medical advice.
This piece of good news will make no one happier than the elderly. Why the elderly, you may ask? Well, for one, old age can put a person at a bigger risk of injury or developing orthopedic conditions 3. For example, arthritis, which requires medicine to manage the pain caused by swollen or tender joints. Ouch!
At the same time, old age can also lower immune system function (your body’s natural defenses) and increase the risk of infectious diseases like COVID-194. This is why it’s important for the elderly to prioritise getting vaccinated, as it can help to protect them against the harmful effects of COVID-194.
If you’re not sure about taking the COVID-19 vaccine while on steroid treatment, we encourage you to speak to our orthopedic specialists and come to a decision that works best for you.
Yes. But before you do, we recommend that you speak to any of our doctors. They’re best qualified to decide if you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, or if you’re at risk of having health problems due to vaccination. The doctor’s decision to not allow you to take the vaccine relies on things like a weakened immune system, a platelet count that is less than 50,000, and a history of experiencing a severe allergic reaction (also known as anaphylaxis) to venom, certain foods or medication5.
In parting, just remember, It takes a joint (pun intended) effort by everyone to achieve complete immunity within our communities. This starts with prioritising vaccination and other preventive measures such as regular handwashing, masking up in public places, and maintaining social distancing.
References1. Blouhos, K, et al. “Understanding Surgical
Risk During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Rationale Behind
the Decisions”. Frontiers in Surgery.
Accessed from
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2020.00033/full
2. Chakarvarty, K, et al. “Recommendations
and Guidance for Steroid Injection Therapy and
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration from the American
Society of Pain and Neuroscience (ASPN)”.
Dovepress (5 March 2021). Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (21 May 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.dovepress.com/recommendations-and-guidance-for-steroid-injection-therapy-and-covid-1-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JPR
3. Anderson, A. S, MD and Loeser, F. R, MD.
“Why is Osteoarthritis an Age-Related
Disease?”. US National Library of Medicine (24
February 2010).
Accessed from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2818253/
4. “Aging changes in immunity”.
MedlinePlus.
Accessed from
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004008.htm
5. “COVID-19 VACCINATION”. Ministry
of Health Singapore (n.d).
Accessed from
https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination
6. “Thrombocytopenia following Pfizer and
Moderna SARS-CoV-2 vaccination”. The National
Center for Biotechnology Information.
Accessed
from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8014568/
At the moment, frontrunners in the coronavirus vaccine race include Moderna, Pfizer BioNTech, Sinovac Biotech and Oxford AstraZeneca.
Types of vaccines | mRNA | Viral vector | Inactivated virus |
---|---|---|---|
Primary Content And How It Reacts
| mRNA sequence which enters the individual cell to produce the specific virus protein | Contains modified (vector) virus to transport the antigen genetic code. The human cell will produce the targeted protein | A virus that has been killed using high heat, chemical, or radiation |
Function
| Uses the mRNA molecule to stimulate immunity in order to recognize the targeted virus protein | A safe viral vector is used to deliver the genetic material of the targeted virus and stimulating the human immune response | A virus that has been killed and used to stimulate the human immune response |
Advantages
|
|
|
|
Challenges
|
|
|
|
Treatments
| None |
|
|
Vaccine Candidate
|
|
|
|
Source of information: AKADEMI SAINS MALAYSIA
The vaccines protect against symptomatic forms of COVID-19, but it is still unclear whether they will stop the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the cause of COVID-19. Therefore, you should still continue to take appropriate precautions in protecting yourself and others around you even after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.
Both the Moderna and Pfizer BioNTech’s vaccines use mRNA (messenger RNA) technology and it is interesting to note that the mRNA vaccines have never been approved for use in any disease. It has however received emergency use authorization from the FDA.
mRNA vaccines work by injecting pieces of the virus’ genetic code into the body to stimulate an immune system reaction which enables the body to defend itself against the coronavirus.
