Panel Of Doctors Discuss COVID-19 Vaccine Safety

Local doctors are working to convince Oklahomans the COVID-19 vaccines is safe, predictable, and effective before the first doses arrive in the state later this week.

On News 9’s Scott Mitchell’s podcast, Mitchell Talks, the panel of doctors said if the vaccines were not safe, then the most vulnerable population and healthcare workers wouldn’t be the first in line to get them.

“If you think anybody would want to harm those populations by giving them the virus, you’re going right in the face of common sense and science,” said Dr. Fred Armitage of the Oklahoma Blood Institute.

The group also discussed dangerous claims that the best way to develop antibodies and protect against COVID-19 is to actually get the virus. One doctor compares that to a plane landing after a flight.

“Either you depend on the pilots and the technology of the plane and the understanding of aerodynamics and all the science that went into landing the plane,” said Dr. David Chansolme. “Or you can depend on gravity. Either way you’re going to end up on the ground.”

The doctors pointed out another big question, what happens to COVID-19 patients later in life?

“Even people who have had mild to moderate cases, they may not show problems early on down the line” said Dr. Dwight Sublett of Stillwater Medical Group. “They may be having some difficulties. Some are even starting to show it.”

According to the group, young children still need to get the vaccine, even though they may have milder COVID-19 cases.

“Say a kiddo gets COVID around 8. What is she or he going to be dealing with in their 20s and 30s?” asked Dr. Sublett. “We don’t know that yet. We’re seeing some effects on the organs, the lungs and the heart and the brain that’s bothersome.”

The doctors said there haven’t been many studies on the vaccine with children under 12-years-old, but those should start after the new year.

The panel said they believe after the vaccine has been out for awhile, the state may start to see hotspots where people did not receive the vaccine.

“I think once everyone starts seeing people get the vaccine, and they see that they’re fin and everything like that, we’re going to see a lot more acceptance of the vaccine,” said Dr. David Chansolme with Integris Medical Group.

The doctors said it will be important to get the vaccine even if you have already had the virus.