With COVID-19 vaccines being distributed all over the world, there are many questions regarding the vaccine’s safety, effectiveness, etc. To help shed some further light on the subject, local residents, Jackie Johnston, PharmD, BCPS, a Clinical Pharmacist, and Clinical Professor and Caitlin Kulig, a Cardiology Clinical Pharmacist and Clinical Assistant Professor put together a document which they believe will answer some of the most common questions that they receive as clinicians regarding the COVID-19 vaccines — as well as some of their own experiences with the vaccine. They have also included their personal experiences with the vaccines, including side effects over 0-72 hours with both the first and second doses. Here’s everything you need to know about the COVID-19 vaccine:
About the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines: both mRNA vaccines.
Before we discuss the vaccines, let us take a step back. Our body creates thousands of different proteins, each with a specific mission and function. Messenger RNA, also known as mRNA, acts as an intermediary between DNA and protein. Think about the whole thing as a 3-step process: DNA -> mRNA -> protein. For our body to synthesize proteins, our body “translates” our DNA to mRNA which then can be translated into proteins.
Our body does this because DNA cannot leave a part of the cell known as the nucleus. Therefore, to get to the cytoplasm where this protein synthesis occurs, we need mRNA. Just like our bodies, viruses such as the COVID-19 also are composed of proteins. A protein present on the surface of the COVID-19 is known as a “spike protein”. The spike protein for COVID-19 is specific to the virus with the primary function being to allow COVID-19 to enter our healthy human cells to hijack our cell’s machinery to replicate.
These mRNA vaccines, therefore, contain the mRNA sequence of the COVID-19 spike protein. Please note, the content of spike protein included in the vaccine is not virulent – meaning it cannot cause infection. Your body processes this mRNA sequence and manufacturers a portion of the spike protein. Once your body produces the spike protein, it wants to show it off. Your body’s immune system recognizes this spike protein as being “foreign” and creates antibodies.
Think of these antibodies as guards. Your body will create these antibodies and commit them to memory. By creating these antibodies, your body is well equipped for future encounters with COVID-19. If you then encounter the real COVID-19, your body will recognize that spike protein and attack the virus. It is also important to note that the vaccine cannot change your DNA. This is because, as mentioned above, mRNA cannot enter the nucleus of the cell where your genetic material {DNA} is stored.
After getting the vaccine, individuals may experience some side effects. The side effects represent your body’s immune system working hard to create this antibody defense. Think about it this way – imagine you are shown a photograph of something dangerous. The photograph itself cannot cause you harm, but instead, it allows you to prepare your defense in case you even encounter the danger seen in the photograph. The photograph in this scenario is the vaccine, and the dangerous thing is the actual coronavirus.
Q: Are there any big differences between currently available vaccines {Pfizer or Moderna} in terms of efficacy?
Johnston + Kulig No, both vaccines have shown impressive data with regards to efficacy. The Pfizer vaccine demonstrated 95% efficacy and Moderna reported 94.1% efficacy. No cases of severe COVID-19 infection occurred in those who received the Moderna vaccine in clinical trials. One case of severe COVID-19 infection occurred in one out of 18,198 patients who received the Pfizer vaccine in clinical trials.
Q: Does the vaccine mean I do not need to wear a mask anymore?
J + K: Unfortunately, although you have received the vaccine you will still need to wear a mask. Although the vaccine may decrease COVID-19 transmission, especially asymptomatic transmission, we do not know how well it does this. The studies that evaluated the safety and efficacy of the vaccines did not specifically investigate reductions in transmission.
Q: Should you get vaccinated if you already had COVID-19?
J + K: Yes! The CDC currently recommends that those who had previous COVID-19 infection and have recovered should get the vaccine. Although those who have had COVID-19 developed a “natural immunity”, the degree and duration of immunity vary from person to person. Due to the possibility of re-infected, vaccination is recommended.
The only caveat to consider is if an individual received convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibodies as part of their COVID-19 treatment. If those therapies were received, it is recommended to wait 90 days (={about 3 months} before the first dose of the vaccine.
Q: How many doses of the vaccine will I need?
J + K: Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses: the Pfizer vaccine requiring three weeks and the Moderna vaccine requiring four weeks between doses.
Q: What side effects should a person expect?