The mRNA in the body breaks down fully within 48 hours. As it doesn’t enter the human nucleus, it does not affect human DNA. Both Moderna and Pfizer’s mRNA vaccines require 2 doses for adequate protection, and the doses are administered between 3 and 4 weeks apart.
Oxford AstraZeneca and Sinovac Biotech’s vaccines employ a modified delivery virus (that usually causes symptoms such as the common cold) to introduce SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins to the immune system, which then mounts a defence against it. The delivery virus is attenuated or modified so the person won’t develop the common cold when administered with this vaccine.
The national COVID-19 immunisation programme by the Malaysian government is an important step to stop the pandemic. Benefits from the immunisation programme include;
- Preventing someone from COVID-19 infection or becoming seriously ill due to COVID-19.
- Curb the spread of COVID-19 to others.
- To achieve herd immunity where a significant amount of the population is protected through vaccination against the virus, making it difficult for the disease to spread.
- Infectious Disease Prevention and Control Act (Act 342)
Update: Recent announcement by the
Ministry of Health, Malaysia on 25 May 2021 indicated
that only the Pfizer vaccine is allowed for pregnant
women between week 14 and 33, or they should defer
vaccination till after their delivery. The AstraZeneca
and Sinovac vaccines are not recommended at the
moment. As for breastfeeding mothers, both the Pfizer
and AstraZeneca vaccines are suitable for them. For
Sinovac vaccine, it is currently not recommended for
pregnant women due to the limited clinical data.
Breastfeeding mothers who would like to opt for
Sinovac vaccine are required to consult their
specialists prior to vaccination.
Vaccine | Pregnant Mothers | Lactating Mothers |
---|---|---|
Pfizer
| Suitable for pregnant mothers between 14 – 33 weeks of pregnancy. Or delay until after delivery. | Suitable to be vaccinated. |
Astra Zeneca
| Not recommended at the moment. | Suitable to be vaccinated. |
Sinovac
| Not recommended at the moment. | Limited clinical data. Recommendation will be given after consultation. |
Source of information: Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia
Government bodies and health authorities around world
are encouraging eligible members of the general public
to get vaccinated. This is because as more people get
vaccinated it reduces the chances of transmission.
Which means it becomes more difficult for the virus to
spread, hence making it safer for the society if more
people get vaccinated.
But, what if you
are pregnant or breastfeeding? Is it (really) safe to
get vaccinated for COVID-19?
There is currently very little data available to
assess the safety of COVID -19 vaccines on pregnant
women and breastfeeding mothers because of the lack of
clinical testing during the development of the
COVID-19 vaccine. Having said that, based on the
safety and efficacy data of the current vaccines in
the market, the World Health Organization (WHO) states
they do not have any reason to believe there will be
specific risks that would outweigh the benefits of
vaccination for pregnant women. In fact, findings of a
few studies did not indicate any adverse effects on
fetal development.
Additionally, pregnant
women and breastfeeding mothers have also taken other
vaccines such as tetanus toxoid, influenza and
pertussis for example. However, If you are still
unsure, we highly recommend that you speak to your
OB-GYN to seek advice and discuss about your
eligibility for COVID -19 vaccination.
While there is currently very little data to suggest
the safety and efficacy of the COVID -19 vaccines on
pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers, there are
also no known risks of the COVID-19 vaccine to
breastfeeding mothers.
This is because the
vaccines currently available in the market are
non-replicating vaccines. Non-replicating vaccines can
create an immune response but do not reproduce inside
host cells – meaning that there is no possible
way by which the vaccine can pass to your baby through
breast milk.
- It is encouraged for pregnant woman and breastfeeding mother to consider getting vaccinated against COVID -19 especially if you are in the frontline e.g. a healthcare worker or have known medical conditions. However, the decision should be made as a mutual agreement between the mother and her consultant. She should get clearance from her consultant prior to considering getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
- Despite insufficient data on the potential effects of the Covid-19 vaccines in expecting and nursing mothers, the Health Ministry will allow them to be inoculated if the benefits outweigh the risks. However, the decision to either allow or advise these mothers against receiving their vaccine shots must come from a specialist after assessing their potential risk
One of the key considerations to note is that women who are pregnant and part of a group recommended to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, such as healthcare personnel, may choose to be vaccinated after thorough discussions with their doctor.
