Manuel Bustos (1964)

Hello fellow Vikings,I wish to relate my experience regarding my 2 COVID vaccine.Vaccine was takened Friday, March 5th.A little soreness at injection site,feeling a fatigued later in the day.Once in bed,I started to experience chills.The chills subsided after a short time.Upon wakeing up Sat am,I was feeling weak,difficult to walk to living room.After a bit ,I decided I would chk my temperature,It was 100.4! It remained 100.4 till about 7:30 pm.Then it dropped to 99.5! Decided to go to bed! It is now Sunday am ,temp normal and feeling fine?,

Gail Bills (Bills) (1969)

Nice try Alicia. I appreciate all the A students who have come out of the woodwork to take one for Fauci. Got my second shot of the Moderna vaccine and as far as I can tell, at the wipe old age 69, my pathetic brain in no foggier now than before. I would like to add a couple of quotes to this discussion on the anti & pro vax stances for what it's worth: "two and two make five" (1984 by George Orwell) & "Those who can make you believe absurdities can make you commit atrocities" Voltaire. People are prone to magical-emotional thinking.  Not sure whether the discussion of lipid nanoparticles will change that. As an atheist and skeptic, I don't have a particularly positive view of us humans as a group. The planet would be better off without us. That said, I am partial to the those humans who manage despite the odds to study hard and find wonderful ways to alleviate physical and mental suffering through the humane & ethical application of scientific discoveries. So, I am fully grateful to have the opportunity to avoid a dreadful disease that has brought premature death to 2.59 million people worldwide. May we humans, by our good works, prove to be worth the effort.

Randall Johnese (1968)

I don't have much more to add except to say that this has been a great discussion and Gail, Alicia, Tom and Tim, it's great to hear from old friends!

Alicia Fields Rudnicki (1969)

I hope we can all agree that the bottom line for pharmaceutical companies is making money. They have to make money to stay in business. You can't make money on vaccines if they make everyone's health worse instead of better. Pharmaceutical companies don't design vaccines that would cross the blood-brain barrier, because that would cause neurological damage and nobody would want those products. 

Tom, I don't mean to be insulting, but the study you cite has nothing to do with vaccines. It concerns potential development of NLPs for medications scientists hope to develop that would cross the blood brain barrier to attack neurological diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. So, yes, NLPs can be bioengineered to gain entry to the brain. But that doesn't mean that these medications are on the market or that their kind of NLPs are  in vaccines. 

Randy, you're right. It's good to be in touch with old friends about such an important topic. It's also nice to meet former PHS students I never knew (Carol Truex Young, I particularly appreciated your comment from a longtime nursing perspective; Carol Bohrer-Abbott Mayfield, your compassion shines through; Manuel Bustos, I hope you're feeling lots better). But best of all, I like the crowd-sourcing here about positive Covid-19 vaccine experiences. 

And Gail, I agree to being "fully grateful to have the the opportunity to avoid a dreadful disease."  

James Baldwin (1969)

I agree with Randall.  It is a good discussion from all of those folks.

Here is a link that is a bit more direct about nanoparticles and COVID-19 vaccines from Science Magazine:  https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/12/suspicions-grow-nanoparticles-pfizer-s-covid-19-vaccine-trigger-rare-allergic-reactions.

My summary of the news article is that one of the "ingredients" of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines has been associated with occasional anaphylaxis which occurs at a rate of around one in a million.  So if you have had allergic reactions to shots, you should consult with your doctor.  That question is also asked when you sign up for any of the COVID-19 vaccines.

I had my first Moderna shot two weeks ago and the only effect was a sore upper arm for about a day.

Alicia Fields Rudnicki (1969)

Good article, James Baldwin. Yes, researchers think that the rare anaphylactic allergic reactions (contriction of the throat) to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines may be due to the PEG (polyethylene glycol) that stabilizes the shell of LNPs surrounding the mRNA. PEG is a common ingredient in toothpaste and some foods and drinks as well as cosmetic products. But, once again, in relation to the original question, I've found no evidence that PEG LNP breaks the blood-brain barrier.

The following article from an asthma and allergy organization says that anyone allergic to PEG should avoid the two vaccines, because it's possible that PEG is the source of the breathing reactions. That said, my 74-year-old sister who has been a severe asthmatic for most of her life had little negative response to either her first or second Moderna shots. The one-shot Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is yet to be approved, contains no PEG or mRNA. I have asthma, as well, and didn't have any breathing problems after my first shot.

https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/statement-on-covid-vaccine/

Floyd Michaelson (1967)

Yes, thank you, James Baldwin, for the Science article and thank you Dave Evans for your post. Of Dave's points, this is the one that concerns me the most: "Does anyone know the long-term side-effects associated with these “vaccines”?" Big money, politics and "warp speed"?  

