Although the option to vaccinate against the COVID-19 virus has been available for well over a year now, many people still have questions. To help answer some of the FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine, we’ve created this article. Although it is specifically geared toward seniors and those in the high-risk category, this information is all backed by the CDC and applies to most adults.
This COVID-19 vaccine FAQ is meant to help address some of our client's most pressing concerns. However, it is not meant as medical advice in any way, shape, or form. You should always consult with your doctor about the best possible medical care for your specific situation.
COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs
Do I Need a COVID-19 Vaccine?
Generally speaking, if you’re at risk of contracting the disease, you need a COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself. Anyone in a high-risk category is strongly advised by the CDC and the World Health Organization to get a vaccination. This includes the following characteristics and conditions:
- Over 65 years old
- Immunocompromised
- Respiratory diseases
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Resident in long-term care facilities
- In contact with healthcare professionals
- Asthma or other chronic conditions
If you fall into one or more of these categories, you should consider getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination is directly correlated with shortened illness times and a lower risk of hospitalization and permanent complications.
Is There Anyone Who Should Not Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
According to the CDC, vaccination is not safe for children under the age of six months or adults who are allergic to mRNA vaccines, polyethylene glycol, or polysorbate. All other individuals should strongly consider being vaccinated for their own safety and the safety of those around them.
Do the Vaccines Work?/Why do I Need a Booster?
Yes, the vaccines work to prevent COVID-19 and lessen the impact on your health should you catch it. It works in much the same way as the flu shot. Unlike mumps or scarlet fever, you need booster shots because the virus is mutating quickly, and new strains develop over time.
While we cannot always predict which strain will come out next, keeping up with your booster shots will help keep your immune system strong against the coronavirus. This minimizes your risk of lasting complications and hospitalization, even if you do catch it. You’ll be sick for a shorter period of time and experience less severe symptoms.
Do Boosters Use the Same Ingredients as Vaccines?
Yes, the same mRNA technology and ingredients are used in the boosters as in the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the strain may be slightly different, and the dose may be smaller. For instance, the Moderna booster is about half the dose of the original vaccine. This is because a smaller dose is needed after your initial inoculation.
Am I Still “Fully Vaccinated” If I Don’t Get the Booster?
Legally, yes. The definition for “fully vaccinated” almost always refers to the original vaccination process of two shots (or one if you received Johnson & Johnson). However, the best way to remain fully protected from COVID-19 is to receive your booster shots as they become available.
Can I Mix and Match Vaccines and Boosters?
If you are fully vaccinated by any of the major three options, you can receive your booster from any of the brands. It triggers the same antibodies and immune response regardless of the brand. Some doctors prefer to stick with the same brand, but most agree that it’s more important to be boosted than it is to match your original COVID-19 vaccination brand.
It has been found that those who received the Johnson and Johnson vaccination and booster were more likely to be hospitalized than those who took Pfizer or Moderna. Check with your doctor before making a final decision about which booster to receive.
How Long Does the Vaccine Last?
Scientists and doctors are currently monitoring patients to discover the true extent of the original COVID-19 vaccine. Just one vaccination appears to prevent severe hospitalization and death for at least a year. Boosters are recommended to extend the effect and keep up with new mutations and strains of the disease.
Is the Vaccine Safe?
Yes. Although it was developed quickly and there are minor side effects, the COVID-19 vaccine is safe for most individuals. It was run through multiple clinical trials and authorization processes by the FDA and is currently being monitored by health organizations across the nation—and the world.
What’s in the COVID-19 Vaccine?
Every brand is a little different, but none of them contain eggs, gelatin, preservatives, or latex. This is to lower the risk of allergic reaction or anaphylactic shock. They are also free of all metals, alloys, electrodes, carbon nanotubes, and semiconductors.
The main ingredient in the vaccine is the mRNA of the coronavirus.
Why Should I Get Vaccinated If I’m Going to Get COVID-19 Anyway?
Because it lowers your risk of severe complications and hospitalization. Much like the flu shot lessens the time you are ill regardless of that year’s strain, the COVID-19 vaccine helps strengthen your immune system to fight off coronavirus more effectively and quickly than it could otherwise.
This means shorter illness times and less risk of severe complications or hospitalization.
Contact the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Arkansas
For more information about COVID-19 vaccine FAQs, contact the Area Agency on Aging of Southwest Arkansas. We can help direct you to the medical professionals who can help you make an appropriate decision about whether to be vaccinated based on your current medical situation.
