mRNA COVID-19 Vaccinations

Dr. Shannon Evans, DO, IFMCP • January 5, 2021

This blog is based on the research that is currently available as of 1/3/2021.


I have had a lot of questions from patients about the mRNA COVID vaccinations. First, I want to start off with you knowing where I am coming from. I spent several years as a family medicine physician and received additional training in functional medicine. My goal in life is for everyone to choose their plan of care after they know all the benefits, potential risks and side effects to anything they do! I want everyone to be able to make an informed decision about their health journey!


So here is what we know so far…


COVID-19 mRNA (messenger RNA) vaccinations by Pfizer and Moderna both have emergency use authorization from the FDA. First off, let me explain what emergency use authorization means: The FDA decided that the current studies and circumstances of the pandemic justify the emergency use of these vaccinations and that the benefits of the vaccine outweighs the risks. These vaccinations are a new technology for human vaccinations. All of the previous vaccinations are usually antigens such as inactivated or weak viruses.


The goal of the mRNA vaccine is to teach the human cells how to make a protein or a piece of a protein that triggers an immune response. So, in other words the mRNA is like a blueprint for the cells to follow in order to make a protein that will trigger an immune response in the body—causing antibodies to be made and protect the body from getting infected if exposed to COVID-19. The specific protein that was targeted for the COVID-19 vaccination is referred to as the spike protein.


Per the scientific studies, messenger RNA does not enter the nucleus of the cell where the body’s genetic material or DNA is kept. The cell breaks down and gets rid of the mRNA soon after it is finished using the blueprint or instructions from the mRNA.


The Specific Steps to How the COVID-19 Vaccines Work:



✅ mRNA has a lipid nanoparticle coat surrounding it to be able to enter into the human cell


✅ Once the mRNA is inside the cell, the cell uses these mRNA instructions or blueprints to make a protein piece—specifically the spike protein piece.

✅ After this protein is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them.

✅ Then the cell displays the protein piece on the cell’s surface and the goal is for the immune system to see that protein piece and realize that this protein piece is foreign to the human body and does not belong! The goal is for the immune system to then start an immune response to this protein and make antibodies against this protein piece.

✅ At the end of the process, the ultimate goal is for the human body to have learned how to protect against future infection.


Guess what? With any vaccine we have to rely on the immune system to do it’s job properly! So, if the immune system isn’t working properly, this process might not occur, which can be the case in some individuals who are immunocompromised.



What is in the COVID-19 vaccinations?


Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine contains: a total lipid content of 1.93 mg (SM-102, polyethylene glycol [PEG] 2000 dimyristoyl glycerol [DMG], cholesterol, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine [DSPC]), 0.31 mg tromethamine, 1.18 mg tromethamine hydrochloride, 0.043 mg acetic acid, 0.12 mg sodium acetate, and 43.5 mg sucrose.


Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 contains: a nucleoside-modified messenger RNA (modRNA) encoding the viral spike glycoprotein (S) of SARS-CoV-2, lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2- hexyldecanoate), 2-[(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-distearoyl-sn- glycero-3-phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose.


If someone has known allergies to PEG (polyethylene glycol) or polysorbate, they should NOT get the vaccination! Polysorbate is not an ingredient in the mRNA vaccinations, but is closely related to PEG, which is in the mRNA vaccinations.


If you have never heard of PEG or polyethylene glycol it is not a new synthetic ingredient. It can be found in skin care, other hygiene products, foods and medications.



Potential Side Effects/Adverse reactions:

Moderna reported side effects:

  • Injection site reactions (pain, tenderness, swelling of the lymph nodes in the same arm, swelling, redness
  • General: fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, nausea, vomiting or fever

Pfizer-BioNTech reported side effects:
  • Injection site reactions: pain, swelling, redness
  • General: fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain or fever, nausea, “feeling unwell”, swollen lymph nodes

*With any vaccination or medication there is always a potential risk for severe allergic reactions.



    What ages are approved for vaccinations?

    Moderna : Individuals 18 years or older


    Pfizer: Individuals 16 years or older



    Mutations?

    Mutations occur when an error is incorporated in the viral genome. This can cause the COVID-19 virus to look differently and/or act differently. In RNA viruses (COVID is a RNA virus), mutations can occur frequently and can occur as often as one mutation per virus genome copy.


    Per the CDC, multiple mutations of the COVID-19 virus emerged leading to different variants in the fall of 2020. One of the most notable was in the UK that had several mutations including mutation in the spike protein.


    Why keep track of the variant strains of COVID-19?


