Email Us (586) 276-7530

South Macomb Internal Medicine

Warren, MI

vaccinations

The Vaccine Is Becoming Available To All & Here Is Why You Should Get It

March 24th, 2021

By Dr. Scot Goldberg, MD

A year into the pandemic we are finally in the home stretch in terms of the vaccination rollout and getting back to a lasting bit of normalcy.  We clearly can’t let our guard down just yet with the virus currently surging in Michigan – and that’s not just some “disclaimer” – that’s serious.

But having said that the vaccine rollout is indeed rolling out – as of today 6000 doses per day are being administered just at Ford Field alone.  So we came across a great article about the vaccine(s) and with permission from the author I want to share it here and point out a few things.

The Vaccine Is Becoming Available To All & Here Is Why You Should Get It

Vaccine Is Becoming Available

 

So here is the article I’m referring to:

I’m a Doctor This is the #1 Worst Mistake You Could Make Right Now

Click the link above and give it a read.  The “mistake” is not getting the vaccine.  The doctor is Deborah Lee, MD.
This was written in February as the vaccine rollout was beginning but before it was available to vast segments of the population like it is now, so it bears repeating at this moment since more of us are able to get it.
The first few reasons are general facts about vaccines – they save lives, can eradicate diseases or at limit greatly viral infections from them and keep us from getting infected at all.  We know this.  Smallpox was wiped off the planet with a vaccine.
Every one of Dr. Lee’s 14 main points in this article are well put and important for you to read, including addressing folks who are immunocompromised and vaccine safety basics, but in the age of social media and sources of misinformation we want to call particular attention to number 11: “Debunking Vaccine Myths”.  Some of these myths are more ludicrous than others and we’ve seen worse – even in the comments of our own posts on Facebook once in a while!
Here is point #11 – from the article with permission:

Debunking Vaccine Myths

There are a whole host of incorrect facts being bandied about regarding the COVID vaccine. Please take a look at the following statements and rest assured these are all telling the truth:

  • The COVID vaccine will not change your DNA
  • The COVID vaccine does not contain material from a dead fetus
  • The COVID vaccine does not contain heavy metals
  • The COVID vaccine does not contain  a microchip
  • Vaccines are not a cause of autism
  • Just because the vaccine was produced in record time does not mean its not safe

If you want more details about all these points see this extremely eloquent post by Chris York at The Huffington Post.

So please, make an appointment.  Get the vaccine.  For your health and your protection.  For your fellow humans.  For the greater good and a back to normal life for all of us.

***************************************************************************************************************************

South Macomb Internal Medicine

28401 Hoover Rd.  Warren, Michigan 48093

Phone: (586) 276-7530

South Macomb Internal Medicine has been designated a Patient Centered Medical Home by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/SMIMdoc for updates, articles and fun!

Call us and ask to be added to our email newsletter that comes out every couple weeks!

Telehealth and virtual appointments are still available as well as nutritional services with Nanette Cameron, RDN. Don’t forget to ask us for a $25 gift certificate along with a copy of Nanette Cameron’s cookbook The Perfect Day for trying dietary services with Nanette the first time for patients who have insurance coverage! Nanette is also available virtually!

Feel free to click on the categories and keywords below to find more content as we add more to the website!

 

Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine, Feeling Good and Ready to Care For You All!

January 8th, 2021

COVID-19 Vaccine

We wanted to check in with an update to let you know as of this writing that Dr. Goldberg is two weeks and two days out from his first COVID-19 vaccine shot and he’s doing great!

COVID-19 Vaccine

 

That’s our guy!!!.

He had soreness in his left arm for one day which is actually a good thing.  A little soreness shows that the vaccine caused an inflammatory reaction – and that it’s working.  Otherwise he has been doing very well, and his second and final shot is next Wednesday!

We’re all getting the COVID-19 Vaccine!

Additionally Ascension sent an email that ALL associates and their staff can now come in for vaccines and so all of our South Macomb Internal Medicine Staff have been invited to get vaccinated!

COVID-19 Vaccine

 

We’re back OPEN and fully operational at the office – ready to serve and ready to care for you!  Better days ahead.  Everyone stay safe, masked, social distanced and well!

Stay tuned for updates and we’ll see you soon!

***************************************************************************************************************************

South Macomb Internal Medicine

28401 Hoover Rd.  Warren, Michigan 48093

Phone: (586) 276-7530

South Macomb Internal Medicine has been designated a Patient Centered Medical Home by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/SMIMdoc for updates, articles and fun!

Call us and ask to be added to our email newsletter that comes out every couple weeks!

Telehealth and virtual appointments are still available as well as nutritional services with Nanette Cameron, RDN. Don’t forget to ask us for a $25 gift certificate along with a copy of Nanette Cameron’s cookbook The Perfect Day for trying dietary services with Nanette the first time for patients who have insurance coverage! Nanette is also available virtually!