References
Source: Ministry of Health Malaysia (Updated February
2021) World Health Organization (WHO) (Updated
February 2021)
“Panduan Vaksinasi
Untuk Ibu Mengandung dan Ibu Menyusukan Bayi”.
Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia.
Accessed from
http://covid-19.moh.gov.my/vaksin-covid-19/panduan/panduan-vaksinasi-untuk-ibu-mengandung-dan-ibu-menyusukan-bayi
In short, yes. In fact, heart patients are highly
encouraged to take the COVID-19 vaccine as it can help
to protect them from contracting the virus.
Here’s why.
According to studies,
heart patients have a higher risk of developing health
complications from COVID-19 compared to those without
history of heart problems. That is why, heart patients
fall under a group of people who have been prioritized
to get the COVID-19 vaccine alongside other patients
with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension
and high cholesterol etc.
Therefore, if
you are an individual that have heart conditions, or
if your family member is a heart patient, you should
take or advice your family member to get vaccinated
against COVID-19 – by taking this action, not
only are you protecting yourself but you are also
protecting your loved ones from COVID-19.
However, it is understood that you may
have some concerns over the safety of the COVID-19
vaccine, especially since you or your loved ones have
pre-existing medical conditions. Would it worsen the
condition or will the side-effects be more severe?
The current mRNA COVID-19 vaccines available in the
market have been shown to be safe for use for heart
patients. This is because people with pre-existing
medical conditions such as diabetes, heart problems,
hypertension and high cholesterols were included in
the early clinical trials.Which means that the
vaccines have been tried and tested by people who have
the same medical conditions as you and they were found
to benefit from the vaccine.
When it comes
to side effects, most vaccine can have side effects.
It is important to note that both the mRNA vaccines
PfizerBioNTech and Moderna do carry the risk of some
common side effects such as pain, redness or swelling
in the shoulder muscle area where the injections were
administered, as well as fatigue, headaches, muscle
pain, chills, fever and nausea. These symptoms will
most likely resolve within one or two days. If the
symptoms persist, please consult a healthcare
professional for medical advice.
However,
if you history of allergic reaction to any component
(active ingredients or excipients or any material used
in process) of the vaccine or similar vaccines, it is
advisable for you not to get the vaccine – not
at least until more safety data become available.
Yes, you should. As advised by Ministry of Health,
everyone who is medically eligible should get
vaccinated. This is because as more people get
vaccinated, the slower the virus would spread, and as
a result our community will be safer.
However, if you are still concerned about
the safety of these vaccinations, we encouraged you to
seek consultation with your doctor. Click here to
speak with our doctors. Our doctors will be able to
assess your medical and allergy history to determine
your eligibility for COVID-19 vaccines.
However, if you still have concerns, you
may well get advice from your consultant.
References
1. “Should heart patients take the COVID-19
vaccine?”. Singapore Heart Foundation. Accessed
from
https://www.myheart.org.sg/press-and-media/heart-news/heart-patient-and-covid19-vaccine/
2. “The effects of virus variants on
COVID-19 vaccines”. World Health Organization (1
March 2021). Accessed from
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-effects-of-virus-variants-on-COVID-19-vaccines
3. Merschel, M. “What heart and
stroke patients should know about COVID-19
vaccines”. The American Heart Association.
Accessed from
https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/01/15/what-heart-and-stroke-patients-should-know-about-COVID-19-vaccines
4. “COVID-19 VACCINATION”.
Ministry of Health Singapore (n.d). Accessed from
https://www.moh.gov.sg/COVID-19/vaccination
None of us ever expected that our lives would change
indefinitely when the COVID-19 pandemic took over the
entire world by storm. We are now left to embrace the
‘new normal’ of living. Something that
still needs getting used to. Some light did come to
show early this year when some pharmaceutical
companies begun rolling out the much-awaited COVID-19
vaccine. Even so, they are increasing the production
of these vaccines as we progress daily.
