February is American Heart Month, a time for people to focus on their cardiovascular health and adopt a healthier lifestyle. It’s especially crucial during the coronavirus pandemic with stress-levels at an all-time high.
Now that there is a COVID-19 vaccine available, can people with chronic heart conditions get vaccinated? Keep reading to learn more facts about the vaccine and if your heart can handle the COVID-19 vaccine.
COVID-19 Vaccines Facts
According to the CDC, there are two types of mRNA vaccines available for administration in the United States. Both vaccines are given in two doses 21-28 days apart.
- Moderna BNT162b2 – this vaccine, manufactured by ModernaTX, Inc., is given in two doses 28 days apart.
- Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA-1273 – this vaccine, manufactured by Pfizer, Inc., and BioNTech, is given in two doses 21 days apart.
Are there differences between the two vaccines?
Aside from the conditions of storage and microgram per dose, there is not much contrast between them. Which vaccine you get depends on where you live in the United States. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, Texas is still receiving doses of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. Both vaccines are being distributed statewide at hospitals, pharmacies, and at your local Katy clinic. Health officials recommend that you get vaccinated —no matter the brand.
Dr. Quyen Trinh, a trusted osteopathic doctor in Katy, TX answers some commonly asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Check out what he has to say.
COVID-19 Vaccine Side Effects
Common side effects can occur after vaccination. Your body is building the appropriate protection, so there is no need for concern. These side effects do not last very long and should be gone after a few days.
Here are a few side effects you may encounter:
If the side effects you are experiencing are beyond tolerance, contact your physician or an osteopathic doctor Katy, TX residents can count on. Call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Room (ER) if you feel the symptoms are life-threatening.
Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for People with Cardiovascular Conditions?
The short answer would be –YES. “The American Heart Association issued a statement encouraging people with cardiovascular risk factors, heart disease or a history of heart attack or stroke to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
People with heart disease or stroke – or for that matter, risk factors for heart disease and stroke – are at much greater risk from the virus than they are from the vaccine.
People who have chronic conditions are on the top of the list to get the vaccine once it’s available. Your safety is a top concern. Vaccines are made after rigorous testing and clinic trials, ensuring that it’s safe for patients with comorbidities including the elderly.
But what about those taking heart medications? Your regular medicine intake does not affect the potency of the vaccine. This includes those who take antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners). One side effect could be that you bleed more than usual. If you’re concerned about potential side effects of the vaccine, contact your local Katy clinic for more information.
Why Cardiovascular Care is Critical During the Pandemic
Mortality rates from heart-related diseases have increased during the pandemic mainly due to high-stress levels and low activity levels. Since the start of the pandemic, fewer people were diagnosed with cardiovascular diseases due to their fear of visiting medical centers.
This fear resulted in more people being prone to hypertension, heart attacks, and other cardiovascular complications. Even worse, some people still refrain from seeking medical care and visiting Katy clinics even after experiencing cardiac conditions.
Dr. Trinh, DO, says that people should not let their fear of COVID-19 overshadow other health conditions that could impact their overall health. It’s important to visit a Katy clinic to receive the care you need when you need it.
Seeking medical care during coronavirus is important especially for people who have underlying chronic health issues such as type 1 and 2 diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and other comorbidities.
Contact a Medical Clinic Katy TX Trusts
If you’re looking for a new medical care provider, you’ve come to the right place. We’re a patient-first primary care provider located in Katy, TX. Our accountable and evidence-based care approach ensures that you get the highest quality of care.
We have a team of dedicated medical practitioners ready to help you. Our Managing Physician, Dr. Trinh, is the osteopathic doctor Katy residents trust for quality care. Dr. Trinh is an established Doctor of Osteopathic medicine who is nationally recognized by the NCQA for Diabetes and Heart/Stroke Management and Care and a recipient of the TX Top Docs Award.
Call us at (281) 646-0740 to schedule an appointment, or if you prefer, you can book an appointment online now.
