Seven Reasons You Should Get the COVID Vaccine

You may still be contemplating getting vaccinated for COVID-19. (And that's okay!) The shot itself is a bit controversial because of how quickly it was developed, individual feelings about getting vaccines in the first place, and reports of varying side-effects.

But our Herway Blogger Cathy wants to share with you seven reasons why you should get the COVID vaccine.

You Can’t Get COVID From The COVID-19 Vaccine

Just like the flu shot, many people believe if they get the shot, they will get COVID. The vaccine does not contain a live virus! The vaccine contains material from the virus that causes COVID. These materials give your immune system instructions on how to make a harmless protein. The immune system copies the protein and destroys the material from the vaccine.

Your immune system now knows what to do when the real virus comes along. The most common side-effects from the vaccine are a sore arm, a low-grade fever, and fatigue.

The Vaccine is Effective

The two main COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. are made by Pfizer and Moderna. Both are 95% effective against the COVID virus. As a comparison, the flu vaccine averages about 40% effectiveness against the flu virus.

The Vaccine is Safe

The technology used to create the vaccine has been around for over 20 years. Known as RNA or mRNA, it tells the cells in your body to make protein (antibodies) that attack the spikes on the virus that allow it to attach to the cells in your body.

Your DNA and genes are not affected by mRNA which does not penetrate the nucleus of your cells where DNA is found.

It Protects Your Loved Ones

Although you may not get sick with COVID, you could be a carrier and pass the virus along to your family or other people you come in contact with. The vaccine not only protects you from getting sick, but it also protects others from getting sick as well.

Keeps You From Missing Work

If you get COVID, you could be missing work for at least two weeks, maybe more. Although cases are dropping because more people are being vaccinated, there is still a chance you could get the virus if you, yourself are not vaccinated. That means at least 14 days in quarantine if you don’t have severe symptoms.

When you run your own business, that means you are not getting paid for the days you don’t work. You could potentially take a big hit on your income.

Underlying Health Conditions

If you have any underlying conditions such as diabetes, asthma, cancer, or heart disease, you are at greater risk of getting very sick from COVID. It is not only safe but highly recommended that people with underlying health conditions get the vaccine.

It’s Free!

The COVID vaccine is free! No insurance is required. If you do have insurance there are no co-pays.

There has been a lot of controversy around the safety of the COVID vaccine. The bottom line is that it is both safe and effective. Many states are offering incentives to get the vaccine. Vaccine sites are also located in churches and neighborhood businesses such as barber shops to help make the vaccine accessible to everyone.

Side effects are usually mild. If you have any concerns about getting vaccinated, talk to your doctor. You can check online to find a COVID vaccine site near you.