Before getting the COVID-19 vaccine

Before getting COVID-19 vaccine

Hailey Christoff

Facts

In Indiana, any resident ages 16 and older becomes eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine comes at no charge.

Anyone younger than the age of 18 must receive the Pfizer vaccine. To schedule a vaccination appointment, call 211 or go online at www. coronavirus.in.gov/vaccine

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved three different companies to make the vaccine: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. The government continues to review the trial information from AstraZenca’s vaccine even though parts of Europe have approved it.

Not all vaccines have the safe efficacy: Pfizer and Moderna have proven up to 95 percent effective. These vaccines are two doses, scheduled three weeks apart.

Johnson & Johnson’s vaccine comes as a single dose. It has an efficacy of 74 percent.

All of the vaccines protect 100 percent from hospitalizations and provide less severe outcomes if one contracts COVID-19 after being vaccinated.

Myths

Side effects of the vaccine feel worse than the actual disease.

No need to get a vaccine if it is not 100 percent effective.

Preservatives used in the vaccine cause autism.

All of the recipients will no longer need to wear a mask after receiving vaccine.

If a participant is pregnant and receives the vaccine, the unborn child will be harmed.

I had COVID-19 earlier this pandemic. I do not need the vaccine.

Getting the COVID-19 vaccine means one gets COVID-19.