Here’s What You Need To Know About The COVID-19 Vaccine

In case you didn’t hear, the COVID-19 vaccine has finally arrived. On Dec. 11, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization for Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 vaccine candidate, allowing the vaccine to be distributed in the United States. Thanks to a monumental effort by scientists around the world, the U.S. government began vaccinating citizens on Dec. 14, 2020, and for the first time, it’s starting to feel like there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

The vaccine will first be distributed to health care workers and long-term care facility residents. After that, vaccine distribution will move on to the next phases and who qualifies is determined by state and county health departments. Please visit your state and county health department website to learn what phase they are in. While the vaccine is distributed, it’s crucial that you and your loved ones continue to maintain proper hygiene, wear a mask and continue to practice social distancing.

Banner – University Medicine is ready with COVID-19 resources to provide peace of mind and keep you informed. Keep reading for the answers to some frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 vaccine.

How Does The COVID-19 Vaccine Work?

The COVID-19 vaccine works by introducing genetic particles called messenger RNA (mRNA) that help your immune system develop antibodies to the virus. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains, “mRNA can most easily be described as instructions for the cell on how to make a piece of the ‘spike protein’ that is unique to SARS-CoV-2. Since only part of the protein is made, it does not do any harm to the person vaccinated but it is antigenic.”

Antigenic proteins cause your body to produce antibodies, which help you fight the virus. Depending on the specific vaccine you get, a second shot three to four weeks after your first shot is also needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer. It’s also important to remember that the mRNA strand never enters the cell’s nucleus or affects genetic material.

How Was The Vaccine Developed So Quickly?

While it can sometimes take several years to develop a traditional vaccine, the COVID-19 vaccinations were developed so quickly thanks largely to massive amounts of funding for their development on a global scale. Because the virus has so greatly affected the entire world, the COVID-19 vaccines were also given top priority over almost all other products in the pipeline. Like all vaccines, the COVID-19 vaccines have been rigorously tested for safety before being authorized for use in the United States.

What Can I Do To Help Protect Myself From COVID-19 While Waiting To Get The Vaccine?

Continue to wear a mask, wash your hands often, avoid often-touched surfaces and stay at least 6 feet away from people outside your household. Because we’re still learning about the kind of protection that the COVID-19 vaccine will provide, you’ll need to continue wearing a mask and taking precautions after you receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

Stay home if you're sick, and do not leave your home except for medical care. If you've been exposed to COVID-19 or are experiencing symptoms, you should self-isolate and contact your medical provider about getting tested.

Learn More About COVID-19 Diagnostic Testing From Banner – University Medicine

Is The Vaccine A Live Vaccine?

No. The COVID-19 vaccine is created in a lab, unlike traditional vaccines, and is not manufactured in cells of any kind. You cannot get COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine, because it doesn't contain any virus or viral cells. It’s also preservative-free.

Do I Need To Get The Vaccine If I Already Had COVID-19?

Yes. Everyone who is eligible should get the vaccine, regardless of whether they had symptomatic or asymptomatic COVID-19 infection.

When Will I Be Eligible To Receive The COVID-19 Vaccine?

Health care personnel and long-term care facility residents will be offered the COVID-19 vaccination first in the initial phase of the U.S. COVID-19 vaccination program while there is limited vaccine supply.

Once the identified priority groups are vaccinated, the COVID-19 vaccine will likely be offered in phases to the general public. You can stay up-to-date on vaccine news by checking Banner – University Medicine's COVID-19 vaccination webpage.

Could The COVID-19 Vaccine Produce Any Side Effects?

The most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are redness and pain at the injection site as well as fever, chills, muscle aches and headaches that lasted up to a day and a half. To ward off any potential symptoms, it is not recommended to take over-the-counter vaccines before your vaccination.

If you are concerned about potential side effects, or have other questions regarding your post-vaccine health, contact your doctor or health care provider.

The Bottom Line

The COVID-19 vaccination is safe, effective and can help protect you from getting COVID-19. While wearing masks and social distancing are proven ways to help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed.

The state and county health departments are leading the COVID-19 vaccination efforts. Banner – University Medicine will participate in this process by administering the vaccine at Banner – University Medicine locations.

Get The Latest News And Updates On The COVID-19 Vaccine From Banner – University Medicine

Sources:
Banner: COVID-19 Vaccine
Banner: Preventing COVID-19
Banner: COVID-19
CDC: Questions about Vaccine Safety and the Speed of Vaccine Development
CDC: Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
CDC: 8 Things to Know about the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program
CDC: Understanding and Explaining mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines
CDC: What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
CDC: How CDC Is Making COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations
HHS: Fact Sheet: Explaining Operation Warp Speed