Everything you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines

In what order will the population be vaccinated against COVID-19?

The first to be vaccinated will be doctors who work in health institutions: employees of COVID-19 units, ambulance departments and intensive resuscitation care. In the second phase, vaccines will be administered to staff and patients in care facilities that provide supportive care and nursing care. These groups should be vaccinated in the first quarter of the year. Later, after vaccinating the priority groups, we will invite the public to get vaccinated.

Will the vaccine against this virus be paid for?

No, the vaccine will be free.

How many vaccines have already arrived in Lithuania and when will the next shipment be?

Currently, 2 vaccine shipments have arrived in Lithuania: the first arrived on December 26, the second on December 28. Both shipments contained around 10,000 vaccines. It is not yet known when the third shipment will arrive in Lithuania.

What is the Comirnaty vaccine?

Comirnaty is a vaccine developed by BioNTech and Pfizer to help protect people over 16 years of age against coronavirus infection (COVID-19). Comirnaty contains genetic information (mRNA) about the spine protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. Comirnaty does not contain the virus itself and cannot cause COVID-19.

What is the composition of the current vaccine in Lithuania and how does it differ from others?

It’s called Comirnaty. It’s a new structure: mRNA. Once in the body, this structure causes the production of a protein that is recognized by the immune system and begins to produce antibodies and special T cells that are responsible for killing the virus.

How long will immunity last after this vaccine?

Because the virus is new, there is currently insufficient information on how long immunity will last after vaccination, and it is unclear whether a regular booster shot will be required.

Will the vaccine protect vaccinated people if the virus mutates?

Viruses generally mutate (change the genetic material of the virus), but mutations do not necessarily affect the effectiveness of the vaccine against the virus. Some vaccines against viral diseases remain effective for many years after development and provide long-term protection. On the other hand, in diseases like the flu, the virus strains change so frequently and so much that the composition of the vaccine must be updated every year to be effective. The scientific community and regulators will monitor whether the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus changes over time and, if so, whether vaccines can protect people from infection.

If a person has already had COVID-19, do they still need to be vaccinated?

In this case, vaccines are not necessary but are recommended. No risks or adverse reactions were observed in clinical trials in vaccinated and relapsed individuals.

Can this vaccine be given to children?

The vaccine is for adults over 16 years of age.

Is it safe to receive this vaccine in case of chronic illness?

Studies show that people who had chronic diseases and were vaccinated with this vaccine did not experience dangerous side effects. The only doubt was about the effectiveness, since it is not clear if the vaccine will be adequately protected. Thus, in asthma, diabetes, obesity, lung diseases, this vaccine can be vaccinated.

When is vaccination not recommended?

It is not recommended if the person has a history of the disease and has developed enough antibodies.

What side effects can occur after the vaccine?

The most common side effects of Comirnaty in the study were mild to moderate in severity, and people’s health improved within days of vaccination. People experienced pain and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headaches, muscle and joint pain, chills, and fever. These side effects occurred in more than 1 in 10 people in the study. Fewer than 1 in 10 people experienced redness and nausea at the injection site. Injection site itching, limb pain, swollen lymph nodes, sleep disturbances, and discomfort are rare side effects, affecting fewer than 1 in 100 people.

Can this vaccine cause long-term effects?

There are no such data and there is currently no indication that the vaccine has a long-term effect. Investigations are ongoing.

How long does it take for a person to become immune?

One week after the second vaccination, a person can be said to have immune protection.

Do you need special preparation before vaccination?

It is necessary for a person to feel well, not have a fever, not have another aggravated illness. If everything is done correctly, there should be no major side effects.

What should people with allergies know about COVID-19, even if they are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine?

If a person is allergic, they should inform the doctor and the nursing staff. In this case, vaccination is not possible. As the available data shows, allergic reactions are extremely rare. Additionally, vaccines are administered in a medical facility where medical care can be provided quickly.

Can pregnant women get vaccinated against COVID-19?

Studies in laboratory animals have not shown any adverse effects on pregnancy, but there are very limited data on the use of Comirnaty in pregnant or lactating women. The decision to use the vaccine in pregnant or lactating women should only be made after consultation with a healthcare professional and after evaluating the benefits and risks of vaccination.

Prepared according to koronastop.lrv.lt, Kaunas clinic physician, immunologist, dr. Ieva Bajoriūnienė and Jurgita Grebenkovienė, Chancellor of the Ministry of Health (SAM).