COVID Vaccine Info

In the videos below (cartoon and live), I try to explain (with help from my 8-year-old) why I think the COVID vaccine is safe and effective, and how it works. Overall, I’ve come to believe that taking the vaccine is the right thing for all of my patients, and I highly recommend it. I also understand that many people have been mistreated by the medical system over the years, and trust can’t be assumed. That’s why it’s so important that you get all your questions answered. The nurses and doctors on our team are more than happy to talk it through. I also want you to know that I’ve taken it myself and when my family is eligible, I want them to get it, too. I’m excited we are finally able to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

The videos below are my medical opinion, but have not been reviewed or approved by the VA or any other agency. You can find official info about the vaccine from the VA here. If you’re interested, you can also find the results of the Pfizer clinical trial here. Finally, here is a pdf of a letter to my patients with some basic vaccine facts, in case you want something to print.

You deserve to be safe. We all do. I hope you consider getting protected with a COVID vaccine series.

- Simha Reddy, MD

Update 1/25/21: I recently took my second dose and want to share my experience. My first dose left me with just a sore arm and brief mild headache. The night of my second dose, I felt shaking chills and then felt wiped out for about a day and a half. It sucked. Some people have no side effects, some feel pretty bad. There’s no way to predict. But it’s important you know what to expect. Overall though, if I had to do it over again? I’d take the vaccine in a heartbeat.