COVID-19 Vaccine: Why Is It Safe? What Are the Benefits?

Although COVID-19 has been around for over a year now, it is still a new disease that experts are still learning new things about every day. 

Vaccines train our immune systems to create proteins that fight off a disease called antibodies. Effectively, vaccines work to give you an immunity just as you would if you had had the virus, but without the hassle of being sick. Currently, the two vaccines have been approved for distribution in the United States. Both the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine take two doses in order to be effective and will help prevent you from contracting the coronavirus.

Is the Vaccine Effective?

The COVID-19 vaccine teaches your body how to fight off the coronavirus and in turn, can prevent you from becoming seriously ill. Although experts are uncertain of how effective the vaccine is at preventing you from spreading the virus, the studies show that the vaccine is effective at preventing you from contracting it. You may still be able to be infected and be a carrier of the coronavirus, but you likely will not feel sick or exhibit any symptoms. Because the disease can still be spread, you should continue to wear a mask and maintain a distance of 6 feet from others while in public. 

Are the Vaccines Safe?

Before any vaccine can be approved, both the established and potential benefits have to outweigh the risks and side effects. Both of the vaccines currently being distributed in the United States have faced different clinical trials and passed all of the rigorous tests. After considering the data, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved Emergency Use Authorizations for both the Pfizer-BioNTech and the Moderna vaccines. The only group of people that experts have confirmed should not receive their COVID-19 shot when it becomes available to them are those who are allergic to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. 

What Are the Benefits of theCOVID-19 Vaccine?

Even if you are young and healthy, it is still a good idea to get the vaccine once it becomes available to you. The best way to wipe out the coronavirus is to attain “herd immunity” meaning that the majority of society will no longer be vulnerable to contracting COVID-19. The best way to do achieve this is to vaccinate as quickly and carefully as possible. Even if you have contracted and recovered from the coronavirus, the immunity you have after recovering is not permanent. Getting the vaccine will give you a prolonged immunity which will give us a higher chance of returning to our normal lives sooner. 

COVID-19 Vaccination and Tests With BASS Urgent Care 

For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine and when it will be available to you, visit our website. If you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (difficulty breathing, coughing, sore throat, congestion, body chills, and more), the CDC recommends you schedule a test for the virus then quarantine for the 2 to 3 days it takes to receive your test results. If you’re looking for COVID-19 testing near me, then look no further than BASS Urgent Care. We at BASS Urgent Care are committed to the comfort and safety of our patients and that’s why we are conducting COVID-19 tests both in our facility and from the comfort of your vehicle. If you test positive for COVID-19, BASS Urgent Care offers telehealth appointments where a physician can assess your symptoms if you find yourself in need of non-emergency medical assistance. You can schedule an appointment or a COVID-19 test by visiting our website or by calling us at (925) 329-3719.