With the number of new cases of COVID-19 dropping and more people are getting vaccinated, its bringing a sense of hope that the end of the pandemic is near. While the best way to help curb the spread of the virus is to continue masking, social distancing and washing your hands, vaccination is an important step to keeping people healthy.
The latest bright spot includes approval of a one-dose vaccine through Johnson & Johnson, expected to roll out in the coming weeks. This offers the public another safe and effective option for vaccinating against COVID-19 in addition to Moderna and Pfizer.
Here are some quick facts to know about this new vaccine:
“When you look at the numbers, it may seem less effective than others but you’re not comparing apples to apples,” Linda Fred, vice president, Pharmacy Services, Carle Health said. “The simple fact is this vaccine is safe and effective. It’s effective at preventing serious illness, death and ward off any unknown long-term effects of having the virus.”
Experts agree that getting a vaccine when it’s available to you is so important because in addition to the right now protection it offers, it also can ward off serious complications down the line.
“All of the vaccines will save lives and they help prevent long-term illness,” Robert Healy, MD, chief Quality officer said. “It’s not just about saving your life right now—though that’s important. It’s also about preserving life after COVID.”
Many people are dealing with symptoms weeks or months after first catching the virus. Called “COVID long-haulers,” medical professionals are still determining how this virus can impact your health long-term.
Because this is so important, experts at Carle are still encouraging those who are eligible to receive the vaccine to do so as soon as possible.
“Whatever vaccine is available to you, whether it’s Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer or Moderna, we are asking those who can get vaccinated to do so. These are all safe, effective and critically important in our fight against this disease,” Dr. Healy said.
Visit carle.org/covid-19 for more information on COVID-19 and vaccinations.
The latest bright spot includes approval of a one-dose vaccine through Johnson & Johnson, expected to roll out in the coming weeks. This offers the public another safe and effective option for vaccinating against COVID-19 in addition to Moderna and Pfizer.
Here are some quick facts to know about this new vaccine:
- You must be 18 or older to receive this vaccine.
- This is a single dose vaccine.
- The Johnson & Johnson vaccine has a 66% efficacy rate.
- Side effects may include headache, fatigue, muscle aches, fever, nausea or soreness at the injection site.
“When you look at the numbers, it may seem less effective than others but you’re not comparing apples to apples,” Linda Fred, vice president, Pharmacy Services, Carle Health said. “The simple fact is this vaccine is safe and effective. It’s effective at preventing serious illness, death and ward off any unknown long-term effects of having the virus.”
Experts agree that getting a vaccine when it’s available to you is so important because in addition to the right now protection it offers, it also can ward off serious complications down the line.
“All of the vaccines will save lives and they help prevent long-term illness,” Robert Healy, MD, chief Quality officer said. “It’s not just about saving your life right now—though that’s important. It’s also about preserving life after COVID.”
Many people are dealing with symptoms weeks or months after first catching the virus. Called “COVID long-haulers,” medical professionals are still determining how this virus can impact your health long-term.
Because this is so important, experts at Carle are still encouraging those who are eligible to receive the vaccine to do so as soon as possible.
“Whatever vaccine is available to you, whether it’s Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer or Moderna, we are asking those who can get vaccinated to do so. These are all safe, effective and critically important in our fight against this disease,” Dr. Healy said.
Visit carle.org/covid-19 for more information on COVID-19 and vaccinations.
Categories: Staying Healthy