VACCINE QUESTIONS

Dr. Frank McGeorge offers answers to commonly asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Our resident Dr. Frank McGeorge is answering your questions about coronavirus vaccines.

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)This is one of the top questions we receive right now:How long after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine shot does it take for it to be effective? “That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick. It typically takes a few weeks after vaccination for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. There have been cases of people being inadvertently billed after they received the vaccine, but those errors were identified and corrected. Are the precautions after receiving the vaccine (and waiting two weeks) the same for a high risk person as for the general population?

Michigan will expand its COVID-19 vaccination plan to include all Michigan residents aged 50 and up by the end of March. Caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs will also be eligible to receive the vaccine. What medical conditions would make me eligible for vaccination during this phase for those individuals age 50 and older? Special health care needs include any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs. Beginning March 22 and as vaccine supplies become available, individuals age 50 years and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Michigan will expand its COVID-19 vaccination plan to include all Michigan residents aged 50 and up by the end of March. Caregiver family members and guardians who care for children with special health care needs will also be eligible to receive the vaccine. What medical conditions would make me eligible for vaccination during this phase for those individuals age 50 and older? Special health care needs include any physical, developmental, mental, sensory, behavioral, cognitive, or emotional impairment or limiting condition that requires medical management, health care intervention, and/or use of specialized services or programs. Beginning March 22 and as vaccine supplies become available, individuals age 50 years and older are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

So it’s still recommended that you get the second dose of the vaccine when it’s due. AdWith the second shot I had a lot of side effects. The reason is that the first dose primes your immune system, so the response to the second shot is higher. Is the Johnson and Johnson vaccine considered a live vaccine that should be avoided by those with a weakened immune system? Ask Dr. McGeorge

DETROIT – Since the coronavirus pandemic began, Dr. Frank McGeorge has been keeping viewers up-to-date and informed on all fronts. You should get the vaccine as close to 21 days after for the Pfizer vaccine and 28 days for the Moderna. The recommendation is to wait at least 14 days between any other vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine. If you had significant side effects with the first dose you’ll likely have a fever with the second dose. RELATED: Tracking Michigan COVID-19 vaccine dataQuestions about coronavirus?

Dr. Frank McGeorge is answering questions about the vaccine.

On Wednesday afternoon we held a special discussion with Dr. Frank McGeorge about the COVID-19 vaccine. More: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesHere’s a recap of the Q&A:Where is Michigan in the COVID-19 vaccination process? READ: Michigan COVID-19 vaccinations: How to find appointments, info on phasesThe second path is through the major medical facility that your doctor is affiliated with. Should people who had really bad side effects with the first dose still get the second dose and how are they expected to respond to the second dose? Because of that the CDC has recommended that you don’t get any vaccine within 14 days of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Local 4's Dr. Frank McGeorge will be taking questions from viewers Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2021. Join us Wednesday afternoon for a special discussion with Dr. Frank McGeorge about the COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. McGeorge will be joined by Sarah Mayberry, Local 4′s senior medical producer who has a master’s degree in public health. LIVE STREAM Q&A: Answering Michigan COVID-19 vaccination questionsAgain, join us at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 13 for our live COVID-19 vaccine discussion. You will be able to ask questions during the live discussion starting at 12:30 p.m.You can also ask your questions right now -- submit here:Coronavirus resources: