So, how do the COVID vaccines (grouped together for this piece) compare to other vaccines?
I’ll tell you. But first, I gotta disclaim:
1. Yes. I am a medical doctor.
2. No. I am not your doctor.
3. No. I am not providing you with medical advice.
4. Yes. I do not know you.
5. What you choose to do re: the COVID vaccine is a choice made among (you) + (your physician) + (whomever else you decide to include) +/- (government/employer mandates). I am completely out of it as far as your health care choices are concerned.
As always, it is important to define our terms. For example, when I say “chair,” you may conjure an image very different from the one I do.
When it comes to vaccines, vaccinations, and immunity/immunization the definitions depend on the year.
According to the CDC: