Louisiana Healthcare Providers Shine Light on Vaccinations
Doctor injecting the vaccine into a participant. (Picture by CDC)
Frontline workers are the top priority to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. Many healthcare workers want to be a positive light in this world pandemic. As of Dec. 2020, the CDC recommended that all healthcare workers receive the first dose of vaccination. Some of them are taking the injections out of obligation.
But a recent survey conducted by Surgo Ventures said that 15% of healthcare workers are refusing to take the vaccinations because of their concerns over their own health. However, a growing number of first responders disagree and feel that they are the glimmer of hope that the U.S. needs to see.
Louisiana reports that more than 170,000 people have received at least the first dose of the vaccine. (Picture by Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz)
Dr. Leo Seoane, Ochsner's Chief Academic Officer, received one of Louisiana's first vaccinations when they arrived in New Orleans in Dec. of 2020. He said it was meaningful for him to bring hope to the Cuban community.
"As a Cuban-American and a first-generation immigrant to this country, it's an honor and a privilege to be part of the solution for something that we know has been so impactful for the Hispanic community," he told The Advertiser.
*Rachel Jenkins, an ICU nurse at Baton Rouge General Hospital in Louisiana, mirrored Seoane's optimistic sentiments. She received her first dose of the vaccination on Jan. 6.
"It was effortless," she said. "A lot of people are not trusting the vaccinations because they feel the labs rushed it. However, researchers have worked on this vaccine for more than three decades. I believe in science, and I think I can be an example of what science can do for the general public."
The FDA reported that each vaccine was about 95% effective in stopping people in the trials from contracting COVID-19. The medical companies producing the vaccinations, Pzizer and Moderna, saw no reported severe health problems from people receiving the vaccinations. The most common side effects — fatigue, headaches, chills, and muscle pain — lasted about one day and most often occurred after the second dose.
*Adam Mitchell, a supervisor at Ochsner Hospital in Louisiana, said he experienced the side effects of his second dosage of the vaccine. He received his first dose of the vaccination last month.
"The injection was painless," he said. "My arm was mostly sore the first night. I didn't have any other symptoms other than the soreness in my arm."
He received the second dosage a few weeks after. This time, the vaccination shot had a lasting impression on him.
"The injection burned significantly more than the first dose, but it only lasted for no more than two seconds,” he said. “My arm was less sore overall compared to the first dose. The next morning, I had a headache and felt nauseous for about two minutes. Other than that, I had no other symptoms."
COVID-19 vaccinations are still being monitored and evaluated. These trials ensure that the participants are receiving a safe and effective vaccine. As the trials continue, the CDC will continue to ensure that Americans feel safe to be around their loved ones.
For Mitchell, the symptoms of the vaccination are well worth it for the safety of his family.
"Soon, I will be 95% immune to the virus,” he said. “My wife and baby won't have to worry about me infecting them and bringing the virus into the house."
*Names changed to protect the identity of the individual.