This COVID vaccine update for today: 12/18/20 is as follows:

The FDA has recently taken additional action to combat the COVID-19 pandemic by issuing emergency use for a second vaccination.

This authorization will approve the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for nationwide distribution around the U.S. for patients ages 18+.

Two Vaccines

The speedy approval by the FDA to bring two vaccinations to the public offers a sign of hope as the coronavirus pandemic continues to infect millions around the country and world.

The Moderna Vaccine

The FDA approval of the Moderna vaccine found that the potential benefits of the vaccine significantly outweigh any known or potential risks.

The public can rest assured that this decision was made through a thoughtful examination of the vaccine data available.

The vaccine was determined to be a safe and effective product for U.S. distribution.

The Science

The science behind the Moderna COVID-19 vaccination contains messenger RNA (mRNA) which is genetic material.

This genetic material contains a small dose of the coronavirus which signals your body to “spike” protein.

Once an individual receives the vaccine, their body mimics these protein spikes to trigger an immune response against SARS-CoV-2.

Dosing Moderna’s Vaccine

Moderna’s COVID-19 Vaccine is administered through two doses.

The second dose is administered one month after the initial injection.

The Side Effects

Common side effects include the following:

• Pain at the injection site

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Muscle pain

• Chills

• Joint pain

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fever 

Side effects were found to be more common after the second dose of the vaccine than experienced in the initial injection.

COVID Vaccine Update Today

As your neighborhood health provider, we are dedicated to keeping our patients up to date on all of the recent news surrounding COVID-19.

To learn more about the services we offer at Bowie Internal Medicine, visit our website today. 

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a member of our team, please contact us at (301) 262 – 8188.