Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 26, 2021 Local doctors attempt to quell fears about COVID-19 vaccines By Christopher Roberson F or more than an hour, a panel of infectious disease specialists fielded a flurry of calls from residents with concerns regarding the COVID-19 vaccines during a virtual Town Hall discussion on February 24. Dr. Ilona Goldfarb of Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) spoke about concerns that the vaccines could negatively affect women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Although no major studies were conducted to test the vaccines in those patients, she said, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease specialist, reported that the vaccines have been given to 10,000 womCORPORATE & BUSINESS TAX PREPARATION RESPONSIVE CPA ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS * Financial Statement: Audit & Reviews * Payroll & Bookkeeping Services Call (617) 240-2905 / Email: Steven.divirgilio@cpa.com Website: WWW.STEVEDCPA.COM en nationwide who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Thus far, there have been no documented complications noted by the federal Food and Drug Administration. Goldfarb also said there is no evidence that the vaccines cause miscarriages or decrease fertility. “The COVID vaccine seems like a very safe choice,” she said. In addition, Goldfarb said no part of the virus is put into the vaccines. “The COVID vaccine is not a live vaccine; no one is goHISTORIC OFFICE | SEE PAGE 1 eral buildings in the downtown bequeathed to Malden just after ing to get COVID by getting the vaccine.” Dr. Sandra Nelson of MGH encouraged residents to get vaccinated even if they already had the virus, adding that after symptoms subside patients can wait 90 days to get the shots. Yet, she acknowledged the possibility of side effects, particularly after the second inoculation. “The rate of side effects are a little bit higher after the second dose,” said Nelson. She also said the most common side effect has been soreness in the the turn of the 20th century by former Mayor Elisha Converse. It reportedly last sold several years ago for $1.45 million. According to Malden-based Attorney Roberto Di Marco, who appeared at Monday’s meeting on behalf of the owners, two options had been developed to comply with the Historical Commission’s request to preserve the arm where the vaccine was administered. She also said residents should continue to wear masks after they receive the vaccines. “We know that some people who acquire this virus never get sick,” said Nelson. Dr. Paige Wickner of Brigham and Women’s Hospital said there is nothing in the vaccines that would trigger a reaction from someone with a food allergy. “These vaccines are safe, even for people with food allergies,” she said. tial use of some of the parking lot land to relocate the 15 Ferry St. building. Members of the Historical Commission asserted the owners must get permission from the MRA to entertain any ideas of moving the building onto their land. Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley, who attended the virtual meetings, spoke in favor of stayHere is a look inside of the 15 Ferry St. office building that is believed to have historical significance. (Courtesy Photo) Another look inside the period-style fixtures and staircase inside 15 Ferry St. (Courtesy Photo) building. One was to move the building 60 feet south to its right down Ferry Street and into the adjacent parking lot. A second option was to swivel the building 90 degrees so it would be facing the parking lot. This option was discarded, Di Marco said. The parking lot is owned and maintained by the Malden Redevelopment Authority (MRA), and as of Monday there had been no response to inquiries to the MRA regarding potening demolition, preserving the building, and of any plan by the owners of moving the building. Councillor O’Malley told those in attendance he has tried previously in 2020 to organize a meeting between himself and representatives of the property, the Mayor’s Office and the MRA and had been unsuccessful. He said he would begin anew to try and organize such a meeting to “discuss what’s really going on here” and try to come to a resolution.
5 Publizr Home