Are you hesitant to be vaccinated against COVID-19? Do you have questions about the COVID-19 vaccination for yourself or a loved one? Your questions are legitimate; this is why we are here to talk about how getting the vaccine could be an essential step for you. Firstly, it is important to note that vaccinated people are at a lower risk of getting seriously unwell from COVID-19 than those who are unvaccinated. The dangers of the vaccine are much less common than the risks of the disease, and as with any vaccination, your PCP (Primary Care Physician) will be able to advise you on different side effects that can occur and how you need to deal with them appropriately.
The benefits of taking the vaccine
As with any vaccination, a slight apprehension may occur, but for those over the age of 65 or in a high-risk category, taking the vaccine gives you a high level of protection. The vaccine allows your body to make antibodies that help fight virus particles. When you come in contact with the virus, these antibodies protect you. It also contributes to herd immunity. Specifically, if more than 70% of the population is vaccinated, the virus will spread less quickly. Furthermore, this will also protect people who cannot be vaccinated. For COVID-19 vaccines, scientists, pharmaceutical experts, companies, and governments around the world have worked together to create a safe vaccine.
Some of the main benefits of the vaccine include:
Protecting yourself: You are protected against the disease in the event of contact with the virus; the vaccine helps prevent getting sick and reduces the severity of the illness. If you have diabetes, lung disease, obesity, or any other health issue, you are protecting yourself.
Protecting others: The vaccine allows the vaccinated person to be less contagious when infected with the virus, even if they do not have any symptoms (the vaccine acts on the transmission of the virus).
Controlling the spread of disease: The vaccine allows vaccinated people to be less contagious. If a huge part of the population is vaccinated, the virus circulates less in the population; it is a matter of solidarity for the benefit of everyone.
What can I do following a vaccination?
According to medical experts, those who are fully vaccinated are at much less risk; however, caution is still to be noted. Specifically, you must still continue to adhere to the guidelines of masks and social distancing; however, it will give you a sense of comfort knowing that you can interact socially and professionally with those around you. On the other hand, here are some of the things that you will be able to do, as stated by the CDC:
- You don’t need to wear a mask while you are around other fully vaccinated people.
- You don’t need to wear a mask outdoors.
- You don’t automatically need to quarantine after being exposed to COVID-19.
- You may be exempt from quarantine upon arrival back home after any foreign travel (e.g. business and leisure trips)
Conclusion
If you have any questions or concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine, or your need to get a vaccination, you have come to the right place! PCP For Life can help with all your COVID-19 vaccine-related concerns! To schedule a vaccination or to learn more about COVID-19, call us today at 281-968-4096.
