The COVID Vaccine: What Nurses Need to Know

• The vaccine to protect against Coronavirus is questionably the best hope for ending this worldwide pandemic.
• Understanding the mRNA COVID vaccine is instrumental in the reduction of the spread of COVID-19.
• Experts predict that the probability of long-term effects is minimal and that the risks of the COVID-19 virus outweigh the known and unknown risks of the COVID vaccine.

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is a novel virus that has wreaked havoc on the world, with nurses experiencing the brunt of the effects. The vaccine to protect against Coronavirus is questionably the best hope for ending this worldwide pandemic. There are many feelings and uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine including fear of the unknown and excitement for returning to “normal”.

As nurses at the forefront of this pandemic, we are among the first people who will be receiving the vaccine. We at Nursing CE Central know it is imperative for nurses to fully understand the newly developed vaccine for COVID-19 including how it works to create immunity and the potential short–term and long–term effects and benefits. This is important, not only to provide education to our patients and the general population, but to be advocates in decreasing the spread of this dangerous virus.

Quick Facts About the mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine

• It is an unapproved vaccine recommended in people 16 years or older that may prevent contraction of COVID–19. It was released by the FDA under an “Emergency Use Authorization.” There is currently no FDA approved vaccine to protect against COVID-19.
• It is a 2-dose vaccine; each dose is given 21 days apart.
• You are not considered fully protected until 1-2 weeks after receiving the 2nd dose.
• The Data Monitoring Committee has identified there to be no safety concerns during the duration of the clinical trial (1).

How the mRNA COVID-19 Vaccine Works

This mRNA vaccine is a new type of vaccine, but it is not unknown to the scientific community. The goal of this vaccine is to reduce serious disease and to decrease the spread of the virus.

How most vaccines work: Most vaccines used weakened or inactivated versions of the disease-causing pathogen to stimulate the body’s immune response to create antibodies for that pathogen.

How mRNA works: The mRNA gives instructions to the cell on how to make a small piece of the “Spike Protein” that is unique to SARS-CoV2. The antibodies, then produced, are specific to SARS–CoV2, priming your immune system to defend against the virus in the event of future exposure (2).

Translation: So, rather than having the viral protein directly injected into your body, as with most other vaccines, an mRNA vaccine consists of mRNA (the instructions), injected into the body, to tell the body how to make the viral protein on its own. With both cases, the body then creates an antibody for the viral protein, resulting in stronger immunity against the virus.

mRNA does not contain a live virus and does not carry a risk of causing disease in a vaccinated person (2).

Short-term vs. Long-term Effects

Just as important as understanding the mechanism, is understanding the potential side-effects associated with the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccine has common, documented short-term side effects based on the results of clinical trials; they include the following (1):

• Pain at injection site
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Chills
• Joint pain
• Fever

Equally important to consider, are the potential long-term effects that the vaccine may cause. Experts predict that the probability of long-term effects is minimal and that the risks of the COVID-19 virus outweigh the known and unknown risks of the COVID vaccine. According to an FDA briefing, “The risk of vaccine-enhanced disease over time remains unknown and still needs to be evaluated further in ongoing clinical trials (3).

What are the Benefits of the COVID-19 Vaccine?

• The data collected in clinical trials shows that the vaccine is 95% effective in protecting against COVID-19 starting 7 days after the 2nd dose.
• Getting vaccinated may also protect the people around you, particularly those at high risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
• The vaccine will help to protect you by creating an antibody response without having to experience the full illness of COVID-19 (1).
• The economic and overall burden on society would be dramatically reduced with effective vaccination at a population level.

Questions about the COVID-19 Vaccine

If I had COVID-19 or took a test that showed that I have the antibodies, should I get the vaccine?

Yes. Even if you have had COVID-19 and/or have the antibody, it is safe to get the vaccine and this can add additional protection without further harm.

What happens if I only get one of the two doses?

The data shows that you would only be partially protected from the virus after one dose. It is strongly recommended that you receive both doses of the vaccine.

If I have received both doses of the vaccine and it is two weeks after my second dose, do I still have to wear a mask?

Yes. Even though you have received your vaccine, most of those around you have not. Wearing a mask, social distancing, and proper hand hygiene protect those who have not been vaccinated.

Can I get an antibody treatment instead of the COVID-19 vaccine?

No. The antibody treatment would only provide short-term protection and is currently only approved by the FDA as a treatment for those currently infected with the virus. The vaccine provides a longer lasting immune response.

Will I test positive for COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine?

No. The test for COVID-19 determines if you have a current infection. Because the vaccine does not contain the live virus and cannot cause a COVID-19 infection, you will not test positive as a result of the vaccine. However, you will likely test positive for antibodies, which means that the vaccine has successfully produced an immune response.

Questions that Remain Unanswered at this Time

1. What is the safety and efficacy of the vaccine for pregnant women, children, and immunocompromised patients?
2. How long will your strengthened immunity last?
3. Does the vaccine prevent infection or just prevent the development of symptoms?
4. What are the long-term effects on the body?

Understanding the mRNA COVID vaccine is instrumental in the reduction of the spread of COVID-19. The potential for risk versus the potential benefit should be the basis for decision–making on receiving and promoting this vaccine. As nurses, being knowledgeable about the vaccine will allow you and your patients to make informed decisions. This vaccine will have a monumental impact on the trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is our responsibility as nurses to be fully committed to understanding the vaccine in order to educate and meet the needs of our patients.

References

1. Fact Sheet for Recipients and Caregivers. Food and Drug Administration.
2. Understanding How Covid-19 Vaccines Work. Centers for Disease Control.
3. Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee Meeting, December 10th, 2020 – FDA Briefing Document. Pfizer – BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

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