COVID-19 VACCINES What You Need to Know Throughout this pandemic we've learned many strategies for protecting ourselves, our friends, and our families. One of the most effective tools against viral infection is now available: a vaccine. However, the idea of getting vaccinated may be frightening, and you probably have a lot of questions and concerns. By knowing the facts, you can find the answers to your questions and reduce fear of vaccination, empowering you to be in charge of your own health.
First, let me say that I identify as a person who uses drugs. Like so many others, I had my issues/concerns about a vaccine that was developed and made available in record time. Once again, it looks like we (people of color) will be used as test subjects for this grand experiment. But as I thought about it more and more, the reality of what is could not be avoided. For many years, my usage had me putting many street-based chemicals in my body. Finally, I had to accept reality. Take this vaccine that was developed from years of work with previous and other viruses, or wait for COVID-19 to claim me. The answer to my question was simple: vaccine or COVID; live or die. Robert Suarez
Why should I care?
Why should I get vaccinated?
Why is it important for people who use drugs to get vaccinated?
Because being vaccinated protects not only you, but your family, friends, and people you love. It will also likely enable you to access certain privileges, such as events or traveling.
Getting the vaccine will help keep you from getting COVID-19. If you do get sick, the vaccines are really good at preventing bad cases of COVID-19. It is possible to get infected more than once, so if you’ve already had COVID-19, the vaccine can help prevent re-infection. Stigma keeps us from feeling welcome in certain places and feeling safe while traveling. If you are not vaccinated, these problems may intensify. If you choose to get vaccinated, you can show your vaccination card, or a picture of it, any time you feel you need to.
People who use drugs may have underlying medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease, chronic liver disease, and serious heart conditions. Drug use can make these conditions worse and also compromise the immune system, weakening your body's ability to fight off disease. This means you may be more likely to catch a severe case of COVID-19, potentially putting your life in danger.
But wouldn’t I have gotten COVID by now if I was going to get it?
Just because you have been around the virus and haven’t been infected doesn’t mean that you're immune. 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year. Where are we going with this? Just because you own a dog or have been around dogs and haven’t been bitten doesn’t mean you won't ever be bitten.
I heard cocaine is a defense against the virus. Is this why I haven't gotten it?
There is absolutely no proof at all that cocaine prevents COVID-19. In fact, cocaine use can negatively impact the body's immune system, increasing risk of getting sick.
How do I know the vaccines are safe?
All required tests and trials were done to make sure the final products are as safe and effective as possible. The vaccines have been through the most intensive safety monitoring in United States history, and millions of people in the U.S. have already successfully received them.
Why should I trust any of the testing and safety monitoring the government "says" was done?
There is absolutely no political agenda attached to the vaccines. The vaccines do not contain microchips or tracking devices, nor do they alter your DNA. The main ingredients are fats, sugars, salt, proteins, and non-harmful acids (like citric acid).
I have already had COVID-19. Why do I need to get vaccinated? I thought you can’t get it more than once.
Despite what you've heard, it is possible to get infected with COVID-19 more than once. Reinfection is a matter of the body's immune response and the evolution of the virus itself.
Can anyone get the vaccines?
The only people who should not get the vaccines are those who have had a bad allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccines.
What do I do if I miss my second dose?
You can get your second dose up to 6 weeks (42 days) after your first dose. If you get your second dose earlier or later than recommended, you do not have to restart the vaccine series.
References
(1) COVID-19 Vaccine Questions and Answers. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. https://www.niaid.nih.gov/diseasesconditions/covid-19-vaccine-faq#general. Reviewed January 14, 2021. (2) Vaccines for COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html. Updated May 23, 2021.