On the Fence About Getting a Vaccine? Learn How Immunizations Can Help Prevent These 10 Serious Illnesses
PLEASE NOTE: Central Coast VNA Community Services has discontinued the travel immunization program. As the community immunizers it has been a privilege to provide this vital service of disease prevention and healthy travel to our communities.
Vaccinations have become an important factor in the prevention of serious diseases that can lead to potentially deadly complications. However, you might be concerned about issues such as safety. Some people are against immunizations and have no problem telling everyone their opinions. With the advent of the internet, those voices may seem to be everywhere, causing doubt to bloom in your mind. However, your health care provider relies on medically backed research for vaccine safety and effectiveness. It's important to put your trust in professionals over social media. Without these preventative measures, you'd be more at risk of developing many serious conditions that could negatively impact your life.
Lifelong Vaccinations
Once you receive these immunizations and the required boosters, you're protected for the remainder of your life.
Polio
Polio can affect the brain and the central nervous system, often causing breathing difficulties, paralysis or even death. Thanks to widespread vaccinations, polio is no longer a problem in the United States. However, it's a small world due to travel. Vaccines can keep you from getting polio from travelers of other countries where the disease is still active.
HPV
Human papilloma virus has been linked to certain types of cancer in both men and women. Although your body may be able to fight this virus on its own, long-term cases cause cellular changes. These alterations can lead to the development of cancer over time. It can be spread through any type of sexual contact. There are several cancers that have been attributed to this virus. They are those of the cervix, vagina, vulva, rectum, penis, mouth and throat. The HPV vaccine has been shown to help prevent up to 90 percent of these types of cancers.
Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia often occurs as a complication of other viral infections, especially those that affect the respiratory tract. This illness can land you in the hospital. Additionally, if the bacteria reach the blood stream, this can lead to a deadly infection called sepsis. There are currently two pneumonia vaccinations available that fight against 13 or 23 strains of the bacteria. For some patients, getting both of these immunizations provides the best protection.
Repeated Immunizations
These vaccines require regular boosters, sometimes annually, in order to remain effective in the prevention of disease.
Pertussis
Also known as whooping cough, pertussis affects the lungs and can lead to death, especially in children. The newer vaccines provide less risk of side effects, but the provided immunity can wane over time. Over the last few years, pertussis cases have increased. Although there are multiple reasons for this, lack of vaccination appears to be one of the underlying factors. You can get continued protection from this disease that's trying to make a comeback with a tetanus booster.
Tetanus
Unlike most of the other diseases reduced by vaccination, tetanus is not spread from human to human. However, you can contract this possibly deadly virus through your everyday environment if it enters through broken skin. The intense muscle contractions caused by the virus can be so severe as to break bones. Regular boosters are needed to maintain protection from this excruciating disease.
Influenza
Thousands of people die each year due to the flu and related complications. Different viruses are more active from year to year. It's important that you're immunized annually to prevent the predicted strains that will be most prevalent each season. Some people are reluctant to visit a flu clinic since a few people claim they became ill after being vaccinated. This is not the case; symptoms that resemble the flu are just signs that your body is developing immunity against the virus.
COVID-19
Advanced medical research has given humanity its first chance at fighting off a plague through the preventative use of vaccines. Doctor's offices, clinics and pharmacies offer the COVID vaccine in Salinas and other local areas. You should have no problem finding a provider close by. While it's understandable to be hesitant due to all of the misinformation being spread on social media, it's important to listen to the advice and experience of your health care provider as a reliable resource.
Travel Vaccinations
There are several vaccines for traveling to Mexico or other countries, and these are just a few that are recommended.
Rabies
Did you know that rabies is 100 percent fatal? Although not as prevalent in the United States, this virus is still seen regularly in many countries. In Mexico, feral dogs roam freely and can be very aggressive, so get protection before you go. Once you've been infected, it's too late to get vaccinated.
