COVID-19’s first ‘vaccine’ was to quarantine for two weeks, and now there is an actual vaccine that is being given out to people across the nation. For the first time, the school district is helping at-risk teachers and other employees sign up for the first round of the vaccine. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is the start to end the global pandemic, and it is time for people to take the shot and get America on the road to normal again.

The FDA hopes the vaccine will help families around the world that are battling with the disease. There is caution being taken by some people for they are worried about the side effects of the new vaccine. The CDC is taking health precautions and is ensuring everyone’s safety while providing vaccines to people. In mid-December, healthcare workers, residents, and staff of healthcare facilities were the first to get the vaccine and recommend that adults 75 years and older and frontline essential workers be vaccinated next. Adults 65-74 years old were next and lastly people aged 16-64 who have medical conditions that put them at high risk were given the vaccine. The vaccine can not make a person ill and it will not cause the vaccinated person to get Covid for it does not have the virus in the vaccine. 

The COVID vaccine has many benefits when it comes to catching the disease. According to the CDC, it is highly effective at preventing COVID, and it will help the severity of illness if one gets covid if the person is vaccinated. The vaccines are being carefully evaluated in clinical trials to ensure safety precautions. Evidence shows that coming in contact with the virus that causes COVID after being infected is uncommon in the 90 days after the infection. The immune system creates antibodies that help fight against the virus and getting the vaccine helps increase the amount of antibodies without having to be infected. The immune system fights to become stronger against the virus. Following safety precautions and getting the vaccine are the best options to surviving during the global pandemic. 

Side effects are common when getting a vaccine, and the side effects to the COVID vaccine are not severe. Side effects are signs that the vaccine is working with the immune system as it is building up protection. Common side effects with the COVID vaccine are swelling and pain in the arm from the vaccine shot. Throughout the body a person can experience headaches, fever, chills and tiredness. To reduce pain in the arm apply a cool, wet washcloth over the area to reduce inflammation. Drinking plenty of fluids and dressing lightly are other ways to reduce pain due to the vaccine. In the majority of cases, discomfort is normal but if swelling and redness increases or if the side effects have not gone away after a couple of days then contact a health provider to ensure your safety and get the relief that is needed. The side effects are normal and will go away in a couple of days. It is recommended by the CDC to get a second shot for it takes the body time to build up protection and healthcare workers recommend getting the shot a second time even if the side effects were present from the first shot. 

The COVID vaccine may seem like an awful idea for it is a new vaccine, but it is a way to ensure people’s safety when coming in contact with the covid virus. The vaccine is a way to help families across the nation and to prevent severe illness. The vaccine also gives a feeling of relief as it is an extra step to insure a person’s health. It is time for Americans to make an appointment to make the world a safe place.