K + F: The most reported side effects include percentages from Moderna study:
- Headache {63%}
- Fatigue {69%}
- Fever {15%}
- Chills {44%}
- Nausea/vomiting {20%}
- Injection site pain {92%}
- Joint pain {45%}
- Muscle pain {60%}
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Anaphylaxis
Early safety data has reported 21 cases of anaphylaxis to the Pfizer vaccine. Most anaphylaxis cases had symptom onset within 30 minutes of vaccination, and most persons with anaphylaxis had a history of allergies or allergic reactions, including some with previous anaphylaxis.
Questions you may be asking yourself:
Q: Will I have side effects with both doses?
J + K: While some individuals may experience no side effects, others may experience with one or both doses. More people have reported side effects to the second dose compared to the first dose.
Q: Is it true that the vaccine can cause Bell’s Palsy?
J + K: Cases of Bell’s palsy have been reported in participants in clinical trials. A total of 3 of 30,000 participants in the Moderna clinical trial and 4]four out of the 43,000 participants in the Pfizer clinical trial developed Bells’ Palsy. However, the Food and Drug Administration {FDA} does not consider these to be above the rate expected in the general population. They have not concluded these cases were caused by vaccination. Additionally, persons who have previously had Bell’s Palsy may still receive the vaccine.
Q: If I have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, can I still get the vaccine?
J + K: Yes, a history of GBS does not preclude you from receiving the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. To date, there have been no cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome have been reported among participants in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials.
Q: What is the timeline of side effects?
J + K: Between both the Pfizer and Moderna studies, most patients reported symptom onset between day 0 {day of vaccination} and day 2 following vaccination. Of those who develop symptoms, the duration of symptoms may vary between individuals. Symptoms may persist for 1-3 days after vaccination, with longer durations reported following the second vaccine dose. It is important to note that symptoms may persist up to 7 days, or longer, in some individuals.
Side effect reporting
J + K: All individuals who receive the COVID-19 vaccination should register with V-safe. V-safe is a smartphone-based tool, using text messaging and web surveys, to complete health check-ins after you receive the vaccine. V-safe allows an individual to report any side effects to the vaccine to the CDC. You may be contacted by the CDC for more information on your side effects. Additionally, V-safe will remind you to get your second dose when appropriate.
Our personal experiences with the vaccine:
Jackie Johnston, PharmD, BCPS – Critical Care Clinical Pharmacist and Clinical Assistant Professor
- Vaccine: Pfizer
- COVID-19 status: no history of COVID-19
- Dose 1:
-
- Pain with vaccine administration: none
- Vaccine day: mild arm soreness/injection site pain
- Post-Vaccine day 1:
- Mild headache
- Arm muscle pain/soreness
- Post-Vaccine day 2: no symptoms
-
- Dose 2:
-
- Pain with vaccine administration: none
- Vaccine day: mild arm soreness/injection site pain
- Post-Vaccine day 1:
- Arm muscle pain/soreness
- Mild fatigue
- Post-Vaccine day 2: no symptoms
-
Would I get the vaccine again?
100% Yes! My vaccine symptoms were mild and responded well to common therapies {I.e. Advil or Tylenol for the headache}. By getting the vaccine, I am protecting myself and others from COVID-19.
Caitlin Kulig, PharmD – Cardiology Clinical Pharmacist and Clinical Assistant Professor
- Vaccine: Pfizer
- COVID status: a history of COVID-19 {2 months prior}
- Dose 1:
- Pain with vaccine administration: none
- Vaccine day: mild arm soreness/injection site pain
- Post-Vaccine day 1:
- Flu-like symptoms: mild fever {100.4F}, generalized fatigue, and chills
- Arm muscle pain/soreness
- Post-Vaccine day 2: no symptoms
- Dose 2:
-
-
- Pain with vaccine administration: none
- Vaccine day: mild arm soreness/injection site pain
- Post-Vaccine day 1:
- Arm muscle pain/soreness
- Mild fatigue
- Post-Vaccine day 2: no symptoms
-
-
Would I get the vaccine again?
In a heartbeat. I would recommend trying to get the vaccine on the day before you are off from work, if possible. While I did have some symptoms after the vaccine, it did not compare to how I felt when I had COVID-19. My COVID-19 infection left me in bed for weeks and unable to exercise for over 2 months without experiencing shortness of breath. By getting the vaccine I am also protecting myself, my loved ones, and others that I will not even meet.
Maria Fernandez, AGNP-C, MSN, CCRN
- Vaccine: Pfizer
- COVID status: no history of COVID-19
- Dose 1:
-
- Arm muscle pain/soreness
-
- Dose 2:
-
- Arm muscle pain/soreness
- Moderate headache
- Severe fatigue
-
Would I get the vaccine again?
