FAQ About the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination
FAQ About the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccination
How does the vaccine work?
Previous vaccines have used weakened or a dead version of the virus. The COVID-19 vaccine is a different type called mRNA and it works by teaching our body how to make a specific protein – called the “spike protein”. Our body will then start an immune response (or fight off the virus) and destroy the protein introduced by the vaccine. Once destroyed, our immune system will remember how to fight the virus that causes COVID-19 if we become infected.
Is the vaccine safe?
Clinical trials have shown they are safe and over 90% effective in preventing an infection from COVID-19.
FACT: COVID-19 vaccines will not give you COVID-19. Here is why:
- mRNA vaccines do not use the live virus that causes COVID-19, making it non-infectious
- mRNA is unable to disrupt our DNA. The cell breaks down and gets rid of the “spike protein” instructions on the mRNA as soon as it is used.
How was the vaccine made so fast?
Making mRNA vaccines takes less time because the ingredients do not need to be grown in eggs, like the flu and rabies vaccines. There have also been studies done on similar viruses as early as 2002 and that information was used to “jumpstart” COVID-19 vaccine development. The vaccine is made in test tubes, or tanks, depending on the amount needed.
If I have had COVID-19 do I need to be vaccinated?
You may have natural immunity after having COVID-19 but it is not known how much. Some doctors recommend getting vaccinated because we just do not know how long your natural immunity will last. You will need to talk with your doctor.
How much will the vaccine cost?
The COVID-19 vaccine will be free. The federal government has pre-purchased the vaccine with taxpayer money.
Will I still need to practice social distancing?
Yes. The amount of vaccines available will be in limited supplies at first. More vaccines are being developed. We will still have to continue wearing a mask and social distancing until a majority of the population has been vaccinated. At this time, it will be important to still wear a mask, stay 6 feet apart and wash your hands like we have been doing.
The Bottom Line
To stop the Pandemic we will need to get vaccinated if advised by your doctor, continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing and wash your hands. People love you! Do everything you can to be here for them, including getting vaccinated.
FAQ About the Coronavirus 12-17-2020 ↓
