COVID Vaccine
In the beginning of 2020, COVID-19 took the world by storm. In 2021, our country continues to fight the virus, stop the spread, and protect communities. The adjustment was difficult for Home Care, but our caregivers worked swiftly and efficiently and picked up all protocols quickly. Now wearing the necessary PPE, and following all guidelines to stay on top of the virus, the next step on everyone’s mind was when a vaccine will be made available.
Talks of a vaccine began when COVID-19 began spreading throughout the globe, and millions were awaiting news towards the end of 2020 on when the vaccine was finally given the green light to be given to the public. The vaccine was fast tracked using the newest technology available, and is a step towards halting the pandemic from further spread. Millions of people have received their vaccine already, with countless more awaiting their first and second dose.
Recently, two COVID-19 vaccines have been made available, to those who are eligible first. Rolling out to the public in phases, you can check your eligibility online for the vaccine and make an appointment to receive the first dose. The two vaccines, available through Pfizer and BioNTech, and Moderna, are approved by the FDA, as well as New York states independent Clinical Advisory task force. Both of the available vaccines require two shots, administered several weeks apart.
Availability & Distribution:
The COVID-19 vaccine is first prioritized to be available for high-risk priority population groups. In New York, the high risk groups are outlined in the first phase of the roll out, with health care workers coming first, as well as residents and staff of certain group living facilities. Individuals are encouraged to check the eligibility if they are interested in receiving the vaccine, and keep up to date on the available appointments at locations near them. The vaccine is available to all Home Care workers at this time, and those who would like to receive the first dose are encouraged to check their local COVID vaccine administration centers. Fortunately, the vaccine will become more widely available in the coming months of 2021, as more are supplied to locations administering them, and as we continue to move through the phases of eligibility. Additionally, vaccines are available to individuals at no cost!
To check your eligibility: Click here https://covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov/
Are there any side effects?
After receiving the shot, you may not notice any changes in how you feel. However, some may report feeling a bit under the weather, this is a natural occurrence among receiving vaccines, because it is the body’s immune response to getting vaccinated and a sign that the vaccine is working, and teaching your body how to fight off COVID. This important process ensures that the body is doing what it needs to to develop immunity to the virus.
After receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, you may notice the following side effects: 
● A sore arm where you got the shot
● A headache
● Chills
● Fever
● Tiredness or lethargy
How Long Am I Protected after receiving the vaccine?
Currently, it is not yet known how long immunity lasts for the COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers are working diligently to determine the longevity of the vaccine’s protections. Until this can be determined, it is important that people continue to wear a mask, wash their hands regularly and social distance. Continuing to protect yourself and your community remains the most important step in the fight against Coronavirus.
I am on the fence about getting the vaccine, should I get it?
While receiving the vaccine is an important personal choice that individuals must make for themselves, it helps to stay educated on why we receive vaccines, and how communities are protected when the majority are vaccinated.
Some important points to consider when thinking about the vaccine:
● The vaccine will not give you COVID-19
● Vaccinated people can help protect COVID-19 from spreading to people who cannot receive the vaccine themselves.
● The vaccine has been deemed both safe, effective, and approved by the FDA for use
● Most importantly, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 means that we can return to a sense of normalcy again in a quicker period of time, and get back to living our lives when we are protected!
Resources:
Essential workers – Information for employers and employees
Myths & Facts