Still feel like there's a lot you don't understand about the COVID-19 vaccine? Anyone who's not an infectious disease expert can probably relate. That includes members of the WNBA Players' Association, who helped everyone out on Wednesday by posting a series of miniconvos between doctors and WNBA stars like Nneka Ogwumike [1], Kelsey Plum, and Elizabeth Williams. The players ask the questions, the doctors answer, we listen, everyone wins.
So if you're curious about what to do with your vaccination card [2], what impact the vaccine has on reproductive systems or breastfeeding, or the effectiveness of double-masking, you've come to the right place! Get the info straight from the doctors themselves, and say thanks to the WNBPA while you're at it.
Will We Need a Vaccine Booster Shot? What Do We Do With Our Vaccination Card?
Answering a question from Elizabeth Williams of the Atlanta Dream, Geeta Swamy, MD, an ob-gyn at Duke University, noted that "there is a chance of a booster [shot [3]]" being necessary at some point, even if you've received both doses of Moderna or Pfizer, due to the prevalence of variants. (Pfizer's CEO has already noted that a booster shot within 12 months will likely be necessary [4].) Because of this, she recommended holding on [5] to your vaccination card and not laminating or permanently altering it [6], as you might need to add a line or two down the road.
Does Double-Masking Really Work? Is It Recommended For Air Travel?
"You do get additional protection from double-masking [7], but fit is really, really important," said Gary Bennett, PhD, professor of psychology and neuroscience, global health and medicine at Duke, in response to a question from Nneka Ogwumike of the LA Sparks. He explained that the risk of infection via plane travel is higher than you'd get in daily interactions or other types of travel, but not overly dangerous, and that wearing two masks [8] can give you more protection.
Does the Vaccine Work Differently For Athletic People?
Getting regular exercise is good for your immune system [9], said Michael Ybarra, MD, an emergency physician with PhRMA. Answering this question from Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces, he said that athletic people will likely have a robust immune response to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Does the Vaccine Affect Our Reproductive Systems?
Data from Pfizer and Moderna studies performed on animals indicated that the vaccine had no adverse effects on female reproductive organs or on fetuses or embryos, said Wendy Goodall McDonald, MD, an ob-gyn at Northwestern University.
Does the Vaccine Have Any Effects on Pregnant or Breastfeeding People?
Data hasn't shown that pregnant or breastfeeding women have higher rates of complications following the vaccine, Dr. McDonald said. Doctors recommend that breastfeeding women receive the vaccine, she said. For pregnant women, the recommendation is that they are given the choice to receive the vaccine. "We are yet to achieve the level where we're saying pregnant women should get the vaccine," Dr. McDonald clarified. "We're saying pregnant women should be given the choice."
Is the Vaccine Safe For People With Autoimmune Diseases?
If you have an autoimmune disease, epidemiologist Jessica Malaty Rivera, MS, suggested having a conversation with your doctor before getting the vaccine, because autoimmune diseases vary greatly. "My understanding is that most people, including folks with autoimmune issues, can still get the vaccine, but it's a very individualized conversation," she told Sydney Colson of the Chicago Sky.
What Percentage of the Population Needs to Be Vaccinated For Herd Immunity?
To reach herd immunity, about 60-70 percent of the population should be vaccinated, Rivera said.
Shout-Out to the WNBPA For This Town Hall!