Columbia Memorial | Health Compass | Winter 2021

By Chris Laman, Director of Pharmacy and Cancer Center Many aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic are unprecedented. One of those is the ongoing effort to quickly develop safe and effective vaccines against the virus that causes COVID-19. Here are answers to a few questions you may have about these vaccines. Q How many vaccines are in development? A Two vaccines have already been authorized for use in the U.S. (Pfizer- BioNTech and Moderna), and multiple others are being studied. Several have already completed phase 3 clinical trials, and others are in progress. Phase 3 clinical trials involve tens of thousands of people. They’re typically the final stage of the vaccine trial process. Q Why are so many vaccines being developed at once? A The vaccines work in different ways. Some are based on using inactive Common questions about the COVID-19 vaccines viruses to stimulate immunity. (This is the same method used for the flu shot and many other vaccines.) Others are based on newer methods using the virus’s genetic material — either on its own or inserted into another harmless virus. Exploring different approaches gives a better chance of finding a safe and effective vaccine. Q When will vaccines be ready? A The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued the first emergency use authorization for a vaccine in December, and some doses started shipping out almost immediately. It could take six months or more for a vaccine to be distributed to everyone who needs it. Q Who will get vaccinated first? A CMH is working closely with Providence Seaside and the Clatsop County Health Department to roll out vaccines to the community according to Oregon state guidelines. Receiving the vaccine first are health care workers, first responders and residents/staff of long-term care facilities. You can read the state of Oregon’s vaccination plan at covidvaccine.oregon.gov . As more doses become available, we will move into subsequent phases that include older adults, educators, essential workers and people at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions. At this time, it will likely be several months before the vaccine becomes available to the general public. If you have Feeling confused or concerned? Here are some answers 4 HEALTH COMPASS WINTER 2021