Did you know that the Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA vaccines have reached the level of 95% effectiveness in clinical trials?
So, whether you still haven’t taken an mRNA vaccine, or you’re thinking about going for the Johnson and Johnson vaccine, it truly doesn’t matter. All of those have been authorized for use in the U.S. as emergency vaccinations.
But, when it comes to vaccines, you’ll want to get the actual scientific evidence to feel a bit calmer. If you’re still a bit hesitant, or you’re worried about getting your second dose, we’ve got you covered.
Keep on reading for our full breakdown of the main 10 points you’ll want to keep in mind when you’re setting up your vaccine appointments.
1. The Gold Standard Emergency Vaccinations: Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna
Let’s get some of the basics out of the way. If you’re already overwhelmed by the choices on the market, you’ll want to cut through the chase and get either the Pfizer vaccine or the Moderna vaccine.
Trial results have shown that getting both doses of the vaccine prevents COVID-19 infection in individuals who have never been infected. Beyond the study, the vaccinations are approximately 90% effective after two doses in real-world circumstances.
These vaccinations also seem to limit the transmission of the COVID-19-causing SARS-CoV-2 virus.
One of the most important aspects of putting a stop to the COVID-19 epidemic is this property: Even if you acquired the virus, being vaccinated reduces your chances of becoming ill and unintentionally transmitting it to others.
If you’re worried about the effects of mRNA vaccines, you can always check out this article quoting Dr. Kenneth Chien, one of the world’s leading experts in the field of mRNA, and co-founder of Moderna Therapeutics.
2. Very Rare Allergic Reactions
After your vaccination, you’ll be watched for 15 minutes, or 30 minutes if you’ve ever had a severe adverse response.
If anything goes wrong, staying put ensures you can receive medical help straight away. If you have seasonal or dietary allergies, you can still be vaccinated.
3. Don’t Worry About Side Effects
Admittedly, short-term adverse effects may be severe, especially during the first 24-48 hours, although usually fade rapidly. Despite the fact that the vaccinations are brand new, experts are certain that they will pose no long-term dangers.
Because almost all long-term vaccination adverse effects begin during the first six weeks, this is the case. COVID-19 vaccinations have a lot more safety data than that.
4. Don’t Get a Mammogram With Your Vaccine
Don’t worry, it’s nothing malicious. Basically, the COVID-19 vaccinations may cause your lymph nodes to expand for a short time.
According to radiologists, individuals should consider getting regular mammograms before getting the vaccination or waiting 4 to 6 weeks following the last dosage.
This allows lymph nodes to recover to normal and avoids the need for unneeded scans or biopsies. However, regardless of your vaccination date, if you notice new breast problems or need diagnostic tests, get medical attention as soon as possible.
5. Pay Attention to Your Second Dose
Thanks to clinical trial individuals who were vaccinated months ahead of the rest of the population, we’re learning how long protection lasts in real-time.
Yet, since the science is so new, it’s fair to presume, though, that you’ll require another dosage at some time. Don’t consider your first dose as a one-and-done deal.
6. You Might Still Get Infected
Following immunization, there have been a few “breakthrough cases.” We’re still learning more, but there’s some good news: individuals who have been vaccinated don’t become sick nearly as much, and they seem to be less likely to spread COVID-19.
Still, use caution. While you are not completely protected until 14 days after your last dosage, you may become ill and expose others.
7. Stick to Masks and Social Distancing
Vaccines provide immunity, not invincibility.
Close contact with others becomes safer as instances decrease and immunization rates rise. Expect to wear masks and practice social distance until we achieve herd immunity.
In short, don’t through all caution to the wind.
8. Follow Your COVID Vaccine Dosing Schedule
This isn’t the time to take creative liberties with your dosing schedule.
It is critical to follow the dosage schedules for the COVID-19 vaccination you get if you want to obtain the highest potential COVID-19 immunity. The vaccinations in the United States, with the exception of the single-shot Janssen vaccine, need two doses.
It’s critical to have the second dosage at the right time to get complete protection from the vaccination. For example, Pfizer-second BioNTech’s dosage is 21 days after the first, whereas Moderna’s is 28 days.
Changing your routine may have a detrimental impact on your immunity. If required, the second dosage may be prolonged, although it’s better to follow the vaccine manufacturer’s recommendations. To protect against the Delta variation of concern, full immunization is required.
Keep in mind that if you receive a second dose of a different COVID-19 vaccine after your first injection, the vaccine’s efficacy may be reduced.
9. Underlying Conditions Don’t Matter
People with underlying diseases may get the COVID-19 vaccination as long as they aren’t allergic to the vaccine’s components, according to the CDC. They should not get the second dosage of the COVID-19 vaccination if they have an acute or severe adverse response to the first dose. Before receiving any vaccination, see your doctor if you have any doubts.
In immunocompromised people, the vaccination may not be as effective against infection, particularly with the Delta version of concern. In public, those with weakened immune systems, such as those on immunosuppressive medicines, are recommended to wear a mask.
10. COVID-19 Vaccines Are Safe
While the efficacy of each coronavirus vaccine is essential, the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine is the highest priority throughout the development and testing of all vaccines.
Pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, as well as chills, fatigue, fever, and headache, are all common vaccination adverse effects.
Misconceptions About COVID-19 Vaccines: All Clear
Surviving this global pandemic hasn’t been easy for anyone on the global scale. Yet, as with any emergency vaccinations, they’re life-saving treatments that can truly slash the infection rates of entire communities.
We hope that our explainer has shed some light on the key information you should know about the COVID-19 vaccines. And, if you liked our article, there’s so much more where that came from.
Check out our health section for additional advice and tips on how to live a healthy and happy life.