Hepatitis A
Close contact with an infected person or consuming food or water in unsanitary areas can lead to contracting Hepatitis A. This is a very contagious disease that can cause inflammation of the liver. The more time you spend in a risky region, the greater the likelihood you'll come in contact with this virus. Vaccinations can prevent the virus from damaging your liver. Additionally, you can get vaccinated within two weeks of getting the virus.
Typhoid Fever
Although rare in the United States, typhoid fever is prevalent in underdeveloped countries. While the vaccine provides limited protection, it can prevent serious complications. Once you've contracted the virus, there's a small chance that you could become a lifetime carrier.
Addressing Your Concerns
Talk to your health care provider for any additional concerns you may have. This is what researchers know about vaccines:
- They are safe and effective for most people, and the benefits typically far outweigh the risks.
- Vaccines don't cause the disease they're meant to prevent. Only inactive or partial viruses are used in the manufacture of immunizations.
- Researchers haven't found a connection between childhood immunizations and autism. This lifelong developmental disability is typically detected at the same age as childhood vaccinations are given. However, the ingredient in question, thimerosal, hasn't been used in children's vaccines since 2001.
Health Matters - VNA & Hospice Article
VNA names Elsa Malispina as Latino outreach coordinator
In an effort to ensure trust within the Latino community and better connect with the underserved, VNA has named Elsa Malispina as its Latino outreach coordinator.
Malispina will provide community education and multicultural connections while assisting patients and families in Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and South Santa Clara counties.
VNA offers monthly grief support group for South Monterey County residents
Article posted at King City Rustler.com
GONZALES — Grieving is a natural part of life, and impacts each individual journey physically, emotionally and spiritually.
While every loss is unique, Central Coast VNA and Hospice Grief and Loss Program offers a free monthly support group in South Monterey County called New Beginnings, which is designed to help participants share, bond and commiserate.
The program — funded in part by Hospice Giving Foundation, and in partnership with Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center — provides a non-judgmental, fully confidential and supportive environment to share feelings of pain and loss. Individual support is also available, and great efforts are made to reach out to the South Monterey County bilingual community.
The no-cost support group is offered to older adults who have experienced a significant loss of someone in their life. The purpose is to learn about the grieving process and share experiences that help with the emotion of isolation.
The group meets every third Thursday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Taylor Farms Family Health and Wellness Center, 850 Fifth St. in Gonzales, a part of Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System.
For more information, contact VNA’s Latino Community Outreach Coordinator Elsa M. Malispina or Spiritual Care Coordinator Osa Massen at 831-241-3834.
7 Questions You May Have About the Difference Between Hospice vs Palliative Care
Seniors and people with long-term illnesses may wonder what their medical care will look like as their health declines. There are many options for people with serious illnesses, including hospice and palliative care. Hospice and palliative care are similar, but hospice is usually 100% covered if a patient qualifies for it.
1. Who Is Eligible for Palliative Care?
An individual who is in any stage of a serious illness can seek palliative care. The goal of palliative care is to relieve symptoms in someone who is suffering from a long-term medical condition. It doesn’t matter whether other doctors are exploring a cure for your condition. You can receive palliative care for a chronic, complex, terminal or non-terminal illness.
Some people seek palliative care to keep them comfortable as they recover from major surgery. Others may choose it to help manage side effects from chemotherapy treatments. Palliative care is available for people with a wide range of illnesses, from multiple sclerosis to kidney disease.
2. Who Is Eligible for Hospice Care?
A patient who has a serious illness with a prognosis of fewer than six months to live is eligible for hospice care. A doctor must certify the prognosis based on the typical path of the illness.
The medical condition is usually defined as terminal when treatments are no longer working or the patient chooses to discontinue aggressive treatments. In other words, hospice care is only available toward the expected end of a patient’s life, when the patient is no longer undergoing active curative treatments.
Hospice doesn’t always mean that it’s the end. It can boost a patient’s health and well-being. If the patient’s situation improves and their life expectancy is extended, they will no longer be eligible.
