If you’re wondering whether you should get the Covid-19 vaccine, you’ve come to the right place. The medical professionals at Centro Médico Latino can answer all your questions about it, drawing on the best scientific information. We are committed to giving patients in the Charlotte, NC, area the best care, and we would love to talk with you about your concerns.
Here are some facts about the Covid-19 vaccine we think everyone should know to make an informed decision.
What Are the Benefits of the Covid-19 Vaccine?
The vaccine is a great way to protect yourself and your family from the virus that has affected every part of the world. Here are some of the top benefits it provides.
- It reduces the likelihood that you’ll be infected. It’s still possible for a vaccinated person to catch Covid-19, but it’s much less likely. Your vaccination gives your body the tools it needs to fight off the virus before it makes you sick. This protects you and makes it less likely that you’ll spread the virus to your friends and family.
- If you’re pregnant or have a nursing baby, your vaccine will also give them the same antibodies to fight the disease. They are passed along to your infant through your placenta or breast milk.
- The vaccine makes you much less likely to get severely ill if you get sick. Adults who are not vaccinated are eight times more likely to be hospitalized than those who are fully vaccinated. Unvaccinated adolescents are ten times more likely to need hospital care if they catch Covid-19.
Are Covid-19 Vaccines Safe?
When the vaccines were being developed, they underwent rigorous testing to ensure they were safe. Since they were approved, they’ve been given to hundreds of millions of people around the world. The early information about their safety has been reinforced by the good results people have experienced all over the globe.
Although the evidence is overwhelming that the Covid-19 vaccine is a safe choice, it may not be recommended in rare cases. For instance, if you’re allergic to any part of the vaccine, you shouldn’t have it. If you have any concerns about its safety, please talk to a medical professional.
Covid-19 Vaccines Are Safe for Both Adults and Children
The vaccine is now available for kids as young as five years old. Our pediatrics department believes this is great news for kids and parents, but are the shots safe for children?
The truth is that no vaccine has zero risks. But an extensive study shows that the benefits of the Covid-19 vaccine far outweigh any risks. Both children and adults can experience side effects from the vaccine. The vast majority of these are:
- Pain and redness at the site of the injection
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
These symptoms are temporary, and most people feel better after a day.
Very rarely do people experience more severe side effects, but these almost always go away independently. The risk of serious complications from a Covid-19 infection is much higher than the vaccine.
Who Is Eligible for the Covid-19 Vaccine?
Today, the vaccine is available for everyone five years old and up. Adults can get any of the three vaccines approved for use in the US: Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Johnson Johnson. Children can only get the Pfizer form of the vaccine.
Covid-19 Booster Information
Just as doctors recommend regular flu shots to ensure you’re protected, a Covid-19 booster will help you maintain adequate immunity levels. At this time, adults 50 years old and up should get two boosters after their initial vaccines. The timing of the boosters can vary depending on factors such as vaccine type, age, immune status, and virus exposure levels.
People aged five to 49 years old should get a single booster. Everyone should speak to a doctor about the best timing for you.
When Can I Get the Vaccine?
The great news is that the vaccine is now widely available all over the country. If you live in Charlotte, NC, or nearby and haven’t gotten yours yet, or you think you’re due for a booster, Centro Médico Latino can help.
Come to Centro Médico Latino for the Covid-19 Vaccine and More
Centro Médico Latino is here to serve the needs of the Hispanic community in Charlotte, Monroe, and the surrounding areas. We meet the needs of the uninsured and underinsured people in the area, and we’re committed to removing the barriers to medical care.
If you need a Covid-19 vaccine, any other vaccines, or additional services, please get in touch with us today.
Image by BaLL LunLa/ shutterstock.com
