Author: Rebecca Rong

It has been a year since Seattle got its first cases of COVID-19, when much of our daily lives started shutting down. Schools were closed, hospitals were overwhelmed, and small businesses struggled. More unfortunately, people lost jobs and loved ones to the virus. The last year was uncertain for everyone: panic, emotional distress, loss of social interactions, and inconvenience for those who have neurological disorders or compromised immunity. 

The vaccine distribution started a few months ago, and by now, a lot of people around me have gotten it. So far, 18.5% of Washington’s population has received at least one dose according to NPR. The increasing availability of COVID-19 vaccines made me wonder: what is it exactly? For the purpose of this post, I will be focusing on the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines. 

The COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) is an mRNA vaccine. The mRNA vaccine does not inject any part of the virus inside our cells; instead, it teaches our cells to make protein that eventually triggers our immune systems to make antibodies against the COVID-19 virus. In short, the mRNA vaccine teaches your body how to protect itself against the virus, without actually giving you the virus. 

Since the mRNA vaccines being distributed in the U.S. don’t contain parts of the virus, there aren’t any risks to people with neurological disorders or chronic underlying conditions according to Heart.org and the Brain Tumor Charity. Joseph R. Berger, a professor of neurology at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania also indicated that there isn't evidence that the vaccines will be contraindicated in patients with neurological disorders. 

However, if you have neurological disorders or any other conditions, it’s still important to check with your doctor to find the best solution for your situation before getting vaccinated. 

The CDC reported side effects like muscle pain, fevers, chills, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. During this time, it’s important to take care of yourself. The CDC recommends applying a cold compress if there is swelling or pain in the arm muscle. In addition, stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. It’s also crucial to monitor your symptoms for a few days after receiving the vaccine: seek help and call a doctor if your side effects are getting worse or not improving over a prolonged period. 

What happens after you get vaccinated? Continue wearing masks and social distancing. While people who are vaccinated are immune to COVID-19 (excluding possibilities of new, more infectious strains), they can still spread the virus, which may still be dangerous for those who haven’t been vaccinated or can’t get vaccinated due to allergies to the vaccine ingredients. In the meantime, Plus One Foundation is offering great events for anyone with neurological disorders that are either virtual or masked & socially distanced, so you can still get support while you continue to quarantine. 

Sources:

• https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/01/28/960901166/how-is-the-covid-19-vaccination-campaign-going-in-your-state

• https://journals.lww.com/neurotodayonline/blog/breakingnews/pages/post.aspx?PostID=1062#:~:text=Vaccines%20Are%20Safe%20and%20Effective&text=The%20first%20and%20most%20important,neurology%20patients%20across%20the%20spectrum.

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect/after.html

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html

• https://www.heart.org/en/news/2021/01/15/what-heart-and-stroke-patients-should-know-about-covid-19-vaccines

• https://www.thebraintumourcharity.org/living-with-a-brain-tumour/get-support/coronavirus-and-brain-tumours/covid-19-vaccinations-and-brain-tumours/

• https://khn.org/news/article/5-reasons-to-wear-a-mask-even-after-youre-vaccinated/