Immunization is our best defense against COVID-19. With a vaccine for the virus now available, it’s natural to have questions about how vaccines work, the approval process, vaccine safety and more. Here are some answers to common questions about the vaccine:
1. Why should I receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
By receiving the vaccine, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 and help our community, state and nation recover from the pandemic. Anyone 16 and older is eligible to receive the vaccine.
2. How can I get the vaccine?
Make a vaccination appointment at Tidelands Health today by calling 1-833-6-MYSHOT (1-833-669-7468) or receive your vaccine by simply walking in during regular hours of operation at one of the health system’s three COVID-19 vaccination clinics. Learn more by clicking here.
3. Is the COVID-19 vaccine effective?
In clinical trials, the COVID-19 vaccine has been found to be highly effective in protecting against the COVID-19 virus.
4. Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
Yes. In clinical trials, the COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to be safe.
5. How can a safe vaccine be made so quickly?
Although vaccine development typically takes many years, scientists had already begun research for coronavirus vaccines during previous outbreaks caused by related coronaviruses such as SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome). That earlier research provided a head start for rapid development of vaccines to protect against infection with the virus that causes COVID-19.
6. Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
No. The COVID-19 vaccine is not a live virus. Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 use inactivated virus, small pieces of the virus or a gene from the virus. None of these fragments of RNA are capable of causing infection.
7. Can the vaccine cause any symptoms?
It’s common to experience benign symptoms from a vaccine, such as soreness or fatigue, which indicate the body is responding the way it’s supposed to. Because of the rigorous vaccine safety measures in place, serious adverse reactions to vaccines are rare.
8. I already had COVID-19. Do I need to be vaccinated?
The CDC recommends vaccination for people who have had COVID-19. Because we don’t yet know how long people are protected after having the virus, vaccination could be beneficial.
9. Do we still need to wear masks and practice social distancing?
Yes, we need to follow COVID-19 safety precautions until a large portion of the population is vaccinated.
10. Is there a cost to receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
No, there is no out-of-pocket cost to receive the vaccine.