3. What Does a Palliative Doctor Do Differently Than Other Doctors?
The goal of a palliative doctor is to keep a patient comfortable. A patient who is in palliative care may have a team of medical professionals working with them on a treatment plan. But those are not the palliative doctors.
The palliative doctors focus on easing symptoms and side effects of the medical condition or medications. They’re not treating the illness. They’re helping the patient to maintain a high quality of life despite the illness.
Palliative professionals may include doctors and non-medical team members who work together to support the patient’s medical, physical, psychological and personal needs. They coordinate with the treatment team to provide continuity of care and help the patient understand their diagnosis and management plan.
4. When Should You Enter Hospice or Palliative Care?
Many patients wait until the last minute to begin hospice care. Choosing this type of care may feel like a death sentence. However, delaying the decision may hinder a patient’s ability to maximize their quality of life in this final stage.
Deciding to seek hospice care doesn’t mean that there is no hope. This specialized care enhances well-being and comfort. When patients feel better, they are more empowered, satisfied and fulfilled.
The best time to enter hospice is different for every situation. If a patient is eligible, they should enter when their quality of life would be improved by this type of care.
You can opt for palliative care at any stage of an illness. Many patients choose palliative care when they need additional support and coordination to manage their condition. There is no time limit for palliative services.
5. Can You Leave Hospice Care Voluntarily?
Hospice care is intended for people who are expected to live no longer than six months. However, a patient’s situation can change. The prognosis could shift, extending the patient’s life expectancy. In that case, hospice care would be discontinued. It would be available again if the condition deteriorated and the patient regained eligibility.
You can choose to discontinue hospice care at any time and for any reason. Hospice benefits that are covered by a patient’s health care plan may be revoked when these services are terminated, however. In that case, you could opt for palliative care and pay out of pocket or through your insurance plan.
6. Can You Use Palliative and Hospice Care Simultaneously?
You can’t use hospice care at the same time that you’re actively undergoing therapeutic treatment for your medical condition. However, you can receive palliative and hospice care at the same time.
Many of the services that are offered under hospice care are intended to keep the patient comfortable. Therefore, they’re inherently palliative. Moreover, they’re hospice benefits that are covered under Medicaid and most insurance plans.
7. Where Can You Get Hospice and Palliative Care?
Both types of care can be provided at home or in a facility and on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Because it’s important to maximize the patient’s comfort, hospice and palliative services are often offered at home. A patient may also move into a facility or receive services at a nursing home or residential care facility.
In either case, a variety of professionals make up the care team. These include your primary care physician, nurses, home health care workers, social workers and physical therapists. Spiritual and psychological counselors are often involved in palliative care. In hospice, volunteers may offer additional services to improve patients’ well-being, such as massage and pet therapy.
A hospice or palliative care coordinator will manage this medical team to keep the patient well-informed and at ease. Most people have many questions about initiating this type of care. Reach out to a VNA care coordinator to learn more about palliative care in Monterey CA and the surrounding areas.
How and Where to Get the Covid Vaccine in Salinas
PLEASE NOTE: Central Coast VNA Community Services has discontinued the travel immunization program. As the community immunizers it has been a privilege to provide this vital service of disease prevention and healthy travel to our communities.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 will help protect yourself and the people closest to you. With multiple providers offering the vaccine in and around Salinas, you should be able to receive the covid immunization without disrupting your schedule. A nationwide effort among healthcare professionals is providing free, easy access to vaccines. Once you’ve read this basic guide, you’ll have no trouble finding and taking the Covid vaccine in Salinas.
Eligibility for Covid Vaccine in Salinas
Everyone in California age 12 and up is eligible to receive a free covid vaccine. This applies to absolutely everybody regardless of insurance or immigration status. Don’t hesitate to get the vaccine because of any lack of proper documentation. The priority now is to vaccinate as many people as possible. You can join millions of Californians in protecting yourself against the virus and helping to bring this brutal pandemic to an end.
