By Marcey Klein, BS, NC
I personally was very skeptical of the most recent vaccines that have come out during this pandemic, until I started to do some research. What I have found has given me inspiration and hope in the potential of what we can do when we work together.
The whole world supported each other on this, shared scientific information, research, and funding, and now we have not just one, but 3 effective and clean vaccinations in less than a year. It is truly miraculous. Science has overcome all odds, and I hope we can work together like this in the future for other medical advances.
I found out that Corona viruses have been studied for many years! The groundwork was already laid out, and the MERS 2012 research was paramount to this virus being understood. The viral sequence of the SARS-CoV-2 (Coronavirus) was already uncovered in January of 2020, just 10 days after the first reported pneumonia case in Wuhan. After that, researchers mobilized to share their data; funding came from many different sources and multiple institutions; from private to government, international facilities, to global alliance foundations.
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use messenger RNA (information to make specific proteins) that cause a person’s cells to code for parts of the corona virus in the cell’s cytoplasm. These cells then introduce an inactivated form of the SARS-CoV-2 to the body which then helps to equip our immune systems to combat the virus in the future. Since the genetic material is developed to break down quickly and not to stick around, it has to be kept in a very cold environment. That’s what I like most about it, no preservatives.
The Johnson and Johnson vaccine uses a disabled virus called an adenovirus to make the SARS-2 spike protein, which then triggers an immune response. The immune system will store this information and use it if it does come in contact with the virus in the future. This vaccine also does not contain preservatives. With the pause in the J&J vaccine, we will continue to watch future progress with care.
These vaccinations so far, have all been shown to have impressive effectiveness under clinical trials. Another tribute to science and our medical field.
If you choose to receive the vaccine, I think it’s important to make sure your body is not out of balance. Make sure to support your sleep, digestion, liver health, hydration, and decrease your inflammation if you want to lessen your side effects. Take turmeric for liver health, inflammation support, nettle tea and greens to help alkalize and nourish, and citrus fruits for hydration and liver support. Rub arnica on the vaccine spot, because your arm is likely to be very sore otherwise!
Over consumption of alcohol will slow down your liver detox and acidify your body, so I would advise against drinking the day before or the day after you get your vaccine. The same goes for refined sugars and sodas that contain high fructose corn syrup. Now is a good time to stay healthy, get sunshine, movement, and fresh air; continue to practice social distancing and wearing of masks. Hopefully, this will all be over soon, and we will be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. We will all have a lot to be thankful for as we will really be able to appreciate things much more having been without for so long.