Credit: Submitted
Dr. Rakesh Shah is a man of science, a medical researcher, and a practicing cardiologist who has been on the COVID-19 frontlines from the beginning. Given his background, it was only natural that he would read up on the technology of the race to produce a vaccine.
After going through studies from the Federal Drug Administration, he concluded that “the science is solid.” Thus, he was among the first frontline workers to submit to the required two doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
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Shah is on staff with Comprehensive Cardiology at St. Mary Medical Center in Middletown Township. He is also president of the hospital’s medical staff.
While some have expressed reservations about taking vaccines developed so quickly, Shah suggested that they take a step back and think about the consequences of getting the highly contagious and potentially deadly virus.
“What if I get the virus?” asked the 52-year-old physician. “Older patients suffer incredibly, so seeing older, middle age, and younger suffering the ravages of the disease, I did not think twice about getting the shots. I was very comfortable with the (scientific) approach taken.”
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Shah said he has no problem with patients in his practice taking the vaccine because they already have primary comorbidity that could lead to critical complications.
Since the pandemic began last year, Bucks County has seen 972 deaths attributed to it, according to the latest reporting on Monday.
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What does one have to expect once they get either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines?
Shah said he had no side effects other than soreness at the injection site.
“I felt great. Some of my colleagues reported some side effects: low-grade temperatures, body aches, headaches, and chills. These symptoms are easily controlled with Tylenol,” the doctor said.
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He tells his patients that the possibility of developing mild symptoms is no reason not to get the shots.
Medical experts around the globe have found few issues with the two COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the U.S.
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Shah dismissed one rumor that some people, even some health care workers, have voiced concern that the vaccine alters the body’s DNA. It’s not possible because the MRNA cannot penetrate the nucleus of the cell.
Another worry that makes the rounds is the concern about what effects could occur two years down the road. But neither can scientists know what effect the Corona virus could have on the body two years down the road, he said.
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“We have people coming in now with a myriad of post-corona symptoms. I’ll take my chances with the vaccine,” he said.
Still, there are medical workers who resist the vaccinations. According to the National Nurses Association, 36 percent of nurses do not want the shots, 34 percent say yes, and 31 percent remain uncertain.
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The county-run nursing home has started requiring staff to get vaccinated or they may find themselves without a job.
Dr. Larry Brilliant, president of St. Mary Medical Center, said that staff members are able to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but for now, vaccinations are not mandatory. Still, the hospital strongly encourages people to be vaccinated.
“We are confident in the safety and efficacy of the vaccine with the FDA Emergency Use approval. Our team anticipates having enough supplies to meet the demands of all colleagues who wish to be vaccinated,” Brilliant said.
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Even with the introduction of the vaccines, “We strongly urge everyone in our community to mask up, wear masks properly (covering the nose and mouth), physically distance, avoid crowds and close conversations,” he said.
As of Monday afternoon, Bucks County was reporting 15,960 partial and 3,431 full vaccinations.
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