There are lots of questions about the COVID vaccine and whether it is safe. Here are the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine from the Center for Disease Control, and the current phased rollout in Kentucky.
Kentucky is currently in Phase 1C of the rollout. The following people are eligible to receive the vaccine:
- Front line essential worker
- Other essential workers
- Long-term care residents/workers (including assisted living)
- K-12 personnel
- Childcare workers
- Anyone over age 60
- Anyone over age 16 who has CDC COVID-19 risk factors/conditions
Here are the facts about the COVID-19 Pfizer and Moderna vaccines
1. The COVID-19 Vaccine cannot give you COVID-19.
Once you get the COVID-19 vaccine, it takes a few weeks before the vaccine is fully effective. If you are infected before or shortly after you receive your vaccine, yo may still get sick with COVID-19. It is important that you continue to wear a mask even after you have been vaccinated for this reason.
2. Even if you have had COVID-19, you still need to get the COVID-19 Vaccine.
Experts aren’t sure how long you are protected from COVID-19 after recovering. It is recommended to wait 90 days after recovering from COVID to get your vaccine, however your medical provider may recommend you get the vaccine sooner. If you have had COVID and would like to get vaccinated, talk with your Primary Care Provider about the right time to get vaccinated.
3. The COVID-19 Vaccine cannot alter your DNA
Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines. mRNA vaccines teach our bodies how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. This immune response produces antibodies which help the body fight off infection.
The COVID vaccine is not the first mRNA vaccine. mRNA vaccines have been used in some flu, zika and rabies vaccines. You can learn more about mRNA COVID vaccines here.
4. You may have some side-effects, but most go away within a few days
It is completely normal to experience some mild side effects. Things like light bruising at the injection site, chills and tiredness should go away within a few days. If you experience any worrying side effects or your side effects do not go away within a few days, contact your Primary Care Provider.
5. If you are pregnant, you can get the COVID-19 Vaccine, but talk with your doctor first.
There has been no evidence to suggest that those who are pregnant should not get the COVID vaccine. While the vaccines were not initially testing on pregnant women, there have been no reports of the COVID vaccine causing any harm to the mother or the child. As always, talk to your provider before scheduling the COVID vaccine if you are pregnant.
Those wanting to get the COVID vaccine at Park DuValle Community Health Center please call 502-774-4401 or email us at parkduvalle@pdchc.org