Where to Get Your Covid Vaccine in Salinas
There are many locations offering the covid vaccine in Salinas itself and throughout Monterey County. Doctors’ offices, urgent care clinics, and many pharmacies provide the vaccine for free. There are also several mass vaccination sites set up around the area. Another option is to visit the Central Coast VNA, which offers vaccines to residents of Hollister Counter, Monterey County, and the Central Coast. All these vaccination providers strive to make the process quick and easy.
How to Get Your Covid Vaccine
With vaccines widely available, you have some flexibility in how you arrange your immunization. Whether you'd prefer to make an appointment or simply show up for a shot when the mood strikes, you'll have no trouble getting the vaccine
Make an Appointment
You can schedule an appointment at most vaccine centers. To book a slot with Central Coast VNA, simply give the reception a call. You can also schedule appointments at most pharmacies and clinics. The government’s “My Turn” website is a great tool for discovering your options and booking an appointment.
Walk-In Options
Many vaccination clinics can provide instant jabs to walk-in patients. This means you can receive the covid immunization whenever you have a few minutes available. This walk-in option is great for anyone with a busy or unpredictable schedule.
What to Bring
It’s important to remember that you will be able to receive the covid vaccine even if you do not bring any documentation. All the same, you can make the process easier for everyone by bringing along a photo ID and, if you have one, an insurance card. These documents will allow the provider to quickly record your immunization and charge it to your insurance company.
Make sure you’re wearing a mask as you enter the clinic. You’ll be required to keep your mouth and nose covered as long as you’re in the facility. You should also consider bringing a book, magazine, or electronic device to keep you entertained if you have to wait.
Which Covid Vaccine You’ll Receive
Not all providers have the same vaccine available. Some may have multiple options to choose from, while others will only offer a single brand. You can call a vaccine center to ask about which vaccines they’re providing.
Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson are the principal vaccines administered in California. It’s worth noting that all three have been proven safe and effective in clinical trials. Whichever vaccine you take, you’ll be protecting yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of COVID-19.
What to Expect
Receiving the covid vaccine is usually a quick and easy process, no more arduous than getting a standard travel immunization. If you walk into a mass vaccination site, you may have to wait in line. If you’ve got an appointment at a smaller provider, then you’ll likely be able to start the process right away.
First, an employee at the facility will explain the details and potential side effects of the vaccine. Then, you’ll sign a consent form and answer questions about any allergies you may have to medications. Once the providers have reviewed your answers and deemed your vaccination safe, you’ll receive the jab in your upper arm.
After getting the vaccine, most recipients are asked to wait 15 minutes before departing the clinic. This is to ensure no unexpected side effects develop. People with a history of allergic reactions to vaccinations may be asked to wait 30 minutes. Once the required amount of time has elapsed, you’ll be free to go on your way.
You’ll receive a vaccination card detailing the type, date, and location of your vaccination. If you got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, this card will serve as your official record of vaccination. If you received the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, save the card and present it to the provider when you come back for your second shot.
Receiving Your Second Dose
For the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, you’ll need a second dose to receive the full level of protection that the immunizations can provide. You should be able to schedule your second dose in person while receiving the first jab. Otherwise, you can call to make an appointment by phone.
Learn More About the Covid Vaccine
The past 18 months have been difficult, and you’re far from alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed. All of a sudden, things like coronaviruses and vaccines have become central parts of life in America. To understand the situation and make the right decisions for you and your family, it’s always best to keep yourself informed. You can learn more about the covid vaccine from the WHO and the CDC. Armed with all the latest information, you’ll be ready to protect yourself and your loved ones from this harrowing disease.
5 Reasons to Sign-Up for a CPR Class Right Now
CPR, or cardiac pulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving procedure performed during emergency situations, including when a person’s heart stops beating. The American Heart Association explains that performing CPR doubles or triples the likelihood of survival after a person has an incident of cardiac arrest. If you are a resident of the Central Coast, there are a number of reasons to consider CPR classes Monterey CA. After learning the benefits of attending a CPR class, you are sure to enroll right away.
