BP Diaz, health experts host COVID-19 panel
on disinformation over Pfi zer vaccine
BY ALEX MITCHELL
A group of Bronx medical experts
provided clear and accurate
information regarding the city’s
unrolling of the Pfi zer COVID-19
vaccine, the extensive trials for
effi cacy and side effects, as well
as general information on the disease
to over 100 concerned borough
residents on Tuesday night.
A second vaccine, manufactured
by Moderna is currently being
shipped to the U.S.
A panel of local health experts
such as President and CEO
of Black Health C. Virginia Fields
and director of health and human
services Dr. Nancy Kheck joined
Bronx Borough President Ruben
Diaz, Jr., president and CEO of
Black Health C. Virginia Fields
joined Bronx director of health
and human services Dr. Nancy
Kheck, creating a conglomerative
of local health experts to address
direct questions from the
Bronx community in regards to
COVID-19 and the vaccine.
Diaz opened by admitting his
own family and staff have had
questions and concerns regarding
the vaccine, adding that communities
25%OFF
BRONX TIMES R 8 REPORTER, DEC. 25-31, 2020
2173 White Plains Road OPEN
718-931-4335
Just South of Pelham Pkwy.
7 DAYS
SALE
WE CARRY A WIDE VARIETY OF ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������
Organic Foods, Herbs, Homeopathic Products & More
SALE ENDS 12/31/2020
WE CARRY A FULL
SELECTION OF
CBD
PRODUCTS
SINCE 1978
HIMALAYA
VIBRANT HEALTH
MEGA FOODS
RENEW LIFE
WILD HARVEST
NATURES WAY
like that of the Bronx
have been “guinea pigs” for experimental
medical treatments
in past times – though that is not
the case now, the borough president
said.
Experts stressed limiting
travel, wearing masks, washing
hands, and getting tested as core
practices that will be crucial to
quashing the recent second wave
of the virus that has beset the fi ve
boroughs in recent weeks.
This vaccine was described
as “really encouraging,” and an
advancement from earlier treatments,
such as the antibody cocktail
Regeneron, according to the
panel.
It contains enough traces of
the actual virus to trigger an immune
response but enough strains
of coronavirus to put patients at
risk of contracting COVID-19 –
this new method has also made it
possible to mass produce the vaccine
at double an average pace,
the health experts explained.
They continued, saying that
the Pfi zer vaccine has an impressive
95% effi cacy rate compared
to a fl u shot, which averages out
to 60% in any particular year.
It was also stressed that trials
have also proven to be extremely
safe for many patients across different
health demographics.
On the topic of vaccine distribution,
strict Department of
Health protocols are being followed
to vaccinate high risk
frontline workers such as ED and
hospital workers, as well nursing
home residents and staff, with a
second phase of qualifi ed citizens
will be eligible at the start of January.
That second phase will be for
other at-risk community members
such as senior citizens and
those with predisposed medical
conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular
conditions, chronic
lung issues, and those with a
higher than average body mass
index.
The panel also said that Governor
Andrew Cuomo is committed
to creating “vaccination hubs” to
increase accessibility.
For places like nursing homes
and shelters, census-like data
was suggested to record hose who
have and have not opted to receive
the vaccine, in order to create improved
community outreach and
to learn why there are vulnerable
individuals who are choosing to
decline vaccination.
It was also urged that wearing
a mask is still necessary after
being vaccinated for both one’s
own health and for those around
them.