BY RICHIE SPLITT, PRESIDENT & CEO NORMAN REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM
This story sponsored by
The What, Where and Why of the COVID Vaccine
T
he COVID pandemic has tested all of us as we have learned to live, work, and act differently. This year has strengthened our resolve to defeat COVID-19 by asking the questions, following the science, and getting vaccinated. Whether or not you have gotten sick, we must strengthen our immunity – and our resolve – to defeat COVID. The COVID vaccines offer safe and an effective way to keep you and your family safe. So please, talk to your healthcare provider, ask questions and follow the science. I want you to know, as Norman Regional healers, we will continue putting your health and safety first by following the science. Vaccines are safe, they work and they help us all. After you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did before the pandemic. You can get back to what you love because each vaccine is a step toward travel, restaurants, the gym, sporting activities, concerts, friends and family. It takes all of us to build a healthy future.
You are probably aware that new variants of the COVID-19 virus are spreading in the United States. Current information indicates that existing COVID-19 vaccines offer protection against those variants. However, some variants might cause illness in some people after they are fully vaccinated. What You Need to Know • Everyone 12 years of age and older is now eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccination. • COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 disease, especially severe illness and death. • COVID-19 vaccines reduce the risk of people spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. • You may have side effects after vaccination. These are normal and should go away in a few days. • It typically takes 2 weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19. You are not fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after the second dose of a 2-dose vaccine or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccines are new, and it’s normal to for people to have questions about them. The sheer amount of information—and misinformation—about this vaccine can be overwhelming to anyone. Studies show, however, that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from get- Where to Get the Vaccine ting the virus. Getting this vaccine will also help keep you Norman Regional’s Primary Care clinics offer the from getting seriously ill, even if you do get COVID-19. COVID vaccine to all established patients. I encourage you to speak with your doctor about the vaccine. Your COVID-19 vaccines are safe. They were developed us- doctor knows your health history and can give you ing science that has been around for decades, and they guidance such as when you should get the vaccine, are not experimental. They went through all the required what side effects to watch for and other important instages of clinical trials, and extensive testing and moni- formation - tailored to you. toring have shown that these vaccines are safe and effective. They can keep you from getting and spreading If you don’t have a healthcare provider, Norman Rethe virus that causes COVID-19. That is also true for those gional can match you with one in your area. We have individuals who have recovered from COVID-19. Studies clinics in Moore, south Oklahoma City, Norman, Newhave shown that vaccination provides a strong boost in castle, Blanchard, Noble and more. Call our referral protection against the virus. Population immunity means that enough people in a line at 405-515-5000 to make an appointment today. community are protected from getting a disease because But you don’t have to get the vaccine from they’ve already had the disease or because they’ve been vaccinated. And, population immunity makes it hard for a Norman Regional Health System. There are disease to spread from person to person. It even protects several ways you can look for vaccination prothose who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns or people viders near you. who are allergic to a vaccine. .......................................continued on Page 36 AUGUST 2021 | MOORE MONTHLY | 35
