Ochsner doctors say they will take COVID vaccine as they learn more about it

BATON ROUGE, La (BRPROUD) – Doctors are clearing up any misconceptions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Confidence coming from two Ochsner Health doctors on the COVID-19 vaccine. During a Facebook Live Friday, they said they would take the vaccine once it is available.

“I feel like the vaccine is safe. It’s affective. We know more about it than we did a few weeks ago,” said Dr. Katherine Baumgarten.

We know the Pfizer vaccine will most likely be the one to come to Louisiana first. People in our state took part in that vaccine trial. The limited supply will go out in four phases starting with healthcare workers, first responders, and people in nursing homes. The Pfizer vaccine will be given in two doses, 21 or 28 days apart.

Dr. Baumgarten explained, “That follow-up vaccine is important. The reason they do that follow-up vaccine is to kind of boost the immune system, but also when they study it early on they try to figure out what method or how much of that vaccine they need to produce good responses.”

Doctors said the side effects are like with any other vaccine including arm pain and possible fatigue. Although a vaccine could be in Louisiana soon, doctors warn, don’t put away your mask.

“Continue masking,” said Dr. Robert Hart.

“Personal responsibility. Really making sure that you’re doing the things you can to protect your loved ones and to protect others that may be vulnerable to this because it’s still going on,” added Dr. Baumgarten.”

The Pfizer vaccine is up for FDA approval on December 10th. Doctors hope Louisiana will get it by the end of the month.

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