We created this Resource Page to collect all the helpful and informative information (articles, downloads and videos) about not only surviving but also thriving during this unprecedented time of COVID-19.  By improving your immune health and minimizing risk factors you not only fortify yourself against potential viral infection but you also move the dial on your “health creation”.  Use the information contained here and throughout our website to focus on what makes us healthy, strong and resilient.

COVID VACCINE Q & A

Many clients have been having a lot of questions about the Covid vaccine. And because I’ve heard a lot of misinformation, I thought it would be helpful to cover some of the concerns and issues here.  Please remember that the material I’m providing, although based on the most recent scientific data available, is evolving daily as we learn more about the virus, the vaccine and how our bodies respond.  I’ll update as needed.

Q:  “I didn’t feel well after I got the vaccine – slight fever, achiness, fatigue and my arm hurt where I got the shot.  Is that a bad thing?”

A:  Not at all. The symptoms described above actually suggest that your immune is responding appropriately.  What you are experiencing is the result of what’s called the “cytokine storm” – the immediate production of inflammatory chemicals that the immune system delivers when there’s a threat.  From your immune cell’s point of view, they don’t care whether it’s the real deal of a viral infection or a bit of “pretend” virus particle in the vaccine.  The intensity of this “mini-cytokine storm”  from the vaccine should be considerably less strong than the intensity of the actual viral infection.

Q:  “I didn’t feel bad at all after I got my vaccine.  Should I be concerned?”

A:  Not at all.  Remember, the mini cytokine storm is just the initial immune response and has no bearing on your body’s ability to produce an adequate antibody response.  It’s the production of antibodies to the SARs virus that is the ultimate goal of having the vaccine.  So far, the science indicates that there is no correlation to the intensity of the cytokine response and the successful production of antibodies.   Which type of vaccine you received also plays a part in the immediate post-vaccination response.  Both the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccines utilize mRNA particles.  However, and this is my clinical hunch, not a documented fact, the Moderna vaccine has more than 3 times the amount of active vaccine material in it than the Pfizer vaccine - 100 micrograms in the Moderna vs 30 micrograms in the Pfizer.  It’s my clinical guess that’s why there are reports of the second Moderna vaccination, in particular, packing more of a punch.  

Q:  “What about the additional ingredients in the vaccines?”

A:  Both of the vaccines currently being used contain modified messenger RNA (mRNA) along with some small-sized lipid particles called lipid nanoparticles to provide better absorption in the tissue.  Neither of the mRNA vaccines contain preservatives.  Both of them do contain a substance called polyethylene glycol (PEG) which serves as an adjuvant.  Many vaccines contain adjuvants because it helps create a stronger immune response in people receiving the vaccine.  If you’ve ever used Miralax© you’ve been exposed to an oral dose of polyethylene glycol. If you have had an allergic reaction with PEG, either orally or topically (it is found in many cosmetics and personal care products) it would be wise to discuss this with your medical practitioner. 

Q:  “I have an autoimmune illness.  How do I think about the vaccine?”

A:  With an autoimmune illness, there’s an upregulation of immune activity against one’s own tissue.  It makes sense to be concerned about the effect of the vaccine on an immune system that has challenges with regulating itself.  However, one could argue that getting the infection could further challenge an already overactive immune system and turn a potentially mild case of Covid into a much more serious problem.  So, how to think about it?  The current data supports individuals getting the vaccine if their auto-immune condition is well-controlled.  If there are autoimmune flares indicating  poor control,  then vaccination may need to be deferred until the condition is better managed.

Q:  “What about pregnancy, fertility issues and breastfeeding?”

A:  Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of information out there right now.  There have been concerns about the vaccine having a negative effect on fertility but so far those concerns have no documented science to substantiate those concerns.  The initial trials with the mRNA vaccines did not include pregnant or breastfeeding women so there is no documented results for that population.  What makes the decision-making more challenging is that there is a difference of opinion among different professional medical and health organizations as to the safety of the vaccine for pregnant women.  The World Health Organization does not recommend that pregnant women receive the vaccine while the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommend that the vaccine should not be withheld for pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

Q: “I had Covid.  Do I still need the vaccine?”

A:  Studies involving people who have recovered from an infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus show that about 50% of them have long-term immunity (spoiler alert: long-term immunity does not necessarily mean lifetime immunity).  So, vaccination is recommended for those who are post-Covid infection.  The recommended timing is to wait at least ninety days to six months after having the infection.  It’s also suggested that if you have a strong reaction to the first vaccination, then that one shot could be considered your booster shot.

I hope this is helpful. Do you have questions that didn’t get addressed? Let me know

BASICS OF IMMUNE SUPPORT

Create a solid foundation for you and your family’s health by focusing on the basics included here.  To learn more about why this is important, read Dr. Gosselin’s articles, “Protecting Yourself & Your Family from Covid-19” and “The Goldilocks Principle at work in the body“