Local experts answer COVID-19 vaccine questions, concerns

Updated: 11 a.m. on Feb. 18, 2021

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – As COVID-19 vaccinations continue to roll-out in Wisconsin, many people still have a variety of questions about the shots.

CBS 58 held a live question and answer session on Thursday, Feb. 18 with two local doctors.

“These vaccines are all designed to really jump-start and get your immune system revved up,” UW Health Medical Director of Immunization Program Dr. James Conway said. “So, it’s not that unusual with some vaccines that as the process happens and as your immune system gets turned on, that people do sometimes have mild, flu-like symptoms.

Conway explained the first dose primes the immune system and develops partial immunity. The second dose is when most people feel side effects as the vaccine does its job

People also asked questions about the evidence and safety of the vaccines.

“We’ve seen the trials of tens of thousands of people get the vaccine and very carefully measured and tallied the side effects they’ve had,” Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management Director of Medical Services Dr. Ben Weston said. “We’ve seen months of people, myself, Dr. Conway, get the vaccine and see how we responded and how we did. Honestly, I think the time for wait and see has passed. We know it’s a safe vaccine.” 

Both Conway and Weston said the only reason the vaccine might not be good for someone is if they have an allergy to one of the components, which is rare.

“No deaths have been caused by the vaccines as far as any of the investigations have shown,” Conway said.

Both doctors said anyone who has had the virus still should get the vaccine when they are eligible.

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Posted: 6:58 a.m. on Feb. 18, 2021

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Two local experts are answering and addressing COVID-19 vaccine questions and concerns.

The medical director of UW Health’s Immunization Program Dr. James Conway and Medical College of Wisconsin Director of Medical Services Dr. Ben Weston joined CBS 58 to answer questions in real-time via Facebook on Thursday, Feb. 18.