Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a devastating effect on many lives and families. Thankfully, the vaccine for COVID-19 has just been made available to the public.
Here is what you need to know.
How the COVID-19 vaccine works and how it is different from previous vaccines
Vaccinations have been around for a long time and go as far back as 1796 when the first vaccine was developed. However, the widespread use of vaccinations to help fight diseases like Smallpox, Diphtheria or Pertussis (whooping cough) were first made available in the 1940s. Most vaccines are developed using specific types of technology that triggers an immune response. These vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our body and when the real bug comes around, the body has the memory of how to fight it off much faster.
The COVID-19 vaccine is a little bit different. The technology behind this vaccine is something called a messenger RNA vaccine (mRNA) vaccine. Instead of giving us a weakened version of the germ into the bodies, mRNA vaccines teach our cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. This helps to provide protection against the virus.
— Houston COVID-19 CARE is available at both LifeSaversER locations
How the COVID-19 vaccination is given
The COVID-19 vaccination is given as two separate shots. You will need to get one shot and come back 3 weeks later for the second shot. Both shots must be taken for the vaccine to work.
Instructions about the process will be provided at the time the vaccination is being administered.
What the COVID-19 vaccine will do and what it will NOT do.
The COVID-19 vaccine is new. It is meant to provide protection against getting infected with COVID-19.
However, scientists still do not know if the vaccination will stop people from spreading COVID-19 -that is, you can personally be protected from COVID-19 after receiving the vaccination but unknowingly spread the virus. That is why it is important to still practice mask wearing, good hand hygiene and social distancing where appropriate.
— COVID-19 Onsite Business Testing is available. Contact us today.
Vaccine safety
The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Testing of the COVID-19 vaccine has passed all safety standards and gone through appropriate testing as all vaccines have before it.
References
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/8-things.html
Emergency in Houston?
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