COVID-19 Vaccine

COVID-19 End of 2020 

The year 2020 has presented incredible challenges and hardships. As the year 2020 comes to a close, we look forward to a new year where hope, kindness, and compassion prevails. We want to give our warmest wishes to each and every patient and we sincerely hope that 2021 brings good health.


You may have heard or seen in the news that COVID vaccines are now beginning to roll out across the country in several phases. Vaccines are a critical tool to fighting deadly infectious diseases. Despite this promising news, it is important that everyone continues to follow safety precautions, including wearing a mask, maintaining appropriate physical distance, practicing proper handwashing and hygiene, and cleaning of high-touch surfaces.

“The vaccine is a real game-changer,” says Dr. Cameron Wolfe, an infectious disease expert at Duke Health. Along with other experts throughout the country, they note that the vaccine has an “outstanding safety” and an “extraordinary efficacy” record. When the vaccine becomes available to you, we strongly encourage you to receive it. At this time, logistical details are still being worked out. However, we will share as much information as we can, as quickly as we can.

There are currently two vaccines approved by the FDA: one is produced by Pfizer and the other is produced by Moderna. The data shows that both options are equally effective and safe for most adults. However, if you have an autoimmune disease, are immune-suppressed due to another condition, or have severe and life-threatening allergic responses, please speak to Dr. Nawab to see if the risks of the vaccine outweigh the benefits. For most adults, getting the vaccine when available will greatly enhance our ability to control the pandemic and eventually return to a normal baseline.


Most importantly, it is critical to remember that the vaccine is just one part of the measures to stop COVID. Dr. Rochelle Walensky, chief of infectious diseases at MGH reminds us that “If I have a cup of water, I can put out a stove fire. But I can’t put out a forest fire, even if that water is 100% potent.” While waiting and even after being vaccinated, make sure to follow the same safety precautions, including wearing a mask and maintaining physical distance.

Sincerely,
Dr. Nawab
The Boroughs Medical and Wellness Center