1. CPR Classes Boost Confidence
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 80 percent of cardiac arrest events occur at home. If you are going through a normal day, you want to be prepared if one of your loved ones suddenly needs to be resuscitated. After attending CPR classes Monterey CA, you will be confident in your abilities to perform the correct procedures to save someone’s life. Instead of becoming emotional and scared when the person around you has a heart attack, you will be able to remain calm and to assist.
2. You Can Help Anywhere
Although most heart attacks occur at home, you may be at a restaurant, store, or any location when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. Having knowledge about CPR means that you can assist wherever you go. This is helpful to a person who is having a medical emergency, especially when there is no doctor in the area. When an emergency arises, you can spring to action and offer comfort to people who need it the most. As you perform CPR, you may possibly keep a person alive until further medical support has time to arrive.
3. Receive Hands-On Training at CPR Classes
Attending CPR classes Monterey CA offers the ability to receive hands-on training from first responders who have real-life experience in the field. Although many people learn skills online, there is nothing better than learning face-to-face with nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals. It is crucial to learn how to handle a multitude of potential situations that involve an unconscious individual or someone who is intensely sick. Being able to practice life-saving techniques on dummies or other devices gives you a realistic feel of an emergency and how to proceed with successful results.
4. Increase Your Value at Work or as a Volunteer
It is scary to think about a co-worker suddenly taking a heart attack. However, it can happen. Being CPR certified makes you extremely valuable. Literally, you have the power to save a life. Your skills will provide great support in the workplace.
CPR class are smart for people of all ages and may open new job opportunities. For example, it will help a younger person gain employment as a lifeguard. Someone looking to provide childcare in a daycare or a private setting will benefit from training as well. These are just a few of the jobs that require CPR certification.
Also, having knowledge about how to perform CPR may provide you with the opportunity to become a volunteer in your community. It is especially helpful to know CPR when you wish to work with the elderly. Even if you won’t be providing direct medical care, it is always helpful to be prepared in times of emergency.
If you have aging parents and take on homecare duties, CPR training is a valuable tool as well. It prepares you to step into the role of caretaker and allows your parents to enjoy the freedom of remaining out of a nursing home setting. Nobody wants to think about situations when CPR is necessary. However, being ready is an important part of your family's safety plan.
5. Learn How to Use an Automated External Defibrillator
An automated external defibrillator is a portable device that is used in emergency situations to shock the heart so that regular rhythm is restored. These units should be run by individuals who understand their usage and placement on another person. Thanks to proper operation, a person who is experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest may be saved. In fact, a person's heart must be regulated quickly. The chance of survival decreases up to 10 percent for each minute that passes without a normal rhythm. During a typical CPR course, you will learn to use this device effectively.
People of all experience levels can enroll in CPR classes Monterey CA. They provide a solid insight into this life-saving technique and its applications during times of emergency. The above reasons are just a few motivating points that should make you enroll in a class immediately. If you live in Hollister, Monterey County, or Central Coast, it is possible to play an active role in the services provided by CCVNA. For more information, contact us today.
VNA & Hospice Featured in Coastal Grower Summer 2021
VNA & Hospice
Providing comprehensive and compassionate
services along the Central Coast since 1951
When VNA first began providing comprehensive and compassionate services along the Central Coast in 1951, a gallon of gasoline cost 19 cents and a DJ in Cleveland first
coined the term rock ’n’ roll.
(download full article below, page 58)
Health Matters Features VNA & Hospice 70th Anniversary
Health Matters Features VNA & Hospice 70th Anniversary
VNA Celebrates its 70th anniversary in 2021 by honoring its volunteers and employees, followed by a unique Summer fundraising event. Read more...
On June 26, VNA family and supporters gathered at the Monterey County Fairgrounds for a drive-in style movie night, featuring a video looking back at VNA’s seven-decade history.