Tom Brody (1969)

One of our fellow Vikings (A.F.) stated that the article that I cited has nothing to do with vaccines.  This is not correct.  The article that I cited was Shankar, Joshi, and Pathak (2018).   Only the abstract is available on the internet (the article itself requires payment).   The abstract states that, "As a result several promising molecules do not reach the target site and fail to produce in vivo response. Nevertheless, lipid nanoparticles (LNP) are taken up readily by the brain because of their lipophilic nature. The bioacceptable and biodegradable nature of lipid nanoparticles (LNP) makes them less toxic and suited for brain targeting."    When taken in the context of other articles on the same topic, it becomes self-evident that the Shankar, Joshi, and Pathak is "right-on-the-money," as far as vaccines are concerned.  I spent an hour finding other articles that, when taken together, can be woven into a story about LNPs being used as vaccines that enter the brain.  I was not able to find an article disclosing the exact same story that A.F. wanted.   But the separate chapters of the story exist.  (1)  Covid virus can enter the brain.  This is the starting chapter of the story that A.F. wants.  I based this statement on, "surface proteins that facilitate SARS-COV-2 binding and entry . . . allowing SARS-COV-2 to spread within the body . . . including the brain" (see, Tsai, Guo, Atai, Gould (2020)  mRNA Delivery for SARS-COV-2 Vaccination).  What this means is that it makes sense to deliver anti-covid vaccines to the brain, because the brain does in fact get infected with covid;  (2) I needed to learn these vocabulary words and abbreviations.  First of all, SARS-COV-2 is the cause of the COVID-19 pandemic.  The abbreviation "CoV" means "coronavirus."  The abbreviation "COVID-19" means, "coronavirus disease 2019."  (3)  Cullis and Hope (2017) Molecular Therapies. 25:1467, states that, "progress made to extend LNP technology to mRNA . . . for vaccine applications is summarized."  Cullis and Hope state that LNP's are easier to work with than other vectors (vectors, such as viruses) for delivering drugs into the brain, because LNPs have less side effects.   The Cullis and Hope article is one of the chapters of the story that provides a complete answer to fellow Viking (A.F.)  (4) Another chapter that is needed to tell the complete story about LNP vaccines comes from Xu, Yang, Li (2020. Int. J. Mol. Sci., Vol. 21, page 6582.  The article states that after injecting the mRNA into a patient, it encodes antigens.  These antigens can stimulate the immune system.  The paper says, "mRNA vaccines can express . . . proteins efficiently because of their expression in the cytoplasm, without need to enter the nucleus."   FOOTNOTE:  A year ago, I told myself that one of my main goals in life is to be influenced by other people.   That is what is happening right now.  Thx, fellow Vikings.

Leslie Lamata (Costa) (1970)

Hello all,

Just wanted to inquire if most of us remember getting the polio vaccine?  I got the sugar cube in 1961 or 1962 or right around that time. I was about 9 or 10. I was in an organization, The Weldonian Band and Majorette Corp. We were on the road traveling in buses coming back from a performance somewhere out of state. We stopped at a school in Oregon to receive our sugar cube. Everyone got it. Everyone! There was no question. Polio was erased. 

Just saying...

Leslie Lamata (Costa) (1970)

Well, I don't view this site too often. I now see many other remarks about the polio vaccine. Did not mean to keep reminding everyone. It is so good to see all of the posts. People I remember seeing in the halls walking to classes at Pacific High. Especially those who made differences at school so their names were prominent. Not too many will remember me. But I remember many! Even those before my age and after my age. Keep talking Pacific High School. Love all the memories. Hope we all will fare well during this tough time in our lives. 

Alicia Fields Rudnicki (1969)

Leslie, I remember large polio vaccination events and being scared of needles at the time. I was so grateful when the sugar cube oral vaccine became available. I also remember enjoying the Weldonians during hometown parades. Thanks for the pleasant memory. Edited to say: By "pleasant," I'm talking about the Weldonians.

Michele Ferrantino (1971)

I'm getting my J&J vaccine on Thursday.  I'm still not too sure if it's the right decision for me, but after seeing the death toll rise, and not seeing my daughter and family in over a year, I decided that I'll do what I can to (possibly) protect myself.  
 

Since I don't have a scientific mind (never did), most of the info that is being relayed here simply boggles my mind.  But, I've got to say that it's a pleasure to see an actual discussion that doesn't disintegrate into school-yard name calling (as it does on many social media sites).

Timothy Musch (1968)

Michelle,

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is an excellent vaccine.  Only one injection and you are good.  The vaccine is approximately 75% effective after 14 days, but what in not widely known is that it becomes even more effective over time.  For example, if I remember correctly, it is 92% effective at 54 days after vaccination.  With the J & J vaccine there were no hospitalizations or deaths following the injection.  Enjoy seeing your family!!

Tim

Michele Ferrantino (1971)

Thanks Tim.  It will still be a bit before I can visit the family.  My grandson has had both his injections and my grandaughter is getting her first in a couple of days (both work in retail).  They were the biggest concern with contagion/exposure factor.  Although my daughter (a homemaker) has not had hers, I believe my SSiL has. 
One thing for sure .. I can't wait to get back to Italy.  I imagine my orchard is a mess.

