Facts About COVID-19

Never in American history has a vaccine been developed, tested, and distributed to the public with the speed in which Covid has. For those older Americans, and people with compromised immune systems there seems to be little question as to whether to receive the vaccine or not, but what about the healthy population?

I personally fall into the textbook category of extremely healthy therefore I was in no rush to receive the vaccine. Based on everything I have read, I estimated receiving my vaccine early summertime at best. When our company was offered the vaccine because we frequent every type of facility that Covid runs rampant, I personally wasn’t sure whether I should receive the vaccine or not for two primary reasons; first I did not want to take a vaccine away from someone who needs it far more than myself, second, I am healthy, and waiting affords me the opportunity of more scientific results as to the effectiveness of the vaccine, and or any possible side effects.

I decided to call my Nurse Practitioner for advice; she recommended I get the vaccine now as production will continue, more manufacturers will be producing vaccines, and beginning to distribute in the coming months.

In addition, her belief is that the vaccine will do far better than potential harm. If you are unsure whether to be vaccinated, you should discuss the potential risks and benefits with your own healthcare provider. I received my first Pfizer vaccine in late January, as did my teammates.

I personally had only one side effect, a sore arm, however some of my coworkers were more fatigued or tired later in the day, and one had flu like symptoms that subsided the very next day. I learned to stave off the sore arm you should try to move your arm often throughout the day to help distribute the medicine thus reducing pain.

Additional pertinent COVID-19 facts:

1. You are considered “protected,” from COVID-19 one to two weeks after receiving your second dose of the vaccine.
   • The CDC is still recommending that everyone continues to wear masks, wash hands frequently and practice social distancing until further notice.
2. Those who have recovered from the virus should still be vaccinated approximately 90 days after first being diagnosed as the vaccine may protect you longer than the natural immunity you have from the virus.
3. At the present time both vaccines require two doses. If you are unable to receive your second dose within the prescribed 21, or 28 days (depending on brand,) after the initial vaccine, you still need the second dose to be fully protected however, you do not have to start over.
4. COVID vaccines do not use the live virus and cannot give you COVID-19!
5. Texas is in Phase 1A and 1B of the vaccine rollout which includes:
   • Hospitals
   • Urgent Care
   • Home Health Outpatient Facilities
   • Pharmacies
   • School Nurses
   • Long Term Care Facilities; Residents and Staff
   • Urgent Care Centers
   • People over 65
   • People over the age of 16 with a chronic medical condition