Covid-19 vaccine campaigns are rolling out in every state across the country, but some Americans may be hesitating as to whether they should sign up to be vaccinated. Some might have concerns about the safety of a vaccine that was developed so quickly, or others may question whether it truly works. But research has shown that the Covid-19 vaccines that are currently FDA-approved in the US are both safe and highly effective. 

If you’re eligible for vaccination, getting the Covid-19 vaccine is an important step in protecting yourself and others from getting sick with Covid-19, and in stopping the pandemic.

Is the Covid-19 Vaccine Safe?

Any vaccine approved for use in the US must meet FDA regulations showing that it is safe and more effective than a placebo. In clinical trials, it’s been shown that the Covid-19 vaccines that are currently approved by the FDA are between 94.1% and 95% effective at preventing the user from developing Covid-19 (after receiving both shots). 

The Covid-19 vaccine does not contain the live SARS-CoV-2 virus, so the vaccine itself cannot infect a person with Covid-19. Many people may experience mild side effects for 1-3 days after getting the Covid-19 vaccine, but this can happen with any vaccine. Experiencing side effects after the vaccine does not mean that you are sick with Covid-19. 

Some of the side effects a person may experience after getting the Covid-19 vaccine include:

• Redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site
• Fever and/or chills
• Headache
• Feeling tired 

In some extremely rare cases, someone may experience an allergic reaction after getting the vaccine. But this reaction, which is called anaphylaxis, can occur with any vaccine, not just the Covid-19 vaccine. Anaphylaxis only occurs in about 1.31 cases per million vaccine doses. Based on all our current scientific evidence, and on the success of the vaccine’s clinical trials so far, the Covid-19 vaccines appear to be no more risky than other common vaccines, such as the flu shot. (If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the Covid-19 vaccine, you should not be vaccinated.)

There’s a lot of misinformation circulating about vaccines. If you’re researching vaccines, it’s important to know where the information you’re looking at came from. If the person writing or sharing this information is not a healthcare professional or medical researcher, they may not be qualified to interpret study results or weigh in on vaccine safety. If you’re interested in learning more about the Covid-19 vaccine, it’s best to look only at reputable sources, such as the WHO or the CDC.

What are the Benefits to Getting the Covid-19 Vaccine?

Getting vaccinated helps protect you from getting sick with Covid-19, but it could also help prevent you from unintentionally spreading the disease to others. The CDC estimates that 40% of people who are infected with Covid-19 are asymptomatic, and the likelihood of an asymptomatic person spreading the disease to others is as high as 75%. This is one of the reasons that Covid-19 has spread so quickly and has been so difficult to control, and vaccination can help limit asymptomatic transmission.

In addition, there are many people who can’t be safely vaccinated (such as children, or those who are allergic to an ingredient in the vaccine). When as many healthy adults as possible get vaccinated, this helps shield those who can’t be vaccinated from becoming infected, because they’re mostly exposed only to people who are immune to Covid-19.  This is called herd immunity. Achieving herd immunity is the fastest way to end the pandemic, and vaccination is the fastest way to get to herd immunity. 

Who is Eligible for Vaccination?

New York State is administering the vaccine in phases. As each new phase begins, more people become eligible for vaccination. This information is changing rapidly, as more vaccines become available. To find out if you are eligible to receive your vaccine in New York State, visit the Am I Eligible website. 

Who Shouldn’t Get the Covid-19 Vaccine?

The CDC recommends that the following people avoid being vaccinated:

• Children under 16 (though guidelines for each brand of vaccine may change in the future – talk to your child’s pediatrician).
• People who are allergic to components of the vaccine, like polyethylene glycol or polysorbate.
• People who have a history of a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine should talk to their doctors before being vaccinated.
• Immunocompromised individuals can be vaccinated if they don’t fall into one of the categories above, but may want to speak with their doctor first about any potential risks.

If you’re unsure whether you’re a candidate for the Covid-19 vaccine, talk to your doctor.

How Can I Sign Up to Get the Covid-19 Vaccine in New York?

If you live in New York, visit the New York State’s Department of Health’s official Covid-19 Vaccine Website to learn how to get vaccinated and to schedule an appointment.

Practicing social distancing, avoiding indoor gatherings, and wearing masks when you’re around people not from your household is the best way to keep your loved ones safe. This is especially true if they’re in a high-risk group, such as those who are elderly or immunocompromised. Our home care nursing staff is taking additional precautions to protect our patients. If your loved ones need assistance at home, contact JSP Home Care online or call us at 866.860.2528.

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