Since the commencement of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, over 43% of the population in New York has been fully vaccinated. This number is rising daily as age restrictions lower for those eligible to receive the vaccine are announced.
Still, the COVID-19 vaccine continues to be questioned by many members of our community. Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is sharing the following information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to answer them.
Some commonly asked questions that people are asking:
- Is the vaccine safe? The vaccines that are being distributed have undergone rigorous testing and have met the safety standards set forth by the CDC and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Are there any side effects of this vaccine? The known side effects of the vaccines currently being distributed include soreness in the arm in which the vaccine was administered and some people have developed low grade fevers. Both of these only lasted less than 48 hours. There may be other side effects that we aren’t aware of yet.
- Will the vaccine prevent me from getting COVID-19 ? This vaccine, like all other vaccines, will lessen the chances of getting the virus but is not 100 percent guaranteed to be effective for everyone.
- How long will the vaccine be effective for? Until more time has passed and more people have been vaccinated, the CDC is not sure how long the vaccine will be effective for.
Most recently, there has been another question added which is:
Will there be a need for a third dose (booster) of the vaccine to maintain effectiveness? According to a recent CNBC report, Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said, “People “likely” need a a booster dose within 12 months of getting fully vaccinated.
Although the “booster” vaccine is not currently available, it is hopeful that it will be available sometime this year.
Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is committed to vaccinating member of its staff and the community with the hope of vaccinating enough of the population to finally eradicate this deadly virus.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.