May 6, 2021
Q: It seems that there are three different COVID vaccines. What is the difference between all of them? Between all three, which has more protection against COVID?
Chrissy Miller, Employee Health Manager, Maui Health: Currently, three drug companies have received emergency use authorization from the FDA for vaccines against COVID-19. These companies are Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson.
The most important thing to know is that all three vaccines are safe and highly effective. The FDA did not skip any steps or safety protocols during the approval process. They all went through extensive testing before they were approved and have now been injected into millions of people worldwide with no safety problems.
Q: When will children and teenagers be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Michael Shea, MD, Intensivist and Chief Medical Director, Maui Health: Currently, none of the approved COVID-19 vaccines are applicable for young children/teenagers. This is because the vaccines still need to be tested in younger children as their immune systems are different than adults, so it’s not safe to assume the vaccine would be ideal for children. There are vaccine trials currently underway with children as young as 12, with results expected later this year and a new, pediatric vaccine available for our younger population.
However, the vaccines that are currently available can be used on older kids – 16 years of age and up. The Pfizer vaccine is approved for teens ages 16 and older, while the Moderna vaccine is approved for young adults ages 18 and older. At Maui Health’s vaccine clinics, we are administering the Pfizer vaccine, and any Hawaii resident age 16 and older can get vaccinated. Remem
Q: Can I visit my grandchildren after I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Michael Shea, MD, Intensivist and Chief Medical Director, Maui Health: We know that everyone is eager to get back to normal, and especially after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Many kupuna were the first to be vaccinated and now families are wondering if it’s safe to gather again or give grandma a hug. There are some things to consider before jumping back into normal family life again.
First, the COVID-19 vaccines are very safe and more than 90 percent effective at preventing COVID-19. But they’re not 100 percent effective, which means some people will still get sick, even after getting the vaccine. The good news is, if someone does become ill with COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine, the effects should be less severe, as the vaccine does provide protection against critical symptoms of COVID.
Q: Is it safe for pregnant women to get vaccinated for COVID-19? What if you’re breastfeeding?
Dr. Jennifer Mathieu, OB/GYN, Maui Lani Physicians & Surgeons: The World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention both say that pregnant women may be vaccinated for COVID-19. They also say it is safe for breastfeeding mothers to get the COVID-19 vaccine and continue to breastfeed after being vaccinated.
It’s important to know that while large studies have found no safety problems with the vaccines currently available, neither was tested in pregnant women. However, the type of vaccine being used against COVID-19 is generally known to be safe, and animal studies found no harmful effects on pregnancy.
Q: How can I get sober during the pandemic? Michael Shea, MD, Intensivist & Chief Medical Director, Maui Health: There’s no question that the COVID-19 pande