This is a step in the right direction as
it prepares us to return to normal life by achieving
herd immunity – a term used to describe a huge
population that is immune to a virus. Through herd
immunity, the risk of large-scale outbreaks –
like we have seen over the past year – is
significantly reduced1. However, two important
questions remain – can you still get infected
with COVID-19 after taking the vaccine, and are you
eligible for the vaccine if you have previously tested
positive for the virus? Let’s find out together.
Let us first understand that the COVID-19 vaccines
that were developed have been found to be effective at
preventing a COVID-19 infection. However, there is
still a minor possibility that you can contract
COVID-19 despite being vaccinated. Rest assured, that
it is a very slim chance and with vaccination already
taking place at break speed, the risk of COVID-19
infections become even lower.
It’s
also important to be aware that the coronavirus
vaccine might not have enough time to provide complete
protection - not that it is ineffective against
COVID-19. This is why mRNA vaccinations need to be
given in two dosages and require approximately two
weeks to fully activate our immune system response.
So even if an individual has received the
vaccination, practicing cautions in social or physical
distancing as well as basic hygiene is crucial.
A person can take the vaccine until the person has
recovered from the acute illness (if the person had
symptoms) and they have met criteria to discontinue
isolation. Why? Getting vaccinated can offer a
stronger and reliable immune system response to a past
COVID-19 infection as compared to the natural immunity
developed by the body.
As a matter of fact,
those who have recovered from COVID-19 were found to
have antibodies that were up to 10 times higher than
vaccinated individuals who did not previously test
positive for COVID-19. But those with pre-existing
immunity experienced systemic side effects such as
fatigue, headache, chills, fever, and muscle or joint
pains with considerably higher frequency This is why
those who fall in this category are also encouraged to
sign-up for vaccination as soon as possible.
Hopefully it will. The most important thing is to do your duty as a good citizen by signing up for the vaccination. However, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 should not be considered a substitute for basic precautionary measures. We should always remember to do our part by practicing good hygiene habits like regular hand-washing, masking up when outdoors, and adhering to social distancing measures. By doing this, we are one step closer to beating the pandemic once and for all.
References
1. “Coronavirus disease (COVID-19):
Vaccines”. World Health Organization (28 October
2020).
Accessed from
https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirus-disease-(covid-19)-vaccines
2. “Information about the
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine”. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (4 March 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html
3. “Information about the Moderna
COVID-19 Vaccine”. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (4 March 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html
4. “Key Things to Know About
COVID-19 Vaccines”. Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (13 March 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/keythingstoknow.html
5. Wise, J. “Covid-19: People who
have had infection might only need one dose of mRNA
vaccine”. thebmj (2 February 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.bmj.com/content/372/bmj.n308
Studies have shown that it is natural for any type of
virus to evolve into newer variants. It simply means
that viruses can mutate after some time. This
doesn’t mean that they are a new form of a
virus, but rather a different kind of the same virus.
Best way to describe this is is to think
of them as being part of the same family. Now, these
new strains may cause some changes that are a little
different from how we understand the original virus to
be. While many would panic especially when we keep
hearing about the COVID-19 new variants, its best we
first understand how this mutation works.
It’s true, new strains can either
increase or decrease the risk of a virus being
contagious. These strains may also affect the severity
or level of an infection. So, in the case of COVID-19,
how exactly do new strains affect the level of
symptoms? Does it impact the effectiveness of the
different vaccines that are already available?
Let’s take a closer look at how these happens.
Before we dive in a little deeper, it’s
important to note that virus strains exist because of
differences in geographic location. What does that
mean, you ask? It means that different countries or
regions may have the same primary virus, but new and
different virus strains may appear in these places
simply because of geographical reasons Let’s
look at the virus strain that was originally detected
in the UK for example. This virus strain, also known
as B117, was found to increase the risk of being
contagious by up to 50% compared to the original
COVID-19 virus. Whoa!
