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The coronavirus vaccine is here. Healthcare workers received the first Pfizer COVID-19 shots last week.
But is it safe? And when can I get my shot? We're at a new stage of the pandemic, and it's understandable to have questions.
Here's what you need to know:
But is it safe? And when can I get my shot? We're at a new stage of the pandemic, and it's understandable to have questions.
Here's what you need to know:
When can I get my vaccine? By late May, everyone in the US who wants a shot could have access. The CDC recommended that healthcare workers and nursing home residents be first in line.
https://www.businessinsider.com/when-can-i-get-a-coronavirus-vaccine-timeline-2020-11
Do I still need to wear a mask? Absolutely. It will take many months for healthcare providers to give these shots to enough members of the public to make a dent in the pandemic. Plus, Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines require two doses, weeks apart. https://www.businessinsider.com/pfizer-moderna-covid-19-vaccines-comparison-how-the-shots-compare-2020-12
When can we have gatherings again? The end of 2021, and closer to 2022. Dr. Fauci told us it’s safer to wait until 2022 to host big weddings, birthdays and other celebrations. https://www.businessinsider.com/fauci-weddings-parties-vacations-2022-is-a-pretty-good-bet-2020-9
How effective are the vaccines? Pfizer's vaccine was 95% effective at preventing symptomatic disease, while Moderna's vaccine was 94.1% effective at preventing symptomatic disease. We don't know if either vaccine can prevent asymptomatic spread. https://www.businessinsider.com/pfizer-moderna-covid-19-vaccines-comparison-how-the-shots-compare-2020-12
What are the side effects of the vaccine? You could get temporary side effects like fatigue, headache, and chills – which are completely normal following any immunization.
https://www.businessinsider.com/pfizer-moderna-covid-19-vaccines-comparison-how-the-shots-compare-2020-12
How diverse were the vaccine trials? Historically, vaccine trials have been pretty bad about leaving women and people of color out. However, the diversity in both trials mirrored the real world.
Note: Pregnant women were not included in either trial. https://www.businessinsider.com/pfizer-moderna-covid-19-vaccines-comparison-how-the-shots-compare-2020-12
How many vaccines are available? So far, at least 128,000 people have received doses of the Pfizer vaccine as of Dec. 18. You can check out this dashboard, hosted by @JohnsHopkins, to see how many vaccines have been administered in each state. https://www.businessinsider.com/covid-19-vaccine-johns-hopkins-dashboard-2020-12
Is it going to be okay for Santa to visit our homes this year?Yes! Dr. Fauci traveled to the north pole and vaccinated Santa himself. https://www.businessinsider.com/fauci-santa-claus-christmas-good-to-go-safe-to-visit-2020-12
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