Understand the Facts & Help Prevent the Spread

Federal health agencies have approved the distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine and the program to vaccinate Americans has begun throughout the country. As with many other things, there is much discussion about the vaccine on social media, in the news and amongst different groups of people. It’s important to know the facts about the vaccine in order to ensure that everyone feels comfortable getting vaccinated so that we can stop the spread of this deadly pandemic. Here are 8 things you need to know about the vaccine according to the CDC:

1. The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is top priority

The United States vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. The CDC has developed a new tool called V-Safe that acts as an additional layer of safety monitoring to help rapidly detect any safety issues associated with the COVID-19 vaccine. V-Safe is a smartphone based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

2. Two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are needed

After your initial dose of the vaccine, you will need a second shot approximately 3-4 weeks later. To gain maximum protection against this disease, everyone who gets the vaccine must get both doses. 

3. The CDC is making recommendations about who should be vaccinated first

Because supplies are limited, the CDC is making recommendations as to who should be vaccinated first to help stop the spread.

4. Supplies are limited but will continue to increase in coming weeks and months

The plan is to ensure that everyone has easy access to the COVID-19 vaccine. As the program continues, the vaccine supply will increase and become widely available. It is the goal to have the vaccine available at pharmacies, physician offices and other healthcare facilities.

5. The vaccine may cause some side effects—this is normal

The COVID-19 vaccine does not contain the live COVID virus but like any vaccination, you could experience some mild side effects including flu-like symptoms and soreness on the shot site. These symptoms should subside within a few days.

6. There is no cost to get the vaccine

The COVID vaccine was developed using American taxpayer dollars and will be provided at no cost. Everyone should have equal access to the vaccine, whether they have insurance or not.

7. The first COVID-19 vaccines are being used under Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of the first two vaccines developed to protect against COVID-19. Other pharmaceutical companies are working on additional vaccines and must go through the same testing and approval process before being approved by the FDA and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.

8. The COVID-19 vaccine is the most important tool we have to fighting the pandemic

Hundreds of thousands of Americans have died as a result of the COVID-19 virus and millions have been infected. The vaccine is the number one tool we have to protect people and stop the spread. The CDC recommends everyone continue to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose in public places, wash hands with more frequency, avoid crowds and maintain a safe social distance of at least 6-feet whenever possible.

The global pandemic has been affecting the world for one year. Now, with the distribution of the vaccine, we can stop the spread and save lives. For more information about the vaccine you are encouraged to visit the CDC website and speak to your doctor.

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