    Some of the potential consequences of variant strains can lead to:

    ✅ Ability to spread more quickly

    ✅ Ability to cause either milder or more severe disease

    ✅ Can make it more difficult to detect by current diagnostic studies used

    ✅ Decreased susceptibility to therapeutic agents—May need to find different treatment

    ✅ Ability to evade natural or vaccine-induced immunity



    The mRNA vaccinations for COVID-19 were made based on the spike protein. So if there are mutations to the spike protein, the spike protein is going to look different. Are our immune systems going to recognize these variant spike proteins? Is the vaccination going to be effective for the variant strains of COVID-19?



    What is the time frame for when the vaccination becomes effective?

    The current clinic trials with Moderna and Pfizer have tested for COVID-19 antibodies 7 days after individuals have received the second dose of the vaccinations.


    Should I get the vaccination if I have an autoimmune condition?

    As of 12/29/2020, per the CDC no data is available on the safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals with autoimmune conditions.


    What about individuals with chronic conditions?

    Currently there is limited data on individuals with chronic conditions due to the small amount of participates that were in the clinic trials for the mRNA vaccinations.


    As of 12/29/2020, per the CDC, people with chronic medical conditions may receive the vaccination after informed consent.


    What are the other possible side effects?


    Is this vaccine safe for everyone?


    How long is the efficacy?


    Will this work on mutated COVID-19 strains?



    There are still a lot of unanswered questions. More questions will be answered as more individuals obtain the vaccinations and there is a longer time period to collect the data.



    As 2020 has shown, COVID-19 can be very debilitating and deadly for some individuals. COVID-19 has put a huge burden on the wonderful, hardworking healthcare workers that are working tirelessly in the hospitals. COVID-19 for most individuals has shown to cause mild to moderate symptoms. There are also individuals that have a lot of issues after having COVID-19—the long haulers.


    A lot of people have found 2020 to be a wakeup call. Taking care of yourself and keeping self care a priority is important in staying healthy and having a well balanced immune system!


    References:

    https://www.fda.gov/media/144245/download?fbclid=IwAR3HTjXfsTEalU4SjKR-llW7wObhf1Cg9moplmmqf1iPDfvV0CIvY-I0c5E

    https://reference.medscape.com/drug/bnt-162b2-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-mRNA-pfizer-4000140?src=WNL_infoc_201219_MSCPEDIT_evidence&uac=132365HY&impID=2745060&faf=1#6

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html

    https://www.modernatx.com/covid19vaccine-eua/

    https://www.fda.gov/media/144638/download

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/science-and-research/scientific-brief-emerging-variants.html

    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK8439/

    https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/underlying-conditions.html

