About this episode
Now, 12 months from the start of this pandemic, vaccines are rolling out. Whether you're eligible in your state or not you may still be wondering if it's the right thing to do, or what to expect. This episode is nothing but a discussion. It's firsthand recount of participation in a study from an expert with the ability to interpret the science. She's also a mom, wife, sister, daughter who wants the same thing we all want. My Guest Polly Murphy was trained as a Veterinarian and has a PhD in Veterinary Pathology plus an MBA. She has nearly 30 years in the Biotech/Pharma/Academia world, including working directly with many of the people at Pfizer who worked on the Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine. She retired from Pfizer in August and thus was eligible to be in the Pfizer COVID19 vaccine trial. She’s currently on the Board of Directors of a company that has an oral treatment in clinical studies for COVID19. She does not profit from people getting vaccines. In her words: “Ironically, I would do better financially if people don't get them [vaccines], but what I really want is this to be over, so my finances are irrelevant to the way I think about it. But I do spend many hours each week reading original documents like clinical studies and information from government agencies regarding COVID19. That said, I am NOT a physician and am only stating the logic I give my friends and family. People can do with it what they'd like. I'm making no recommendations.” Questions we cover in this episode: You were in a recent study, so before we dive into this, tell us about it, how you got selected to participate and details about the study. Isn't taking the vaccine risky, since we don't know what the long term side effects are? Why can't I rely on others to get the vaccine to build herd immunity? What would your answer be to a friend, who hypothetically was traveling – without having had the vaccination at this point – to see family members who have been vaccinated? “Just trying to help in whatever way I can for us to get to the other side of this terrible pandemic.” – Polly Murphy Are you asking, Should I get the vaccine? That’s not the question. My guest responds, "The question is do I take this risk on a vaccine with unknown side effects (as all vaccines have) or on a virus that’s known to cause long term cardio myopathy (heart damage), or death?" The news since my conversation with Polly: I had second thoughts about my trip, was able to schedule both doses of my vaccine, and am traveling to a family wedding. I'll mask and shield my eyes before I enter the airport until I'm in my rental car. The right exercise does boost immunity. STRONGER is open for enrollment a few times a year.