COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A with Brian Thomas Fletcher, MD

John Busby, Managing Director for #TheSeniorList.com, interviews Brian Thomas Fletcher, MD about our questions regarding #COVID-19 and vaccines. Brian Thomas Fletcher, MD is an emergency medicine physician in Los Angeles, California, and has been in practice for over 15 years. Time Stamps 0:00 Intro to Dr. Brian Thomas Fletcher, MD 3:51 Why did you decide to go into medicine? 5:44 What has life been like at the hospital for the last 12 months? 7:34 How would you describe the state of COVID-19 in the U.S.? 9:30 Have you had the vaccine yourself and if so, did it hurt? 10:36 Why as an emergency room physician did you decide to get the shot and what is the overall role of vaccines? 11:37 You can still get whatever the disease it is, but the vaccine makes it less severe. 12:40 Since COVID is so bad in California, why is the governor opening things up? 13:00 Why are the side effects of the second COVID-19 vaccine worse? 15:15 Is one vaccine better than the other? And can we pick which vaccine we get? 19:20 If a person has an autoimmune disease, does the COVID-19 vaccine interfere with that? 19:43 Is it advisable to get tested after the second dose to see if you have enough antibodies? 22:13 If you have an autoimmune issue, would the COVID-19 vaccine make it worse? 23:03 If you have already had COVID-19, should you still get the vaccine? 23:49 Will people have to have an annual COVID-19 vaccine as we do for the flu? 25:49 I have an allergic reaction to penicillin, have there been any fatal reactions to the vaccine? 27:33 Is there a linkage to side effects in people who have diseases like Parkinson's? 28:53 If someone gets a vaccine, can they still transmit COVID-19? 31:05 How effective is the vaccine and how long will immunity last? 32:18 Can you get the first dose in one state and receive the second dose in another state? 33:24 How are experts sure you can't contract COVID-19 through dining experiences and why is outdoor dining transmission lower than having a party at my house? 34:51 Is the rapid antigen test better than the PCR test? And are there other types of tests? 39:43 Does your hospital have enough PPE? 40:40 I had previous COVID-19 symptoms, how do I know if I had it? How do you test for COVID-19 antibodies? 41:43 Why are the COVID-19 mutations described as more contagious? 43:27 There is no vaccine for kids- What do you think about kids and sports and when kids will get the vaccine? 45:41 I have heard of a very quick COVID-19 test where you prick your finger and it’s a blood test, is it very accurate? 47:17 After we get both COVID-19 vaccine doses, what should we expect? Are we safe to go our or should we wait for everyone to get vaccinated? 49:26 Is there any evidence you can contract COVID-19 through food or drink? Learn more on our website: https://www.theseniorlist.com Subscribe to our YouTube channel:    / @theseniorlist   Related Links Survey Reveals Seniors’ Concerns and Plans For COVID-19 Vaccine: https://www.theseniorlist.com/medicat... Senior Isolation Peaking as the Holiday Season Begins — Nearly Half Say They’re Lonelier Since COVID-19:https://www.theseniorlist.com/home-ca... Senior Marital and Domestic Partner Relationships During COVID: https://www.theseniorlist.com/home-ca... Senior Discounts and Assistance During COVID-19 and 2021: https://www.theseniorlist.com/resourc... How Seniors Are Finding Purpose During COVID-19: https://www.theseniorlist.com/finding... Related Videos Resources for Seniors During COVID-19:    • Resources for Seniors During COVID-19   Seniors and COVID-19: How to keep loved ones safe, healthy, and engaged:    • Seniors and COVID-19: How to keep loved on...   Choosing Senior Housing During COVID-19:    • Choosing Senior Housing During COVID-19