    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2213219818308237

    By Dr. Shannon Evans, DO, IFMCP June 13, 2025
    I am sure you know that diabetics pay close attention to their blood sugar or blood glucose levels. In my opinion, I think everyone should know if their blood sugar is balanced or not! First off, let’s talk about what your blood sugar level is: A blood sugar level or otherwise known as blood glucose is the amount of sugar or glucose in your blood. Sugar comes from carbohydrates in food and drinks you put into your body. Sugar or glucose is your body’s main source of energy. Your blood can carry sugar all over your body. Your liver can also release stored glucose, if your body needs some energy. How does your liver get glucose? Your liver can get the glucose you ate from your gut, specifically your intestines and then stores it. Your liver does so many important things and this is just one of many! What are the benefits to having a continuously balanced blood sugar level? •Great way to help with optimizing your health and healing your body! •Steady energy throughout the day. •Better focus and memory •Stable mood •Better sleep •Hormone balance including adrenals, thyroid and sex hormones •Stress resilience •Nervous system more balanced and less likely to be stuck in fight or flight mode •Organs functioning optimally •Optimal metabolism •Less inflammation •Improved immune function •Better resilience Testing to find out about your blood sugar level: 1- Finger stick test . You get a drop of blood from your finger, put the drop of blood on a test strip, then put the test strip in the glucose meter and within seconds you find out what your blood glucose is at that current point in time. 2- Lab draw taken from your vein . This also tells you at the current time what your blood sugar level is. This is more accurate than a finger stick test. 3- Hemoglobin A1c test . This can be obtained with a lab draw or finger stick test. This tells you what your average sugar level is for a 3 month period. What we are looking for with this test is how much sugar is hanging off of your red blood cells and this will give you a clue about your average sugar level for a 3 month period. For the typical person, your red blood cells last a total of 3 months in your body. 4- Continuous glucose monitor . You wear a sensor this is usually placed on the back of your arm for ~10-14 days to continuously measure your sugar level 24/7 using an app on your phone or a reader. What are the drawbacks to each test: 1-Finger stick test is not always accurate and is only giving you a one time snap shot of what your sugar level is doing currently. 2-Lab draw is pretty accurate but is also only giving you a one time snap shot of what your sugar level is doing currently. 3-Hemoglobin A1c test. It sounds like a great test because you are getting info about a three month period. But the problem is, you are getting the average, you are not seeing if there are highs or lows. 4-CGM (continuous glucose monitor). Not always accurate. Sensors sometimes malfunction. Certain things can throw off the readings such as going thru a metal detector, laying on your arm that has the sensor or being in a hot environment like a sauna, hot tub or bath. What is the best way to see if your blood sugar level is balanced? With the technology that is currently available, I am a big fan of continuous glucose monitors . This is a way we can get the most thorough data about what your sugar level is doing 24/7 for 10-14 days. You will be able to see if your blood sugar is actually balanced 24/7. This means you don’t want to see ups and downs. You want your blood sugar to be balanced—as close to a straight line as possible 24/7. You will also be able to see if certain foods raise your blood sugar. Guess what? In conventional medicine there is a list of foods that are suppose to increase your sugar level. What I have found partnering with patients and looking at their data from their CGMs is that every one is unique and an individual and responds differently to different foods. You will find out what foods increase your blood sugar levels. You will also be able to see how your body responds to simple and complex carbohydrates. For a lot of people, if you don’t have protein and some fat before eating carbs, this can also raise your blood sugar level and put your sugar level out of balance. The amount of carbs also matter. Some people can get away with eating more carbs than others. You will also get the answer about how much your body likes in terms of carbs. You will also get to see if you have any symptoms or your body feels a certain way, if you have low blood sugars or high blood sugars. In conventional medicine, there is a list of symptoms for low and a certain list of symptoms for high blood sugars—but guess what? You are an individual and unique, so your symptoms maybe different than what the “typical symptoms” are. If your body feels stressed, this also affects your blood sugar level. So if you get stressed or angry at someone, you will likely see your blood sugar level increase. If you are exercising too hard and it is too stressful on your body, you can also see an elevation in your sugar level. You may also not feel when you are high or low. What does having a balanced blood sugar look like based on the numbers? Conventional Medicine has outlined what the criteria is for blood sugar numbers that are in prediabetic range or diabetic range, which is helpful. My goal for you is to work towards optimal range for blood sugar levels and have a balanced blood sugar level 24/7, so your body can work optimal! Here is what I have found to be the best ranges for an optimal blood sugar level after working with patients over the years: Fasting blood sugar: 80’s to mid 90’s mg/dL. For some individuals, mid 70’s is optimal. After eating blood sugar or post prandial blood sugar level: I have found that the most optimized patients with a balanced blood sugar level increase their blood sugar no more than 10 mg/dL from their pre-meal blood sugar level. It is okay to have blood sugar level highest before bed even up to 100, since you will not be eating all night and don’t want your blood sugar level plummeting while sleeping. Studies are currently being conducted to figure out what the optimal levels of blood glucose levels should be. It has only been in the last few years that continuous glucose monitors have been available for non-diabetic patients, so as we learn more and continue to conduct more studies, eventually we will have better evidence and wisdom. What the current studies are showing is that optimal levels for fasting blood glucose should be less than 110 mg/dL and after eating the blood sugar should not increase more than 30 mg/dL from pre-meal blood sugar level. Just like everything in life, you don’t want too little or too much when it comes to your blood sugar level—you want it in balance! Are you concerned about your health or a loved one's health and not sure where to begin? Schedule a FREE 15 minute strategy call with New Beginnings. Schedule online or call 970-305-0101. References: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/12363-blood-glucose-test https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5293555/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555976/ https://www.levels.com/blog/what-should-my-glucose-levels-be-ultimate-guide
