COVID-19 has been changing and ravenging its way through the world for about 2 years, and even though a complete resolution seems beyond comprehension right now, there are certain things you can do to protect yourself from COVID-19. Besides good hygiene, involving wearing masks, washing your hands, and avoiding touching surfaces and touching your face, you can also get vaccinated. There are a few options for vaccination and it offers great protection from COVID-19. In this article, we will talk about what the vaccine is and what are some ways you can increase its effectiveness and boost your immunity. 

COVID-19 Background Information 

COVID-19 is a disease that results due to the virus SARS-CoV-2 which is a new type of coronavirus detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets like from a cough, sneeze or when people are in close contact. It is spread best when people are talking or breathing in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. 

Symptoms of COVID-19  can vary significantly among people infected with the virus. Some people are asymptomatic, meaning thhey do not experience any symptoms. However, others have major symptoms like loss of taste and/or smell, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal congestion and body aches, to name a few. 

In very severe cases the virus can cause chest pain, pressure in the chest, inability to stay awake, low oxygen saturation levels, which are all medical emergencies and if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, you should seek help immediately. 

There have been various variants of the disease due to its ability to replicate in those who are not vaccinated. Some of the vaccines are effective against some of the variants, while others are not. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Information 

There are three major vaccines that have been approved for use: Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). 

Pfizer is an mRNA vaccine meaning that just a template of the virus' DNA is used and not the actual DNA, meaning that it doesn't have the ability to replicate or make anyone sick. It is essentially the blueprint for the body to make immune cells against it, so if it does see the real thing, it already has immune defenses ready to go. It is two shots given 21 days apart with full protection reached 2 weeks after the second shot. The FDA has also authorized booster shots for anyone 16 and over. 

Moderna is very similar to Pfizer in that it is an mRNA vaccine, but those 2 shots are given 4 weeks apart instead of 3. Single booster and the vaccine is authorized for individuals 18 and older. 

Johnson & Johnson is a viral vector which means that it takes a part of the virus (inactive and nonreplicating) which can also trigger an immune response from your body so it can make defenses that are ready to go if you encounter the real virus. It is a single shot approved for those 18 years and older. 

All three vaccines are injected through the muscular part of the upper arm. The vaccines have been approved as safe, and those who receive them complain of flu-like symptoms. This is normal as your body is building an immune defense that is ready to combat the actual virus, should it encounter it. These symptoms should last no longer than a couple of days. 

How to get a COVID-19 Vaccine 

COVID-19 vaccines are available nationwide to all approved age groups. You can find information on your state and local websites about where to get vaccines and most are free. The CDC may also have information on where to get vaccines. They are offered in a variety of settings like health clinics, medical offices, hospitals, pharmacies, and mass vaccination sites. It's important to note that you generally cannot choose which vaccine you receive, so if you are concerned or have a preference, then choose a location that has the vaccine of your choice. If you are unsure about the different vaccine and which may be the better choice for you, then please consult your doctor. 

Staying Safe After Vaccination 

Vaccines do not offer immediate protection against coronavirus. It takes time for your body's immune system to develop a response and during that time you can still be susceptible. People who are vaccinated have strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. They also have some protection against infection. Vaccinated people can still contract COVID-19 and are able to spread the virus to others. For these reasons, it's important to maintain basic precautions against COVID-19 after vaccination. These precautions include: 

• Avoiding large gatherings 
• Keeping physical distance of at least 6 feet 
• Avoiding being in enclosed and/or poorly ventilated spaces with others
• Wearing a mask or other face covering when indoors 
• Frequently washing hands 
• Staying home and avoid contact with others if you feel sick or have symptoms of COVID-19

Sleep and Immunity 

Getting a sufficient amount of quality sleep is very important for your immune system. Research about sleep and the vaccines is not yet available, but studies of other types of vaccines have found that sleep deprivation can reduce their effectiveness. 

Sleep affects many different immune factors and adequate sleep is associated with a reduced risk of infection, improved infection outcome, and better vaccine response. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can impair how the body protects itself because white blood cells traveling to affected sites in the body can be diminished. 

Another way sleep loss reduced immune response is through T cells which are active in immune responses. Lack of sleep increases levels of stress hormones which reduce levels of integrin, a molecule that helps T cells stick to virus-infected cells. Less sleep means less integrin and less-effective T cells. 

Sleep deficiency also affects immune response to vaccines including the flu shot. Patients who are sleep deprived have a reduced immune system response and are more likely to remain unprotected despite vaccination. 

Those with a sleep disorder may be worried that the vaccination may worsen it, but that seems to not be the case. There is no evidence that vaccines are likely to worsen an existing sleep disorder and all patients are encouraged to be vaccinated as soon as possible. Especially patients with sleep apnea need to be vaccinated because there are associations with worse COVID-19 outcomes in those with sleep apnea. 

If you are having trouble sleeping, it's important that you speak with a sleep professional quickly to make sure that you are getting the most out of vaccines and strengthening your immune system. Please click the orange button below to talk with sleep professionals as soon as possible.