Feel free to click on the categories and keywords below to find more content as we add more to the website!

An Update on COVID-19 and Some Answers To Your Vaccine Questions

December 17th, 2020

By Dr. Scot Goldberg, MD

Hello all!  So the situation around the COVID-19 pandemic remains fluid indeed.  We know this has been and continues to be tough on everyone and we aren’t exempt from that by any means – we are all in this together.  But we are hopeful with vaccines now being distributed and we are proud that they are being produced in and shipped from Pfizer in Michigan!  Are we at the actual end of this pandemic?  No.  Is there light at the end of the tunnel?  We say yes!

Vaccine

I have received numerous requests for information regarding the vaccine from many of you.  I have also received numerous emails from Ascension which is the hospital I am most affiliated with and although the coronavirus vaccine is getting into into Macomb County, it appears that it will first be delivered into the hospitals and given to front line workers such as in the ER, ICU and COVID floors.  Certainly this makes sense.  The people treating those with the virus and being exposed need to be protected.

Some Details On The COVID-19 Vaccine

Due to the logistics of storing the vaccine and the increased education needed for those that administer it I do not anticipate that we will be giving the vaccine out of our office.  I also anticipate that it will indeed still be several months for the doctors offices and the general population to get their vaccines as well, so we need to continue to make wise and safe choices individually per the CDC guidelines – all of us.  I do expect nursing homes and assisted care facilities that have high risk patients and staff to receive vaccines before our office and the general public receives theirs.

So as tough as this year has been, we need to be patient!  Easier said than done sure, but stay focused on the fact that this will indeed be temporary.  We will get through this and we hope that blog posts like these will be fascinating to read a few years from now in a “remember when” kind of way.  Stay safe everyone!  Call us when you need us – we are here to help.

***************************************************************************************************************************

South Macomb Internal Medicine

28401 Hoover Rd.  Warren, Michigan 48093

Phone: (586) 276-7530

South Macomb Internal Medicine has been designated a Patient Centered Medical Home by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.

Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/SMIMdoc!

Feel free to click on the categories and keywords below to find more content as we add more to the website!

Flu Vaccinations 101

How do flu vaccines work?

Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in the body, which provide protection against infection. It takes the antibodies approximately two weeks to develop. The vaccine contains a tiny amount of the virus that the body needs to fight. This tiny amount spurs the body to develop those antibodies.

Every year, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that are anticipated to be most common during the upcoming season based on scientific research.

Traditional flu vaccines are made to protect against three flu viruses;

1.    an influenza A (H1N1) virus,

2.    an influenza A (H3N2) virus,

3.    an influenza B virus.

Why should people get flu vaccinations?

People think of the flu quite lightly.  Actually, the flu is the Influenza virus and can be a potentially serious disease that can can lead to hospitalization or even death. The spread of the flu virus is seasonal and every season is different. The influenza infection can also affect people differently, some can be only slightly ill and some seriously.  Millions of people get infected with influenza every year and hundreds of thousands of people are hospitalized. Unfortunately tens of thousands of people die from flu-related causes every year. Vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalizations and flu-related death in children.

Are any of the available flu vaccines recommended over others?

Although there are various types of influenza vaccines, the Center for Disease Control doesn’t distinguish that one is better than another during the current flu season. Any licensed, age-appropriate influenza vaccine is recommended. This can change from year to year and it is advisable to check with the CDC or your physician’s office annually about the recommended age and type of vaccination.

Who should get vaccinated this season and who should not?

Typically it is recommended that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu vaccine every season. This recommendation has been in place since February 24, 2010 when the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted for “universal” flu vaccination in the United States to expand protection against the flu to more people. For example, people who are at high risk of serious complications from influenza are strongly urged to get a flu vaccination, as it may be very important to prevent influenza for them.

There are some instances when a flu vaccine is contraindicated, or not recommended, and some instances where a vaccination is strongly recommended. Different flu vaccines are approved for use in different age groups. In addition, some vaccines are not recommended for certain groups.  Furthermore, those who live with people with compromised immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or who have other reasons for a compromised immune system. Factors that can determine a person’s suitability for vaccination, or vaccination with a particular vaccine, include a person’s age, health (current and past) and any allergies to flu vaccine or its components.

If you are unsure whether or not to get a flu vaccine, ask your doctor.

When is the best time to get a flu vaccination?

Before the flu virus begins to spread in your area you should get a flu vaccination. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu to develop in the body. The CDC generally recommends that people get a flu vaccine by the end of October.  Vaccines are offered however, even into the month of January as they are considered beneficial throughout the season.

In cases where two vaccinations are required (with some children’s vaccines), it is best to vaccinate early as two to four weeks are required between the injections.