CarolLynne Biddle (Cole) (1971)

Leslie Lamata...I used to have all the badges from all the competeing bands sold at parades and competitions that we competed in... from The Weldonian Band, Santa Clara Vanguard's and the Blue Devils and many more that have drifted from my memory! My Mother used to buy the 3 of us each a badge and then sewed them on our "The Royal Family of San Leandro/Royalaires Drum and Bugle Corp" jackets. We competed many times on field--after thousands of hours of practice,...I twirled baton for the  Royalaire Juniors to Senior Majorettes and then became Drum Major of the Red Knights of San Leandro. Lots of other Vikings were also part of the Royal Family and maybe they can join in! My Mother was Secretary/Treasurer of the Royal Family and made all the flags for parades and comps and even made several of the uniforms for us and others that could not sew. She would walk the line cleaning shoes and rubber tips on our batons...straightening barets and hats...and drove us to all the parades and comps. My Dad would give her directions on how to get there and off we went while he worked. It was a good life...but heaps of practice and good friends made us what we were...winners.

Michele Ferrantino...let's hope your family is watching your property in Italy and your fruit trees will be abundant in fruit for your return...I know it must be so hard for you being tied to the States when your other life lives in the heart of Italy. I hope this ends soon and you can travel safely once again! xx

Diana Carlton (Smith) (1974)

Older adults are at a higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19, so if you're 65 or older, it's especially important for you to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The current authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing severe illness from COVID-19. Hopefully, then we can all enjoy vacations again with no worries.

CarolLynne Biddle (Cole) (1971)

Roxanne J. Ferguson (Cline) (1970)

CarolLynne - I was in the Royal Family too - the Royal Lancers Color Guard, such fun times.  Loved every minute, from practice on the field at John Muir to parades to field shows.  Would be fun to have a reunion.  Can't remember Ray & Nancy's last names, but I still remember Mr. Hyer who was the equipment manager.  Some of us rode to competitions in his camper on the back of his truck.  Such a nice man.  Lots of Vikings were in the corps.  Good Memories!

Tom Brody (1969)

Why am I always the last to know?   During my nerdy high school years, one of my friends had the last name, Babbino.    At the time, I thought it was a variation of, "bambino."    Last week, I found an album of Italian arias sitting in a pile of compact discs.  I played the first song, which was, "O MIO BABBINO CARO."  Then, I explored the internet for a video recording of it, and discovered Amira Willighagen's rendition of this aria.  In Amira Willighagen's video she is ten years old, and accompanied by an orchestra, and they are performing for a audience of thousands.  The link is this:  https: //  www dot youtube dot com / watch?v-s9PQ7qPkluM      Let's just say that I was transformed by this ten year old's performance.  I will never be the same again (and in a good way).   Also, I learned that "babbino" means "father."   

John Statler (1966)

Wow Tom Brody, you are right that was amazing. To help others -- I went to youtube.com then searched for < amira willighagen babbino caro > and there it was, To hear her more recently as a young woman in 2017 search for < amira willighagen amazing grace > not quite the impact as when so young but still quite nice to hear. Thanks Tom.

Steve Larsen (1968)

The for runner to the Royal Family was the San Leandro Rythemettes, Drum and later Bugle Corp.  The name of the founder was Nancy Butler, and  Ray DiDanado was the original drum instructor.  Our family, the Larsen's, Leslie, Kim, Jim, Denny and Steve, were part of the original members. We marched, twirled and drummed all over the place, including the Worlds Fair in Seattle.   Gramma Keller also sewed and helped make the costumes and uniforms for years. Wow Carol what memories you invoked, thank you!  A pleasant distraction to the goings on of today.

Steve

CarolLynne Biddle (Cole) (1971)

I heard back from Gail Acosta regarding Vincent "Vinny" Acosta obit...here is link to it. Please leave a message on there if you please. I'm sure the family would love to hear from all his friends!

https://obits.reviewjournal.com/us/obituaries/lvrj/name/vinny-acosta-obituary?n=vinny-acosta&pid=198024369&fhid=13804

You will have to copy and paste I guess...but I checked it and it took me to the 'Las Vegas Review Journal' where it is posted under Vinny Acosta

Christine Michaelson (Lindstrom) (1970)

Steve,  I was in the Rhythmettes Junior Corp for a few years also way back then.  I had a blast twirling my baton in many parades in San Leandro as well as up and down the coastal towns in CA.  Remember,the Artichoke Festival Parade in Castoville and the Garlic Festival in Watsonville (I think). I remember your sister Kim was a fabulous twirler, she was younger than me, but had such a natural talent.  Good memories.

Lenore Albers (Ryan) (1968)

Thought I'd add my 2 cents worth.  I have had both my covid shots (Maderna) and have had no reactioon to either one except a little sore arm for a day after each.  Please get your shot.  I have a cardiac specialist son and a  firefighter son and they both say, get the shot. My husband and I ( married 41 yrs) live on a farm and get outside every day doing chores etc. It is our saving grace. John Denver had no clue and was totlly wrong when he sang" Life on the farm is kinda laid back"  It is hard work, but we love it.  It is 8 am and I just finished milking the goats, now on to the other morning chores.  So good to read about all of you.  Lenore Albers Ryan

Patricia McFadden Martinez (1965)

Ralph & Patricia Martinez (1965)  We have heard that George Martinez passed away this year.  We lost contact with him many years ago.  Does anyone have any information on George?