The new year is upon us and with that we have recently seen the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve two vaccines to help in the fight against COVID-19. This month, we want to provide education and guidance on these vaccines as a source of hope during what has been a very tense and stressful year. There are many questions to be discussed about the COVID-19 vaccines therefore we thought it best to share questions, answers and concerns about the vaccine below.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe since it was developed so quickly?
Yes. While the vaccines were developed rapidly using already existing technology, they were not created without the routine processes and procedures in place to ensure that the vaccines are safe.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine give me the live COVID virus?
No. None of the current vaccines being offered in the US use live viruses that cause COVID. The goal of the vaccines currently being offered is to teach our bodies how to react to the virus if you are exposed. This is also called building immunity against the virus.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine prevent me from getting COVID?
In order for the FDA to approve a vaccine, the clinical trials conducted need to prove that the vaccine make it less likely that a person will get COVID-19 if they are exposed. The clinical trials conducted on the COVID-19 vaccine showed that they had 94-95% efficacy against contracting the virus. The data from COVID-19 vaccine has showed that individuals who received the COVID-19 vaccine were less likely to get very ill if they were exposed compared to those who did not receive the vaccine and were exposed.
Will getting the COVID-19 vaccine help protect me and others?
Yes. COVID-19 can have very serious health complications, even death unfortunately for some individuals. One of the scariest parts of this virus is that there is no way to predict how it will affect every individual. We know that people who have other health complications such as heart and lung problems, have greater risk of having complications. Therefore, it is recommended that people get the vaccine, when it is offered to them, because the vaccine can help to lessen more severe complications from COVID-19 if you should get it. It can also prevent people who do not know they have COVID-19 from spreading it to other individuals.
If I already had COVID-19, do I need to get vaccinated?
Yes. Right now, we do not know how long antibodies will last in a person’s immunity after they have had COVID-19. If you have had COVID-19 and are planning to get vaccinated, it is best you speak with your provider prior to getting vaccinated.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine protect me from getting sick if I am exposed to COVID-19?
Yes. The point of the vaccine is to teach your own body how to fight the virus should you be exposed. This helps to protect you from getting very sick if you are exposed to the virus.
Why do we need to get a vaccine if we are already doing other things to stop the spread such as wearing a mask?
Our world is dealing with a pandemic and when something like this occurs, we need to use all the tools we have to fight it. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend social distancing from people you do not live with, wearing a mask that covers your nose and mouth and washing your hands for at least 20 seconds as the tools we have to fight the spread of this virus. The vaccine is another tool we now have. Following the CDC recommendations and getting the COVID-19 vaccine will help to protect you and others from getting and spreading the virus.
Final thoughts:
Anytime there is something new or different, our human nature is to be nervous and scared. The past year has brought with it many new trials and stress. The vaccine, while it is new, it does not need to be scary. Pope Francis shared in his Christmas address that vaccine discovery can be seen as “light of hope” that should be “available to all”. He suggests that while the choice to receive the vaccine is optional, we all have a moral and ethical obligation to consider taking the vaccine as a way to not only protect ourselves but to protect those around us as well. Through the combined efforts of continuing CDC recommendations, receiving the available COVID-19 vaccines and prayers for those impacted by the virus, we can begin to see light at the end of this tunnel. Be sure to check with your provider before you get the vaccine and feel free to reach out to VITALity with any questions.
Until next time, stay healthy, safe and well.
