The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) trusts in the science behind vaccine development, peer-reviewed research, and the theory of “herd immunity.”  To that end, ONA encourages nurses to learn about the COVID-19 vaccines and make informed decisions. Nursing is the most trusted profession because of nursing’s commitment to the health and well-being of everyone. Because of this social contract, nurses must be well-informed about vaccinations and ensure that each person has the knowledge to make an informed decision about their health. As the front line of healthcare delivery, nurses have the opportunity to lead the way in getting vaccinated and providing an example of committing to the health of our communities.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 has struck the world quickly and already taken more than 1,100 Oregonian lives and nearly 300,000 lives across the country. The shocking infectiousness and serious health risks of this virus has led to the fastest vaccine development we have ever seen. Currently two vaccines have completed their phase three clinical trials and one has received Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Oregon, along with 63 other health jurisdictions developed and submitted plans to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding how the vaccines will be distributed. The distribution plans required specific steps to ensure that the most at-risk and remote populations have the ability to get the vaccine through collaboration with local health departments, Emergency Medical Services, pharmacies, and community practitioners. These plans are available on the CDC site for viewing, but it is important to note that plans may change due to vaccine supply availability.

ONA does not support mandated vaccines as a condition of employment particularly for those with health exemptions or condone retaliation against workers for any reason.

FAQ on Vaccinations

1. Is the vaccine safe for all ages and all ethnicities?

• According to the clinical trial data, it appears to be safe for most persons eighteen and older. While this vaccine was developed rapidly, both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine went through the standard three-phase clinical trials. Each trial had 30,000+ participants and were required to meet stricter than normal population metrics including representative proportions of communities of color i.e. Black, Indigenous, Latino, and other groups that are at a higher risk. The trials were very limited in regard to children and the current CDC recommendations are that only persons 16 and older receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination.
• Those with a history of allergic reactions should consult with their healthcare provider before getting the vaccine.
• While previous similar vaccines have been shown to be safe for pregnant women, there were no pregnant women in the clinical trials. The CDC currently recommends that pregnant women who are at a high-risk of contracting COVID-19, consult with their healthcare provider before getting the vaccine.

2. What are the potential side effects if I take the vaccine?

• Just because a vaccine is safe doesn’t mean that there won’t be side-effects. Most of the side effects experienced are caused by your own immune response to the vaccine.  With the approved COVID vaccines, the most commonly reported side effects are fatigue, body aches, and low-grade fever that could last for a couple of days. These symptoms are caused by your body’s production of antibodies to the pathogen.  As with any medication, there is always a chance of an allergic reaction, but there does not appear to be any higher incidence of allergic reactions with these vaccines, according to the clinical trials.

3. Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

• No. The two vaccines that are nearing EUA approval from the FDA are mRNA vaccines, meaning the injection does not contain any live virus. The other vaccines contain either a viral vector or a protein subunit, however, none of the vaccines currently entering trials utilize a live or attenuated virus like vaccines did decades ago.

4. Do we know if the vaccine is going to have any long-term side effects?

• The short answer is no. All vaccine development clinical trials are required to follow the research participants for a minimum of 60 days to monitor for side effects. Side effects most commonly occur within the first 60 days. The CDC also requires that they continue to follow these participants in order to be eligible for full licensing of their vaccine beyond the EUA. It is important to note, however, that current clinical trials have not gone on long enough to ensure that there are any long-term side effects. That said, the data we currently have access to is promising that there is little risk of any long-term side effects.

5. Will the vaccine be distributed equitably?

• The CDC required each health jurisdiction to develop plans for distribution that specifically answered how they would ensure equitable distribution. OHA plans to collaborate with community partners across the state to ensure that everyone has equitable access to the vaccine including a wide variety of personnel administering the vaccine, coordination between facilities for transporting the vaccine to remote locations, and ensuring culturally relevant vaccine information is provided to each community.

The science on these vaccines is developing rapidly, as are the recommendations. Information here is accurate as of December 16, 2020.