The South African
strain - B1351 - on the other hand, was found to be
50% more contagious than the original COVID-19 virus3.
Similarly, the P1 virus strain that was first detected
in Brazil was found to be up to 2.2 times more
contagious than the B117 variant. Pretty intense we
would say, but does a higher risk of being contagious
mean that there are more severe COVID-19 symptoms?
Meanwhile, B117 (UK) and B1351 (South
Africa) have not been found to affect the level of
COVID-19 symptoms experienced. However, more data is
required to understand the level of COVID-19 symptoms
experienced by those infected with the P1 (Brazil)
strain.
More recently is the strain
discovered out of India (B.1.617) which has caused
global record numbers in daily infections within the
country over the past weeks. It’s still too
early to say if this strain is the cause of rapid
spread in India, but experts are treating it as such.
It’s also being called a “super
mutation” that will make its way around to the
rest of the world. Oh no! This strain has already been
detected in countries like Germany, Belgium and even
in the U.K.
This is why it’s
important to continue practicing basic precautionary
measures and get vaccinated as soon as possible.
Through this, you are doing your civic duty as a
responsible citizen to prevent further widespread of
these new strains.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO),
there is no reason to believe that these COVID-19
virus strains can cause any vaccine to be ineffective
We can totally breathe easy now! This is because
COVID-19 vaccinations give our bodies some sort of
protection by working with our immune system, which is
the body’s natural defense against viral
infections. Through this, our bodies’ natural
defenses cover a wide range of COVID-19 infections,
even the new variants.
On a brighter note,
it’s also possible to make changes to existing
vaccines so that they offer better protection against
different COVID-19 virus strains1. This will be
especially important if data ever shows that these new
strains cause the COVID-19 vaccines to be not
effective, however there is no such news yet. We know,
what a relief!
Ultimately, it’s important for you to get vaccinated as soon as possible to prevent a COVID-19 infection. And by keeping the spread of the primary virus low, you help to reduce the risk of creating new virus strains in your country or region. Pretty simple, no? At the same time, it’s recommended that you carry on practicing basic measures such as regular hand-washing, masking up, and maintaining social distancing in public areas. By doing this, you can help to reduce the contagiousness of the main COVID-19 virus, whilst reducing the risk of COVID-19 virus strains altogether1. You’ve got this, people!
References
1. “The effects of virus variants on COVID-19
vaccines”. World Health Organization (01 March
2021).
Accessed from
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/the-effects-of-virus-variants-on-covid-19-vaccines
2. “Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
Overview and Safety”. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (21 May 2021).
Accessed
from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html
3. CJuan C. Salazar, MD, MPH,
FAAP.“What Are the New COVID-19 Strains, and Do
They Infect Kids More Easily?”. (01 February
2021).
Accessed from
https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/coronavirus/what-is-the-new-b117-strain-of-covid-19-and-does-it-more-easily-infect-kids/
4. Simon Clarke.“Brazil coronavirus
variant: what is it and why is it a concern? An expert
explains”. (03 March 2021).
Accessed from
https://theconversation.com/brazil-coronavirus-variant-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-a-concern-an-expert-explains-156234
5. “New COVID variant with 5
mutations identified in California”. Center for
Infectious Disease Research and Policy (12 February
2021).
Accessed from
https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2021/02/new-covid-variant-5-mutations-identified-california
6. David Kennedy.“What you need to
know about the new COVID-19 variants”. (16
January 2021).
Accessed from
https://theconversation.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-covid-19-variants-153366
7. “SARS-CoV-2 Variant
Classifications and Definitions”. Center for
Infectious Disease Research and Policy (25 May 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/variant-surveillance/variant-info.html
8. Gayathri Vaidyanathan.
“Coronavirus variants are spreading in India
— what scientists know so far”. (11 May
2021).
Accessed from
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-01274-7
A visit to the doctor’s for orthopedic problems (joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves) during a pandemic can be an uneasy experience. But it sure can be rewarding if you’re heading there for a COVID-19 shot. Why, you ask? If you have any type of pre-existing health condition, you may be at higher risk of getting COVID-19 than someone else without them. Simple equation!
