So far, two COVID-19 vaccines have been approved for use in the US. These vaccines have received approval from the FDA for emergency use due to the ongoing pandemic. Both vaccines have met the standards for providing clear evidence in preventing infection with COVID-19, and the known and potential benefits outweigh the known and potential risks. Both vaccines require two doses, 3-4 weeks apart (depending on which one you get). Because we can’t instantly have 300 million doses of the vaccine available to anyone who wants one, the vaccine will be distributed in stages. Healthcare personnel (especially those directly exposed to COVID) will be vaccinated first, then residents of long term care facilities. The goal is to vaccinate those most at risk first, then move down the line to those next most at risk until everyone who wants one can get one. Common side effects are feeling ill (like you have the flu) for a couple days – this is a sign that your body is building protection against the virus. There have been some rare severe allergic reactions to the vaccine, most commonly in people who have had a severe allergic reaction in the past. Those who are more at risk will be monitored more closely after their vaccination.
It’s important to keep in mind that we are still learning about this specific virus – new information is coming out on a daily basis. These vaccinations, based on the studies done to this point, are helpful in preventing illness. We still have to use all the tools in our toolbox to stop this virus though: wearing masks when around others, social distancing, regular handwashing, vitamins (see our recommendations below), regular exercise, adequate sleep, good nutrition, and spending time outdoors are all still applicable.
Do your own research too! Links for the CDC and FDA are below, so you can read more about the vaccine, to make your own decision about getting it when it is available.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/
Vitamins Karas Health Care recommends:
Vitamin C 1000mg (2 times a day if healthy, 3 times a day if sick)
Vitamin D 5,000 units (2 times a day if healthy, 3 times a day if sick)
Zinc 50mg (2 times a day if healthy, 3 times a day if sick)
