Q & A –
Capri Brighenti - What is the difference between Moderna and Pfizer having mRNA and not Johnson and Johnson? Are you seeing the inflammatory disease happening in children in adults?
Stephanie Griswold - Johnson and Johnson is an adenovirus vaccine that is closer to how past vaccines have been created. AstraZeneca is similar to the J&J and is having similar issues in Europe.
We have not seen inflammation that is occurring in children in adults.
Gary Roman - What is the CDC advising for pregnant women? What is it costing the US government?
SG - For women planning to become pregnant/are pregnant, the CDC is recommending to get the vaccine. The women who became pregnant in trials have not shown any indications of issues.
As for cost – It’s been an enormous effort, lots of money towards manufacturing, safety studies, vaccine confidence. There is no figure yet.
Salin Low - commented that she just read a WSJ headline says that getting the actual virus has 10x more likelihood of blood clots than getting a vaccine.
SG - The latest discussion is likely going to be similar in regards to whether the vaccine is more beneficial than getting the virus.
Gary Miller commented he is currently reading The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson. It explains the technology behind mRNA, and if you are looking for a book about it, he recommends it.
Chris Lamadrid – Congratulated Alicia on her articulate, bright, easy-to-understand daughter, and thanked Stephanie for making information easy to understand. How would you feel about a 16 year old girl getting a shot?
SG – I have 4 and 6 year old would get them in a trial if I could – so for a 16 year old, yes I would get her vaccinated. I hope that my children can get vaccinated soon, but it will likely be next year.
Dave Tedeschi – I sat at a table outdoors mixed a group of some vaccinated and others unvaccinated was uncomfortable. Should I have been uncomfortable even though I am vaccinated and outdoors?
SG - Being outside much better than indoors, but even if you are outdoors, you should be wearing a mask if you are with people from than one household. There is still a risk of passing infection.
Peter Vignati – On reactions, if you don’t get a reaction, does that mean it’s less effective?
SG - Just because you’re not feeling sick doesn’t indicate effectiveness. Immune responses are unique to the individual.
Jennifer Gonzalez – Is there any way to test how effective your dose is?
SG - You can visit your provider for an antibody test.