Therefore, it's important to consider getting vaccinated immediately if you are eligible. But one question could be on your mind: is it safe to give the COVID-19 vaccine to someone who is going for orthopedic surgery? Let’s deep dive together to answer this question, shall we?
It's generally safe for you to take the COVID-19 vaccine if you are considered eligible. However, if you are undergoing surgery, you should first consult a doctor before getting vaccinated. Chances are that the doctor will advise you not to take it before surgery.
This is because any side effect from the vaccine may impact the outcome of the surgery. For example, any common side effect such as fever or muscle ache may slow down the rehabilitation or prolong the duration of hospitalization. On the other hand, patients who have experienced physical trauma (fractures, broken or dislocated bones) due to a car accident, fall or sports injury, may be asked upon arrival at the Emergency department if they already have received the COVID-19 vaccination.
Those who have bone or blood-related diseases (bone cancer, osteoporosis, and leukemia) that are severe and can cause terminal illness should also seek consultation with a doctor before getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Better to be safe than sorry, people.
Yes, it is safe for someone who has been given pain management medicine such as steroids for joint pain or inflammation to get the COVID-19 vaccine2. Also, it’s recommended to consult with the clinician in charge for medical advice.
This piece of good news will make no one happier than the elderly. Why the elderly, you may ask? Well, for one, old age can put a person at a bigger risk of injury or developing orthopedic conditions3. For example, arthritis, which requires medicine to manage the pain caused by swollen or tender joints. Ouch!
At the same time, old age can also lower immune system function (your body’s natural defenses) and increase the risk of infectious diseases like COVID-194. This is why it’s important for the elderly to prioritise getting vaccinated, as it can help to protect them against the harmful effects of COVID-19 4.
If you’re not sure about taking the COVID-19 vaccine while on steroid treatment, we encourage you to speak to our orthopedic specialists and come to a decision that works best for you.
Yes. But before you do, we recommend that you speak to any of our doctors. They’re best qualified to decide if you are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine, or if you’re at risk of having health problems due to vaccination. The doctor’s decision to not allow you to take the vaccine relies on things like a weakened immune system, a platelet count that is less than 50,000, and a history of experiencing a severe allergic reaction (also known as anaphylaxis) to venom, certain foods or medication5.
In parting, just remember, It takes a joint (pun intended) effort by everyone to achieve complete immunity within our communities. This starts with prioritising vaccination and other preventive measures such as regular handwashing, masking up in public places, and maintaining social distancing.
References1. Blouhos, K, et al. “Understanding Surgical
Risk During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Rationale Behind
the Decisions”. Frontiers in Surgery.
Accessed from
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsurg.2020.00033/full
2. Chakarvarty, K, et al.
“Recommendations and Guidance for Steroid
Injection Therapy and COVID-19 Vaccine
Administration from the American Society of Pain and
Neuroscience (ASPN)”. Dovepress (5 March
2021). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(21 May 2021).
Accessed from
https://www.dovepress.com/recommendations-and-guidance-for-steroid-injection-therapy-and-covid-1-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-JPR
3. Anderson, A. S, MD and Loeser, F. R, MD.
“Why is Osteoarthritis an Age-Related
Disease?”. US National Library of Medicine (24
February 2010).
Accessed from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2818253/
4. “Aging changes in immunity”.
MedlinePlus.
Accessed from
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/004008.htm
5. “COVID-19 VACCINATION”.
Ministry of Health Singapore (n.d).
Accessed
from
https://www.moh.gov.sg/covid-19/vaccination
6. “Thrombocytopenia following Pfizer
and Moderna SARS-CoV-2 vaccination”. The
National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Accessed from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8014568/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on COVID-19 Vaccines
Covid-19 Vaccine General Information
References
Ministry of Health Malaysia
Academy of Science Malaysia
Last updated on February 2021
For the latest
information about COVID-19 Vaccines, please visit
Ministry of Health Malaysia.