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Q&A with Mercy Health’s Dr. Jim Kravec | ‘I will push the vaccine every chance I get’

By Jess Hardin

May 21, 2021 3:52 AM

YOUNGSTOWN — At each scientific juncture of the pandemic, Mahoning Matters has brought your most pressing health questions to our local expert, Mercy Health Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Jim Kravec.

This time, he's weighing in on herd immunity and his decision to vaccinate his children against COVID-19.

The New York Times reported experts doubt the U.S. will reach "herd immunity." From your perspective, where are we headed?

Most importantly, I will push the vaccine every chance I get. I can't speak enough of the importance of that, and I will continue to do that. I know there are still people who are still considering. They were waiting a little bit until other people had received a vaccine. I think there's still opportunity in the general population. There's still opportunity for kids who were just being a new age group. For example, my 12- and 14-year old are going to get their vaccine [on Wednesday]. They just became eligible last week ... I know a lot of their friends are getting their vaccines this week and next week, so that's certainly a positive. We are going to get closer to herd immunity in the sense that, as more of the population is eligible, that percentage will go higher. To me, that's the most important next step … I know there's certainly people out there who have had COVID, and they're naturally immune. So that's certainly something that will add to the herd immunity. I think what we're doing is probably reasonable.

So, would you say that it's still a reasonable goal to reach herd immunity? Is there a timeframe in which that needs to be done?

I think it still is reasonable. I don't think there's a magical timeframe as far as when it has to be achieved. Other than, the sooner the better ... I will say however that if herd immunity is delayed, there's a higher chance of spread in those [who] are not vaccinated, and every time there's spread, there's a higher chance of mutation and variant formation. So, that's the race — getting people vaccinated and getting to herd immunity so that the spread reduces and so that variant formation reduces.

Is the worst-case scenario a situation where some mutation occurs that is resistant to the vaccine?

Exactly. That's the concern is that if there is spread, and that spread creates a mutation that may not be covered by the vaccine. That could be an outcome. What we think we know is that even with the vaccine, if someone does contract COVID-19, we think it's a lesser clinical presentation, such as with the flu.

If we don't reach herd immunity and we plateau at a 55 percent vaccination rate, what does that look like in terms of public life?

I think that people get sick who are not vaccinated. It sounds like on June 2, Ohio opens up again. I heard something about the Indians games opening up again. I was at the Athena awards last week. That was a very large event. I think that's what happens, if we don't reach herd immunity, life goes back to the way it was essentially, and the population that is not vaccinated will get sick potentially. And, there's a chance of spread.

What's your take on the new guidance from the CDC on masking?

I think it's fair. If I'm outside and I've been vaccinated, that's certainly reasonable that I don't need a mask on. I feel very comfortable with having been vaccinated, so when I'm inside... if I'm in small crowds — whatever the CDC recommendation is — I won't wear a mask.

Certain businesses may still require it, and I'll comply with that. Hospitals, at least as of now, are still requiring that, so I'll comply there. But for the most part, since I've been vaccinated, I feel much more comfortable.

As of June 2, it's up to schools to decide if they want to require masks. What would you hope school administrators choose?

I'll have to wait and see what the guidance says at that point.

Will you feel comfortable going to large events even with Ohio's vaccination rate?

Yes, I've been vaccinated, so I'm comfortable going to the Canfield Fair or the Indians game or the Browns game.

As a parent, what was your decision-making process when you were weighing whether to get your kids vaccinated?

First of all, this technology is not new — the mRNA vaccine — so I know the safety. I follow the guidance of the American Academy of Pediatrics and other professional societies that are recommending this. I believe in the safety of this, and I believe in the efficacy of the vaccines. I want my kids to be safe and not be able to spread it to others. And, I want them to not have to be in quarantine if they're exposed to someone. [Getting vaccinated] will eliminate that as well.

What would you say to parents who might be struggling with this decision?

I would talk to their physician. I recommend vaccines to help with infections in the community, infections in the population. And, I do believe in the safety of them. If anyone has any concerns, speak to your individual physician.

Do folks making this decision ask you about it?

All the time. I've talked to my children's pediatrician, and her son has already received his vaccine. He's 14. The people I trust as far as making medical decisions are supporting the vaccine. That's kind of where I am. There are many illnesses that we don't see anymore. We don't see many infections that used to be prevalent because of vaccines … Every vaccine is different, but the point is the same as far as controlling infection in the population.

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To learn more about virus response in Mahoning County and at Mercy Health, check out Mahoning Matters' previous Q&As with Dr. Kravec:

This story was originally published May 21, 2021 at 3:52 AM with the headline "Q&A with Mercy Health’s Dr. Jim Kravec | ‘I will push the vaccine every chance I get’."