WHY GET VAXXED?
As with many other viruses that can cause illness, our immune systems produce antibodies that protect us. These antibodies attach to the intruding virus and help our bodies detect, destroy, and remove them, but sometimes our bodies need extra help. Because of this, regular vaccination is important to reduce the severity of a COVID infection, the chance of hospitalization and death as well as allow us to live active lives.
MAKE COVID-19 VACCINATION PART OF YOUR ANNUAL HEALTHCARE ROUTINE
COVID-19 vaccines do not impact your fertility, they can’t give you COVID-19, nor can they change or influence your DNA. The two types of COVID vaccines provide an important option for you and your loved ones that should be part of your regular disease prevention and overall personal wellness program.
COVID-19 VACCINATION STILL AN IMPORTANT AND NEEDED PROTECTION
BUT NOW YOU HAVE MORE OPTIONS
To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate – That Still is the Question
Many men are still deciding on the need to continue or begin with COVID-19 vaccinations. Here are some facts and perspectives that will help you to decide what is best for you, your family, and your loved ones.
COVID-19 Virus is Here to Stay
Why is this an important decision? COVID-19, while suppressed, is not out of our day-to-day lives. While what we face from COVID-19 now is far less ominous than what we had to face just four years ago, COVID-19, and all its variants and global presence still pose significant health risks, particularly in at risk populations.
So are Serious COVID-Related Health Issues
While it is not likely for a cluster of infections to reach pandemic proportions in the US there will be, and are now, frequent outbreaks that pop up unexpectedly in any given community for years to come. This is particularly true since many people have decided not to get the updated vaccine formulation that covers the viral strain that dominated the scene most recently. So, as local levels of immunity wear down, as they do for every viral infection from flu to herpes to tetanus, the potential for harm increases. Keeping up-to-date on vaccines, particularly if you or someone you live with or see on a regular basis have increased risk of serious infections, is still important.
And so are Real Every-Day Lifestyle and Wellness Health Issues
A less dramatic but every-day-real reason to consider vaccination against COVID-19 is that even a mild case can keep you from doing day-to-day things you need to do, such as go to work, shop or care for family but also can keep you from doing things you enjoy doing such as sports, travelling, going to an event, or just being with friends and family. After the pandemic, people have become very cautious of others who have symptoms of a virus.
A New “Old-School” Vaccine Technology that Provides You an Important Option for Vaccination
Most of us have heard the saying “Everything Old Is New Again”- and that is certainly the case for COVID-19 vaccination products. Since 2022, Americans have had a choice of COVID-19 vaccine type. In addition to the original mRNA formulation there is also a protein-based vaccine formulation option available for those who prefer a non-mRNA product. Here are some basics about the two fully-approved US formulations:
Spike Protein (Non-mRNA) Type Vaccine:
Since 2022, an FDA authorized protein-based non-mRNA vaccine formulation has been available. It is known as a “spike protein type.” This formulation is like traditional vaccines used for many common vaccines such as flu or whooping cough. This proven formulation has been used for over 50 years in dozens of vaccine types. It extracts a bit of the virus, purifies and stabilizes it. Once injected, the body starts the immune response to clear it. Then, the spike proteins trigger production of antibodies. And after around two weeks, there are enough COVID-triggered antibodies for the body to be ready to fight off future COVID-19 viral invasions.
mRNA Type Vaccine:
Since late 2020, FDA authorized mRNA vaccine formulations have been available. This vaccine type uses a carefully designed process to extract a viral cell component called messenger RNA or “mRNA.” This is blended with stabilizers and a micro-fat bubble to help move mRNA into human cells. Once inside the cells, the mRNA provides a blueprint to the immune system to recognize the virus and produce the immune response. After around two weeks, the body is ready to fight off future COVID-19 invasions.
Make Your Decision
The decision to be up to date on COVID-19 vaccination or to increase your chances of having important and fun daily living activities kiboshed is up to you. Men’s Health Network (MHN) encourages men, and those who love them, to give serious thought to getting vaccinated against COVID-19. Whether you choose to get the old-but-new spike protein type vaccine or the mRNA type vaccine the decision seems clear: Get vaccinated to protect against serious infections and death from COVID-19.
MHN believes that the best way to make an informed personal decision about vaccination is to talk with a qualified healthcare professional that you trust in your community.
Dr. Salvatore J. Giorgianni, Jr., PharmD, CMHE
Dr. Giorgianni received both his Doctor and Bachelor of Pharmacy degrees from Columbia University in The City Of New York and clinical residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He is also a Certified Men’s Health Educator.
Dr. Giorgianni has held faculty appointments at both Columbia University in the City of New York and at Belmont University in Nashville. He currently is Sr. Science Advisor for Men’s Health Network, Co-founder and Chair-Emeritus of the American Public Health Association Caucus on Men’s Health. He is a former board member of the Columbia University School of Public Health Alumni Association, the American Osteopathic Foundation and the National Association For Continence. He is author of over 100 peer-reviewed publications and scientific presentations and a editorial reviewer for the American Journal of Men’s Health. He is a recognized expert in comprehensive men’s health, the effect of culture, advertising and socialization on male perceptions of health and wellness and is a frequent speaker on this topic.
