CLEVELAND — We're going to keep answering your COVID-19 vaccine questions until our mailbox is empty. Here's what you had for us on Tuesday:
Question: What is the progress on vaccination for kids?
Currently the Pfizer vaccine is approved for kids 16 and up and Moderna is 18 and up. Pfizer has enrolled more than 22 hundred 12 to 15 year olds for it's next trial, but Moderna is still enrolling in its trial. It could take a few more months before we have preliminary results, so we'll have to wait and see if kids can be vaccinated by next school year.
Question: What about pregnant women? Should they get the vaccine?
There's some controversy around this. CDC says the vaccine should be offered to pregnant women but stopped short of recommending it because there is still very little research. We know pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe disease from COVID, but whether they should get the vaccine during or after pregnancy is still being studied. Today the World Health Organization recommended against giving pregnant women the Moderna vaccine, unless the woman is at high risk, for example a health care worker. This is a subject that women need to discuss with their doctors to determine what's best for them.
Question: Do you need to wait to get other vaccines, like a pneumonia shot, around the time of your COVID vaccine?
Right now health officials say you need to wait at least fourteen days if you receive another vaccine before your COVID vaccine. So if you get your pneumonia shot, flu shot or another vaccine today, you can't get your COVID vaccine for fourteen days. If you get your appointment call before then, it's very important that you tell the vaccine provider if you've recently received something else. We want your immune system operating at top speed when you get the COVID vaccine so you get the full effectiveness of protection.
Question: I've heard the vaccine kind of hurts. Is it OK to take an over the counter pain reliever like tylenol or ibuprofen before getting the vaccine?
The CDC recommends not taking anything before getting the vaccine, but if you're in pain you can take it afterward. Also, if your doctor prescribes you an aspirin or other medication, make sure you talk to them before getting your covid vaccine to see if its necessary to limit your dose or not.
Also, for those who do not have internet service and need to register to get a vaccine, we have an update to our phone list. If you're a University Hospitals patient, you can now call 216-844-3339. Choose option two and leave your contact info.
Cleveland Clinic patients can call 216-444-2538. If you don't use those systems, you can try calling United Way's 211 helpline or the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging at 844-304-0004. They can help with registration and in some cases transportation to your appointment. Again, these numbers are only for those who do not have internet access. Everyone else should sign up online, and you can go to our vaccine resource guide for a list of locations.
More resources and coverage of the COVID-19 vaccine:
- COVID-19 vaccine in Northeast Ohio: Here's where to find information on providers near you
- Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine provides COVID-19 vaccination update in briefing
- Gov. Mike DeWine announces COVID-19 vaccines will be given to Ohio's school employees starting this week
- COVID-19 vaccines in Ohio: How you can make an appointment at a store near you