Is the Covid-19 Vaccine Safe?

In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, vaccines are the best option for getting it under control.

The FDA authorized emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines and they will be shipped across the country this week. There has been a lot of skepticism about its potential risk factors, so here are some facts about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines, how they work, the possible side effects and the importance of continuing to take infection prevention steps.

The FDA’s vaccine approval process can normally take a long time, but due to the urgent need, the FDA gave emergency use authorization to COVID-19 vaccines based on less data than is normally required. The data must show that the vaccines are safe before the FDA can give emergency use authorization.

Mild COVID-19 vaccine side effects include, redness where the shot was given, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, and joint pain. Most reactions last no more than three days. If you experience side effects after getting a vaccine, take time to rest, but it’s not necessary to get a COVID-19 test or quarantine. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness. If you have any of these signs, seek care immediately.

Experts want to learn more about the protections of the vaccine before changing safety recommendations. Factors such as how many people get vaccinated and how the virus is spreading in communities will also affect these recommendations. The CDC recommends taking precautions for avoiding infection such as social distancing, face masks in public, and practicing basic hygiene.