A Note About COVID-19 and Vaccinations
Many patients have contacted the office asking my opinion of the COVID vaccines and what they should do. I cannot make the decision for you on whether to get a vaccine or not. I can provide you with some information to help make that decision and some sources for further information as well. With the choice of three vaccines now available to the public, patients are being advised to take the vaccine that is available to them. There have been no studies comparing the three vaccines to each other but all three are very effective in reducing symptoms of COVID19.
I got my second vaccine in February. My risk factors include my age and the fact that I am caring for patients. It has been stated that the risk of COVID is greater than the risk of side effects from the vaccine, and that factored into my decision to get the vaccine.
Like most people, I only had arm soreness after my first shot. The side effects of headache, muscle aches, joint pain, low grade fever, chills and fatigue that have been reported after the second shot are indications that your immune system is mounting a response to the vaccine. This is not a vaccine that is made from the COVID virus, so these are not symptoms of COVID. I experienced some of the same side effects which lasted about 24 hours.
I have been taking supplements to boost my immune system for years. I take Vitamins A, C, E and D and have a protocol to follow if you are interested. I plan to continue these supplements indefinitely. If side effects occur after the second shot, I recommend taking acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen as needed. Please do NOT take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen BEFORE your vaccine as it might decrease the effectiveness of the immune response.
In the end, it is important that all of us do our research from trusted sources and make the decision that is best for us. I believe that choosing to take the vaccine will allow me to continue to take care of you, my patients and be able to visit my family safely. That is very important to me. You should make the decision that works best for you.
I have found reliable information in the CDC website.
Dr. Taylor