Sisters of Mercy Health System

04/23/2021 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/23/2021 11:27

Questions and Answers about the COVID-19 Vaccine

While many communities are still waiting for the COVID-19 vaccine to become available to the general public, we know you have questions. We are asking doctors and caregivers from across Mercy to answer your questions about the vaccine and what you can expect.

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: What is a variant, and why do viruses change?

Ursula Wright, a Mercy nurse practitioner, explains the science behind the many variants we're hearing about in the media, and also outlines how we can protect ourselves.

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Why do women have more severe side effects?

Dr. Farrin A. Manian at Mercy Hospital St. Louis tackles the next question in Mercy's COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Why do women have more severe side effects?

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Why bother with a COVID-19 vaccine if there are so many variants?

Dr. Aamina Akhtar, chief medical officer at Mercy Hospital South, tackles the next question in Mercy's COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Why bother with a COVID-19 vaccine if there are so many varients?

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Do I need the vaccine if I've already had COVID-19?

Dr. Nicole Sleiman tackles the next question in Mercy's COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Do I need the vaccine if I've already had COVID-19?

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Are there side effects for those with pre-existing conditions?

Dr. Sadaf Sohrab tackles the next question in Mercy's COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Are there side effects for those with pre-existing conditions?

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for expectant mothers?

Dr. Julie Rhee with Vios Fertility Institute at Mercy Hospital St. Louis answers the next question in Mercy's COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: 'Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for expectant mothers?'

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Why Aren't Children Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Dr. Bradley W. Ornstein with Mercy Clinic Children's Infectious Disease and Rheumatology - St. Louis answers the next question in Mercy's COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: 'Why aren't children receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?'

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Understanding Apprehension After Tuskegee

Like many health care workers, Dr. Damian Findlay has both treated COVID-19 patients and battled it himself. And as a graduate of Tuskegee University, Dr. Findlay worked as a research assistant and met survivors of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study and their family members. They were extremely vocal about their hesitation to participate in any type of research because they felt betrayed by the scientific community. That study, along with many other heinous and unethical occurrences throughout history, has led many to mistrust our health care system.

How Much Does the COVID-19 Vaccine Cost?

David Fortner, vice president of operations at Mercy Hospital Northwest Arkansas, clears the air about the financial obligations (spoiler alert: it's free) surrounding the COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Why is there a Push for People of Color to Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Dr. Sadaf Sohrab tackles the fourth question in Mercy's COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Why is there a push for people of color to get the COVID-19 vaccine? If you have a question specific to this diversity series that you'd like to see answered, please email it to [email protected].

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Can I stop taking safety precautions after vaccination?

Dr. Terri Morris, DNP, ANP-BC, tackles the third question in Mercy's COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Can I stop taking safety precautions after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Which Vaccine is Recommended for Me?

Dr. Aamina Akhtar, chief medical officer at Mercy Hospital South, tackles the second question in Mercy's COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series. What are the differences between the Pfizer/Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines - and which is recommended?

Status Check: How Are First-Round Vaccinated People Doing?

Dr. Shateel Sharma, chairman of Gastroenterology at Mercy Hospital Washington, encourages the COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 Vaccine Diversity Series: Why Was the Vaccine Produced So Quickly?

Ursula Wright, a Mercy nurse practitioner, kicks off Mercy's new series aimed at answering frequently asked questions and concerns from underrepresented parts of our communities. The first, and most common question, is 'Why was the vaccine produced so quickly?' If you have a question you'd like to be answered, send it to [email protected].

Should Pregnant Women Get the Vaccine?

Ali Hellebusch, RN, Mercy Hospital Washington, is pregnant with her fourth child and shares why she chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Who Should I Trust When it Comes to COVID-19 Vaccine Information?

Dr. Alice Mankin, family medicine physician with Mercy Clinic Primary Care in Edmond, Oklahoma, talks about who you can trust when it come to COVID-19 vaccine information.

Why Should I Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?

Dr. Mayrol Juarez, critical care physician and vice president of hospital-based services at Mercy Hospital Springfield, answers why you should be vaccinated when it's offered to you.

Can the COVID-19 Vaccine Make Me Sick?

Mercy Kids Dr. Alison Curfman, emergency medicine physician in St. Louis, talks about why some people experience symptoms after the COVID-19 vaccine and what it means.

Will the COVID-19 Vaccine Work on the New Strains of Coronavirus?

Dr. Aamina Akhtar, infectious disease physician and chief medical officer at Mercy Hospital South, talks about how viruses mutate, what we know currently and why the vaccine is still important. Note: Dr. Akhtar recorded her interview independently, hence no mask was needed.

It's important to note, public vaccine distribution will vary by state and county. We'll keep you updated about vaccine availability as information becomes available. It's recommended that Mercy patients create a MyMercy account, if you don't already have one, and download the free MyMercy app to receive updates from your Mercy provider.

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Determine your eligibility and submit a request to receive your state-provided COVID-19 vaccine through Mercy.

Media Contacts

Bethany Pope
St. Louis, St. Charles, St. Louis - South, Troy, Festus
Phone: (314) 251-4472
Page:(314) 251-6000
Twitter: @mercysaintlouis

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems for four consecutive years by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercyis one of the nation's most highly integrated, multi-state health care systems, includingmore than 40 acute care, managed and specialty (heart, children's, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, convenient urgent care locations, imaging centers and pharmacies. Mercy has 900 physician practices and outpatient facilities, more than 4,000 Mercy Clinic physicians and advanced practitioners and 40,000-plus co-workersserving patients and families across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.In addition, Mercy's IT division, Mercy Technology Services, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients from coast to coast.