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    By Dr. Shannon Evans, DO, IFMCP June 13, 2025
    I am sure you know that diabetics pay close attention to their blood sugar or blood glucose levels. In my opinion, I think everyone should know if their blood sugar is balanced or not! First off, let’s talk about what your blood sugar level is: A blood sugar level or otherwise known as blood glucose is the amount of sugar or glucose in your blood. Sugar comes from carbohydrates in food and drinks you put into your body. Sugar or glucose is your body’s main source of energy. Your blood can carry sugar all over your body. Your liver can also release stored glucose, if your body needs some energy. How does your liver get glucose? Your liver can get the glucose you ate from your gut, specifically your intestines and then stores it. Your liver does so many important things and this is just one of many! What are the benefits to having a continuously balanced blood sugar level? •Great way to help with optimizing your health and healing your body! •Steady energy throughout the day. •Better focus and memory •Stable mood •Better sleep •Hormone balance including adrenals, thyroid and sex hormones •Stress resilience •Nervous system more balanced and less likely to be stuck in fight or flight mode •Organs functioning optimally •Optimal metabolism •Less inflammation •Improved immune function •Better resilience Testing to find out about your blood sugar level: 1- Finger stick test . You get a drop of blood from your finger, put the drop of blood on a test strip, then put the test strip in the glucose meter and within seconds you find out what your blood glucose is at that current point in time. 2- Lab draw taken from your vein . This also tells you at the current time what your blood sugar level is. This is more accurate than a finger stick test. 3- Hemoglobin A1c test . This can be obtained with a lab draw or finger stick test. This tells you what your average sugar level is for a 3 month period. What we are looking for with this test is how much sugar is hanging off of your red blood cells and this will give you a clue about your average sugar level for a 3 month period. For the typical person, your red blood cells last a total of 3 months in your body. 4- Continuous glucose monitor . You wear a sensor this is usually placed on the back of your arm for ~10-14 days to continuously measure your sugar level 24/7 using an app on your phone or a reader. What are the drawbacks to each test: 1-Finger stick test is not always accurate and is only giving you a one time snap shot of what your sugar level is doing currently. 2-Lab draw is pretty accurate but is also only giving you a one time snap shot of what your sugar level is doing currently. 3-Hemoglobin A1c test. It sounds like a great test because you are getting info about a three month period. But the problem is, you are getting the average, you are not seeing if there are highs or lows. 4-CGM (continuous glucose monitor). Not always accurate. Sensors sometimes malfunction. Certain things can throw off the readings such as going thru a metal detector, laying on your arm that has the sensor or being in a hot environment like a sauna, hot tub or bath. What is the best way to see if your blood sugar level is balanced? With the technology that is currently available, I am a big fan of continuous glucose monitors . This is a way we can get the most thorough data about what your sugar level is doing 24/7 for 10-14 days. You will be able to see if your blood sugar is actually balanced 24/7. This means you don’t want to see ups and downs. You want your blood sugar to be balanced—as close to a straight line as possible 24/7. You will also be able to see if certain foods raise your blood sugar. Guess what? In conventional medicine there is a list of foods that are suppose to increase your sugar level. What I have found partnering with patients and looking at their data from their CGMs is that every one is unique and an individual and responds differently to different foods. You will find out what foods increase your blood sugar levels. You will also be able to see how your body responds to simple and complex carbohydrates. For a lot of people, if you don’t have protein and some fat before eating carbs, this can also raise your blood sugar level and put your sugar level out of balance. The amount of carbs also matter. Some people can get away with eating more carbs than others. You will also get the answer about how much your body likes in terms of carbs. You will also get to see if you have any symptoms or your body feels a certain way, if you have low blood sugars or high blood sugars. In conventional medicine, there is a list of symptoms for low and a certain list of symptoms for high blood sugars—but guess what? You are an individual and unique, so your symptoms maybe different than what the “typical symptoms” are. If your body feels stressed, this also affects your blood sugar level. So if you get stressed or angry at someone, you will likely see your blood sugar level increase. If you are exercising too hard and it is too stressful on your body, you can also see an elevation in your sugar level. You may also not feel when you are high or low. What does having a balanced blood sugar look like based on the numbers? Conventional Medicine has outlined what the criteria is for blood sugar numbers that are in prediabetic range or diabetic range, which is helpful. My goal for you is to work towards optimal range for blood sugar levels and have a balanced blood sugar level 24/7, so your body can work optimal! Here is what I have found to be the best ranges for an optimal blood sugar level after working with patients over the years: Fasting blood sugar: 80’s to mid 90’s mg/dL. For some individuals, mid 70’s is optimal. After eating blood sugar or post prandial blood sugar level: I have found that the most optimized patients with a balanced blood sugar level increase their blood sugar no more than 10 mg/dL from their pre-meal blood sugar level. It is okay to have blood sugar level highest before bed even up to 100, since you will not be eating all night and don’t want your blood sugar level plummeting while sleeping. Studies are currently being conducted to figure out what the optimal levels of blood glucose levels should be. It has only been in the last few years that continuous glucose monitors have been available for non-diabetic patients, so as we learn more and continue to conduct more studies, eventually we will have better evidence and wisdom. What the current studies are showing is that optimal levels for fasting blood glucose should be less than 110 mg/dL and after eating the blood sugar should not increase more than 30 mg/dL from pre-meal blood sugar level. Just like everything in life, you don’t want too little or too much when it comes to your blood sugar level—you want it in balance! Are you concerned about your health or a loved one's health and not sure where to begin? Schedule a FREE 15 minute strategy call with New Beginnings. Schedule online or call 970-305-0101. References: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/12363-blood-glucose-test https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5293555/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555976/ https://www.levels.com/blog/what-should-my-glucose-levels-be-ultimate-guide
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