Health official discusses COVID-19 vaccines' potential long term side effects

KANAWHA COUNTY, W. Va. (WCHS/WVAH) — As states around the nation work to distribute COVID-19 vaccines, many people are still skeptical about taking it because little is known about the long-term side effects.

Before people sign up to take the shot, the vaccine has people asking a lot of questions. The two most prominent are; is it safe and what is the risk.

Health officers are reminding us that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

"Everyone should be taking the vaccine," West Virginia University Microbiology Associate Professor Ivan Martinez said. "I think that's important."

Very much like the coronavirus, it is supposed to fight off, there is not a lot of data about the vaccines' long term side effects.

"The science is strong. There is no evidence of real big side effects in any part of the population," Martinez said.

During most clinical trials, the vaccine was tested on adults or people who are more at risk of getting severe symptoms.

"The Pfizer vaccine was not tested in children or pregnant women. That's why they still think they have to do a little more research before they allow that population to take it," Martinez said.

With the lack of information about potential side effects the vaccine could have on women and children, some people are questioning the science behind it.

"In the Moderna trial, there were some women who got the vaccine, and they got pregnant. Moderna is continuing that trial to see that the babies and moms are safe. The moment they have more data, I think it'll support giving the vaccine to pregnant women," Martinez said.

According to Martinez, some people should wait to get it.

"People who are immune-compromised or receiving chemotherapy. Right now, health officials are saying for that population not to take it because we don't have enough data. Soon, we will have that data, and I think the vaccine will be given to those people too."

If you have questions about the vaccine, you should talk to your doctor or click here.