Since 1951, the not-for-profit has provided a wide range of home health care, serving Monterey, San Benito, Santa Cruz, and South Santa Clara counties. VNA places an emphasis on individual patient needs and goals, providing care in an ethical, effective, compassionate and fiscally responsible manner.
“VNA has existed in various forms over the years,” says VNA chief executive officer Jane Russo. “What hasn’t changed is our core mission, and the amazing people wanting to give back and provide care, creating that trusted compassion.”
VNA Community Services provides wellness care and aids in immunizations by employing experienced, professional registered nurses. As the only local travel health clinic, VNA provides comprehensive consultation and immunizations for international travelers. Health screenings and education are offered to corporate businesses, in the field or in the boardroom. Nurses provide services to local schools to meet state-mandated screenings, vaccines, and staff education.
The home health division offers key specialty programs, including cardiac, diabetic, orthopedic and palliative care. And of course, VNA Hospice provides a specialized type of care for those facing a life-limiting illness, a peace of mind for their families and their caregivers. The care involves a team-oriented approach to expert medical care, pain management, and emotional and spiritual support expressly tailored to the patient’s needs and wishes.
A key component to the team are the efforts of VNA volunteers, who give their time to improve the lives of others. For the community, grief and loss support are offered to individuals or groups.
VNA Provides Health Services for Seven Decades
VNA Provides Health Services for Seven Decades
“The VNA works closely with many of the area’s skilled nursing and residential facilities. When families couldn’t visit, I could often have a nurse check in on someone. We became the conduit between family and patient,” – Tina Del Piero
On the eve of its 70th anniversary, Central Coast VNA & Hospice moved from outlining celebrations to launching COVID-19 testing and immunization services. The Organization’s clinicians also became a vital source of communication and comfort.
“The VNA works closely with many of the area’s skilled nursing and residential facilities. When families couldn’t visit, I could often have a nurse check in on someone. We became the conduit between family and patient,” says Tina Del Piero, VNA Director of Fund Development.
That dedication has defined the VNA since 1951. The organization assists clients of all ages, delivering school health care, home health assistance, and end-of-life planning and care, and continuing health care education. Some 220 employees and 40 volunteers support the nonprofit, which also collaborates with Meals on Wheels, Alliance on Aging, and other partners.
“We coordinate and connect with resources to best serve our patients, and our team works hard every day to provide specialized, individualized care. It’s all based on trust and compassion,” says VNA Chief Executive Officer Jane Russo. “That’s what our business is about. We’re providing human care to other people.”
Central Coast VNA & Hospice celebrates 70 years on June 29 with food trucks and drive-in showing of the movie “50 First Dates.” For details, and to support the organization, visit ccvna.com.
CARMEL MAGAZINE • SUMMER 2021
COVID-19 Vaccine: Who Should and Who Shouldn't Get Vaccinated
The distribution of COVID-19 vaccines is ongoing, and those who have received them have posted their vaccine cards on social media platforms. While experts recommend the vaccines for people aged 16 years and above, some might have received Pfizer's version while others could have gotten Moderna's vaccine. Although some people have received the vaccine, some individuals question the vaccine's safety. However, while the vaccines' development is fast, the established routine procedures and processes guarantee safety.
Although posting images of COVID 19 vaccine cards on social media seems like a small tool, it is an effective strategy to encourage family and friends to get the vaccine. Receiving the vaccine is the best technique to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Additionally, it will help combat the misinformation circulating to ensure the protection of people's well-being.
Since the pandemic has disrupted many life aspects, including economy and health, safeguarding society's well-being is a shared obligation. Therefore, individuals and institutions should come together and do what it takes to curtail the spread and disrupt the transmission chain. Consequently, while specific amounts of COVID-19 vaccine doses are available to states, the Monterey vaccination at CCVNA will enable Central Coast, Monterey County, and Hollister residents to get in a position to go back to everyday life.
While people are still concerned about the vaccination, here is what you need to know about it:
COVID-19 Vaccines' Safety
Any vaccine present in the market or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has already been rigorously examined and tested in several stages to determine any adverse effects it may have on humans. The examiners choose a dose that seems to be the most effective and try it on many volunteers.