Without hesitation! As an intensive care unit nurse, I have seen firsthand the devastation from COVID-19. I have seen too many people die from the virus; both young and old. Imagine having to use your cellphone to Facetime family members so they can say goodbye. We were not ready for something like COVID-19. It exposed the vulnerability and lack of resources in health care, including trained health care professionals. As a caregiver, COVID-19 has been heartbreaking. I want to be there to protect my loved ones, my patients, and my community.
For more FAQ regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine, please see here.
Hoboken + Jersey City Businesses Hosting Los Angeles Fire Relief Efforts
Since January 7th, wildfires have burned across Los Angeles, destroying residential property and county structures, and affecting the lives of thousands. Cities from the West Coast to the East Coast have pitched in to aid where they can, including Hoboken and Jersey City. From donation drives to fundraisers, Hudson County stepped up, and there are multiple businesses and organizations in the area that continue to accept donations. Read on for where to donate in Hoboken + Jersey City to help those affected by the wildfires in Los Angeles, California.
Local Spots Accepting Donations
Another Man's Treasure | 195 Montgomery Street, Jersey City
Another Man’s Treasure has locations in Jersey City and Los Angeles. This vintage spot shared via Instagram that it is donating a portion of its proceeds from its JC location toward relief efforts in Los Angeles and Pasadena. In addition to operating as a donation drop-off center, a portion of AMT's LA location is functioning as a "free shop," where those affected by the fires can take what they need at no cost.
Read More: Who’s Running for Hoboken Mayor in 2025?
Completely Booked | Based in Hoboken
Completely Booked, a book club run by Jordan Hernandez (an HG writer!), will host a book swap on January 30th from 7PM to 9PM at Mojo Coffee's Bloomfield Street location. A ticket to this event costs $15 and includes an entry to the swap, a hot drink bar provided by Mojo Coffee, desserts from Double Dough, and a donation to World Central Kitchen, an organization providing meals to first responders and families affected by the LA fires. See this link to purchase a ticket.
River Street Garage | 80 River Street, Hoboken
Do Good Donuts and Double Dough will join the Hoboken community in supporting relief efforts on January 19th. From 3PM to 6PM, locals should stop by River Street Garage for donuts made by Do Good Donuts and cookies from Double Dough. All proceeds made from this sale will be donated to World Central Kitchen.
Sirena | 581 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
Sirena, a California-based women's clothing and accessory spot in Jersey City, will donate 100% of its proceeds from January 12th to January 15th to World Central Kitchen. Hudson County locals can shop for a cause daily from 10AM to 6PM.
St. Mary Advocates | 536 Garden Street, Hoboken
Locals can "Thrift for Relief" on January 15th and January 18th at St. Mary Advocates in Hoboken. All proceeds from those two days will be donated to the American Red Cross.
Rumble Boxing | 1202 Shipyard Lane, Hoboken
Rumble Boxing in Hoboken accepting donations of water, clothing, blankets, and non-perishable food items, like canned or boxed products. Locals can drop off their donations at Rumble Boxing's front desk at 1202 Shipyard Lane. This business will send all items directly to Los Angeles.
Past Events
These local spots held donation events over the weekend of January 11th. While these events have passed, The Hoboken Girl wants to applaud them for their good deeds.
Bake Sale at The Hive
The Hive, along with eight other bakeries in New York City + New Jersey, held a bake sale to raise funds for LA residents in need. On January 12th, Hoboken locals were able to buy all kinds of treats, and in doing so, helped raise money for those affected by the fires.
Donations at Washington General Store
Washington General Store in Hoboken accepted donations from locals over the past weekend. The store received tons of clothes, new underwear, socks, bath supplies, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and other essentials — so many items that it is holding donations until further notice.
Fundraiser Yoga Classes at Sol Spirit
This yoga studio held fundraiser classes at its Montclair and Jersey City locations on January 12th. All proceeds from its fundraiser classes went towards the American Red Cross's LA fire relief efforts. Sol Spirits was able to raise $468 from class attendees and matched the amount in full.
See More: Montclair Public Schools Closed Today Due to Security Concern
Margs for California
Porta in Montclair and Jersey City hosted a fundraiser to support the victims of the fires in LA. From January 10th to January 12th, all proceeds from margarita pizzas were donated to World Central Kitchen.
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