The COVID-19 vaccine is simply the latest in a long line of vaccines.
Although the option to vaccinate against the COVID-19 virus has been available for well over a year now, many people still have questions. To help answer some of the FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine, we’ve created this article. Although it is specifically geared toward seniors and those in the high-risk category, this information is backed by the CDC and applies to most adults.
This COVID-19 vaccine FAQ is meant to help address some of our client's most pressing concerns. However, it is not meant as medical advice in any way, shape, or form. You should always consult with your doctor about the best possible medical care for your specific situation.
Thankfully, vaccines are a lot safer these days, and you can get a COVID-19 vaccine almost anywhere.
Why Should I Get Vaccinated?
Why should I get a COVID-19 vaccine? The simple answer is that it works. Data from Wisconsin's Department of Health Services show that, at the peak of the outbreak in 2021, those who received the primary vaccine were around three times less likely to catch COVID-19 than those that remained unvaccinated.
Those that had received the primary vaccine were also around ten times less likely to die from COVID-19 and even less likely to be hospitalized. Those who had received boosters, as well as the initial vaccine, fared even better.
How do Vaccines Work?
Currently, there are three main types of COVID-19 vaccines that are approved or authorized for use in the United States: mRNA, viral vector, and protein subunit. Each type of vaccine prompts our bodies to recognize and help protect us from the virus that causes COVID-19.
None of these vaccines can give you COVID-19.
They do not affect or interact with our DNA.
- These vaccines do not enter the nucleus of the cell where our DNA (genetic material) is located, so they cannot change or influence our genes.
To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. This is not the case with mRNA vaccines. Instead, mRNA vaccines use mRNA created in a laboratory to teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. This immune response, which produces antibodies, is what helps protect us from getting sick from that germ in the future.
Why Do We Need Booster Shots?
The nature of vaccines raises an interesting question, especially regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. If vaccines teach the body how to recognize and combat a virus, why do we need additional shots later on?
This is due to evolution. The theory of evolution states that as creatures reproduce, some mutate. Those with beneficial mutations are more likely to survive and reproduce. This means that the next generation is also more likely to share the same beneficial mutations.
When viruses without the beneficial mutations have died out, and all that is left are viruses with the beneficial mutations, the result is often a new strain. While boosters will help most people fight off these strains, they provide the most benefit for the elderly and the immuno-compromised.
If I've Already Had COVID-19, Do I Still Need to Get Vaccinated?
Yes, you do. You should also get a booster shot if possible. While having COVID-19 does shield you from getting the virus again for a while, the speeds at which viruses mutate means there will eventually be a strain that your body doesn't recognize. As such, it will struggle to fight it off effectively.
A COVID-19 vaccine will help even if it wasn't designed to handle the newest variants. In most cases, the new strain will resemble the old one enough that the primary vaccine will still be fairly effective. Being entirely up to date, however, will still give you the best protection.
Why Should I Get Vaccinated If I’m Going to Get COVID-19 Anyway?
Because it lowers your risk of severe complications and hospitalization. Much like the flu shot lessens the time you are ill regardless of that year’s strain, the COVID-19 vaccine helps strengthen your immune system to fight off coronavirus more effectively and quickly than it could otherwise.
This means shorter illness times and less risk of severe complications or hospitalization.
Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?
We should start by saying that all medication has risks. While adverse effects can occur, vaccination is one of the safest and most effective medical practices.
Yes. Although it was developed quickly and there are minor side effects, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for most individuals. It was run through multiple clinical trials and authorization processes by the FDA and is currently being monitored by health organizations across the nation—and the world.
The odds of being seriously harmed by a vaccine are between one and two in a million. To put that in perspective, here are some things that are more likely to happen: being struck by lightning or being killed by fireworks—yikes.
What’s in the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Every brand is a little different, but none of them contain eggs, gelatin, preservatives, or latex. This is to lower the risk of allergic reactions or anaphylactic shock. They are also free of all metals, alloys, electrodes, carbon nanotubes, and semiconductors.
The main ingredient in the vaccine is the mRNA of the coronavirus.
Is There Anyone Who Shouldn't Get Vaccinated?
Some individuals shouldn't be vaccinated, but they make up a very small portion of the population. You should only worry if you're severely allergic to any of the COVID-19 vaccine ingredients.
You shouldn't get vaccinated while you have COVID-19 as this won't help your immune system. If you're unsure whether or not you should receive the COVID-19 vaccine, ask your doctor.Vaccines remain one of the most effective treatments in medicine. Unfortunately, they're also among the most misunderstood. That's why we set out to answer some FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine.
We can help if you're looking for elderly care in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Please contact us so that you can learn more about what we can do for you.
COVID Vaccine FAQ Jonesboro
Vaccines remain one of the most effective treatments in medicine. Unfortunately, they're also among the most misunderstood. That's why we set out to answer some FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine.
We can help if you're looking for elderly care in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Please contact us so that you can learn more about what we can do for you.
