As news crops up every day about new vaccines for the COVID-19 virus, it’s common (and expected) for people to have questions about what they’ll be putting into their bodies. The coronavirus has had a devastating impact on the world, and to feel skeptical about a new vaccine isn’t far-fetched. Luckily, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a list of facts about the United State’s COVID-19 Vaccination Program and its vaccines.
1 ) Safety is the top priority.
Safety is the first and foremost priority when it comes to developing vaccines, which is why the CDC developed a new tool called v-safe. It provides an additional layer of safety monitoring that increases their ability to detect safety issues at a much quicker rate than before. The tool is smartphone-based and meant to be a health checker for people who have received the COVID-19 vaccinations.
2 ) There are two doses required.
As of this writing, people who receive the currently available COVID-19 vaccine will need two doses of the shot, with the second dosage coming three weeks after the initial shot. In order to be protected against this disease, people must receive both shots.
3 ) There’s currently a limited supply of vaccines.
Everyone will eventually be able to get the COVID-19 vaccination, but presently there is a limited supply available. Because of this, the CDC has recommended that priority be given to healthcare workers and the residents of long-term care facilities.
4 ) There will be side effects.
This is normal. Side effects from the COVID-19 vaccination will feel akin to the flu, potentially even affecting a person’s ability to do daily activities for a few days. Information on what to expect from these side effects and tips on how to handle them can be found here.
5 ) Don’t worry about the cost.
Vaccine doses are being purchased with American taxpayer dollars and are therefore being given to the people at no cost. However, vaccination providers are able to charge administration fees for giving someone the vaccine. Providers can get this fee reimbursed through a person’s health insurance company or by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.
6 ) The current vaccine is being used under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
More vaccines are being developed and tested at the moment other than the one being distributed right now. Once these vaccines are authorized or approved by the FDA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will hold public meetings and review all available data so they can make recommendations on their usage. All ACIP-recommended vaccines will be included in the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program.