COVID-19 Vaccines – What You Need to Know
On the fence about getting your COVID-19 vaccine? We get it. It’s a big decision—and an important one—for you and your family. And here are three reasons why you can feel confident and comfortable to make that decision.
1. The COVID-19 vaccines are safe.
Many have concerns about the safety and long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccines. Truth is, long-term side effects are highly unlikely with any vaccine. But don’t take only our word for it. Talk to 10 people you know who have received the vaccine, and ask them about their experiences.
With more than 200 billion doses given worldwide, we know that the chances of having adverse effects are rare. And many of the adverse effects that occurred after someone received the vaccine weren’t necessarily because of the vaccine.
When it comes to the side effects you’ve heard about, those are an immune reaction. It indicates that your body’s immune system is responding and creating immunity.
Don’t fear if you do not have side effects; it means it’s working! Ask your family and friends about their reactions, most likely they were gone in a couple days.
2. The COVID-19 vaccines are effective.
Yes, if you get the vaccine, you can still get COVID-19. However, the vaccine lessens the intensity of the illness. Studies show that individuals who receive the vaccine and still get COVID-19 are less likely to be hospitalized or to have long-term symptoms.
Learn more about the effectiveness of the vaccine against hospitalization here: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/wr/mm7032e3.htm.
Unfortunately, enough people weren’t vaccinated to keep the virus from spreading and changing. Because the virus has changed, eradication is not an option right now.
This means everyone will likely face the virus. And the various COVID-19 vaccines offer the only protection, or shield, against its effects. Yes, the vaccine is preventative, but more importantly, it’s protects you from serious illness because of the virus.
Do you know someone who had COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine? Talk to them about it. What was it like for them? How long did the symptoms last? Do they regret getting the vaccine?
3. The COVID-19 vaccines are for more than the immunocompromised.
It’s true that those who are immunocompromised—people whose immune systems lack the strength of a healthy immune system—need the vaccine.
But that doesn’t mean those with healthy immune systems are safe from COVID-19’s effects.
Some of the worst COVID-19 cases are those with healthy immune systems. This virus attacks the organs, and some individuals have an autoimmune reaction. In these cases, a healthy immune system can be an enemy. The vaccine protects your immune system from responding and causing more damage.
We want you to feel comfortable and confident in your decision to get the vaccine.
When you are ready, we are here for you. COVID-19 vaccinations are free and available!
COVID-19 Vaccination Sites in your Area:
Jamestown Health Center
4790 Cottonville Rd.
Jamestown, Ohio 45335
Call to schedule
Cedar Care Village Pharmacy
63 N Main St, Cedarville, OH 45314
Greene County Public Health
2960 W Enon Rd,
Xenia, OH 45385
Central State University Health Clinic
1400 Brush Row Road,
Wilberforce, OH, 45384
Vaccine confidence programs for rural health clinics are supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,902,040 with 0% financed with non-governmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS, or the U.S. Government. For more information, please visit HRSA.gov.