Many volunteers received the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, which comprise of doses administered intramuscularly, and scientists used a placebo group to compare the adverse effects and transmission rates. Monterey vaccination data confirms the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines and asserts that severe side effects are uncommon. However, while safety does not imply zero side effects, vaccinated individuals may experience some effects, such as body aches, fever, and sore arms, resulting in short-term consequences. Thus, the vaccines' potential benefits outweigh the potential harms, meaning that many people can tolerate COVID-19 vaccines. Nevertheless, the vaccine's effectiveness duration remains unknown, but experts say the vaccine provides at least one protection.
Groups of People Eligible for the Vaccines
The following are groups of people who can freely get vaccinated:
1. Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women
The clinical trials excluded expectant mothers, implying that there is no data to show the safety of the COVID 19 vaccine on expectant mothers. However, the CDCP states that the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is unlikely to pose any risk to a pregnant woman and the unborn baby or interfere with genetics. During the Pfizer clinical trials, some volunteers became pregnant and showed no adverse effects. Thus, observational data indicate that the COVID-19 vaccine does not pose a significant risk to pregnant women.
Although the clinical trials did not include breastfeeding mothers, the Moderna vaccine does not pose any risk to lactating mothers and their infants. Thus, the COVID 19 vaccines should be given to these women too.
2. The Elderly and People with Other Medical Conditions
Elderly adults and individuals with medical conditions can receive the COVID-19 vaccine. During clinical trials, seniors showed mild and few adverse effects after receiving the vaccination, while people with medical conditions similarly responded to the vaccines like those without any health condition.
3. Individuals Who Have or Had Tested Positive
The vaccines are safe for people who had contracted the virus and prevent them from becoming reinfected without considering whether their previous case was severe or mild. However, a person who currently has the virus should not get the vaccine until the symptoms clear up.
4. Older Adolescents
Teens aged 16 and 17 can get the vaccination.
People Who Should Not Get Vaccinated:
The following are groups of people who should not get the vaccine:
1. Allergic People
Unfortunately, the vaccine showed allergic reactions. However, the allergic reaction-anaphylaxis-showed in people with anaphylaxis history, but the extreme reaction rate is relatively low. Thus, anyone who is allergic to one of the vaccines' components or known to have anaphylactic reactions should get the COVID-19 vaccine with caution or not receive the vaccine at all. People with other allergies, such as mold and food allergies, should not hesitate to get the vaccine. Other eligible persons should not fear getting the vaccine due to allergic reaction fears.
2. Children
At the moment, experts have not examined the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine in children, and children aged 16 and below should not receive the vaccine.
Benefits of Receiving the Vaccine
It is vital to get the COVID 19 vaccine for several reasons. First, you need to protect yourself from contracting the virus. Although you still need to take preventive measures such as masking, testing, social distancing, and quarantining to protect yourself from the virus, the vaccines available in the U.S have shown to be effective at preventing COVID-19. Additionally, the vaccines might also protect you from getting seriously sick and protect people around you if you contract the virus. Moreover, the vaccination will improve your immunity by enabling you to create an antibody response without falling sick.
Besides, the COVID 19 vaccination will function as a useful tool to help end the pandemic. Although wearing masks and observing social distance reduce your chances of getting exposed to coronavirus or dispersing it to others, vaccines will prepare your immune system to fight the virus when you get exposed. As a result, the disease will spread at a reduced rate and eventually end.
Currently, any reason to doubt the effectiveness and safety of COVID 19 vaccines does not exist. There is enough evidence to prove that vaccination will not have severe long-life consequences for most American populations, including those excluded from clinical trials. Researchers have not yet collected any data to show any controversies in receiving the vaccine. Thus, everyone should get the vaccine to help end the pandemic. If you got any questions regarding the vaccine or when you should get vaccinated, consult your doctor.