There’s one positive we all can take from the COVID crisis. It’s that the world’s scientists have come up with several vaccines which are very effective against the virus. Governments agree these vaccines play a vital role in getting our lives back to normal.

The vaccine rollout has happened in record time. It’s hardly surprising then that many of us still have some concerns about vaccination. We’ve set out to answer some of the most frequently asked questions. Stay informed by reading the vaccine facts we’ve put together.

1. How Do I Know COVID-19 Vaccines Are Safe?

Modern vaccines have been around since the nineteenth century. Scientists have spent years refining them. There are four general facts that are worth remembering about vaccines:

• All vaccines may have some side effects in some people
• No vaccine is 100 percent effective in all people
• The effectiveness of a licensed vaccine mitigates any risk
• Many more illnesses and deaths would happen without vaccines

America’s CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has ensured rigorous vaccine testing. This involves all COVID licensed vaccines in many trials. It also reassesses vaccines once the general population starts receiving them. 

The CDC considers licensed COVID vaccines to be safe. Side effects are generally minor and short-lived.

2. How Long Does Protection From a COVID-19 Vaccine Last?

We don’t yet have a complete picture about how long safeguarding lasts for those who’ve had a COVID vaccine. Scientists are still working hard to find out more about vaccine-induced immunity.

This is what we know so far:

• Vaccine-induced protection should last a minimum of about three months
• It’s very unlikely protective immunity will simply end after 90 days
• More research is likely to prove protection lasts longer than several months

Studies show that most of those infected with COVID-19 retained immunity that was robust after eight months. This is helping  researchers predict how long immunity could last after a person receives a vaccine. 

3. If I’ve Already Had COVID-19, Do I still Need a Vaccine?

People should get a COVID vaccine whether they’ve suffered from COVID-19 in the past or not. Researchers are not sure yet how long natural immunity from getting sick again will last after recovery from COVID-19.

Researchers have found:

• COVID-19 infection does not induce 100% immunity
• It’s possible but rare to get ill from COVID-19 more than once

Some medical care for COVID-19 involves convalescent plasma or monoclonal antibodies. In these cases, a delay of 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine may be best.

Some of those who have recovered from COVID-19 have picked up the infection from the virus again. This includes those over age 65 years whose natural protection from infection may not be enough on its own.

4. What Are the Most Common Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccine?

It’s important to select accurate sources for this information. The internet is a great resource but there is plenty written there which is simply not true. Users should avoid scare stories which lack any evidence.

It is a fact that side effects after a vaccination are a normal sign that our bodies are building up protection.

Common side effects are:

• Pain and redness in the arm which received the vaccine
• Swelling in the area where you received the shot
• Tiredness, headache and muscle pain
• Chills and fever in the body
• A feeling of nausea throughout the rest of the body

These side effects might affect our ability to carry out normal, daily activities. They should go away in a few days.

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines both need two shots for the most protection. People should get the second shot. That’s even if they had side effects after the first one, unless a vaccination provider or their doctor advises otherwise.

5. I’ve Had My COVID Shots, Do I Still Need to Take Precautions?

Scientists are still finding out more about how vaccines will affect the spread of COVID-19. The current advice is to carry on taking precautions even after receiving a vaccination.

This means continuing to use a mask in public places, staying a safe distance of six feet from others and washing hands regularly. Recommendations also include avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces.

No vaccine is 100 percent effective in everyone. It is thus possible, but unlikely, that some form of infection could happen after the first or second dose.

Having said that there is growing evidence that those who have had vaccines are less likely to spread the virus to others. That means a vaccinated person is likely to keep others who are vulnerable safer.

Key takeaways

We know COVID-19 has led to very serious illness and many deaths. If you get COVID-19, you could also put loved ones at risk as they may get very sick indeed.

The best way to keep yourself and others safe is to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The advantages of vaccination greatly outweigh the dangers. Far more people would get sick or die without vaccines.

Find out more about vaccination service through TrueCare24.

About TrueCare24

TrueCare24 is a nationwide Health & Wellness platform for families and businesses providing end-to-end solutions for COVID-19 testing, screening, vaccination, home care, and corporate well-being services.