COVID-19 Vaccines: A Guide to Getting Vaccinated

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both recommend getting the COVID-19 vaccine to protect yourself and others. But with multiple types of vaccines and conflicting news stories, it can be challenging to know which vaccine is right for you. Keep reading to learn more about COVID-19 and the vaccines that are currently in circulation here in the United States.

COVID-19 Facts

The WHO and the CDC have both compiled online resources for those who want to educate themselves about the novel coronavirus (commonly known as COVID-19). Here are some general facts about this infectious disease:

• COVID-19 was discovered in 2019.  

• COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets from the mouth and nose that travel through the air. Wearing a mask prevents these droplets from traveling and reduces the chance of spreading the disease to other people.

• Most people who experience COVID-19 have mild to moderate respiratory symptoms and are able to recover without seeking medical attention. Older adults and those with underlying conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and respiratory illnesses carry a significantly higher risk of hospitalization.

• General symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, headache, fatigue, body aches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nausea, and/or diarrhea. Serious symptoms that require medical attention include trouble breathing, pain or tightness in the chest, and/or difficulty staying awake. 

• If you suspect that you may be infected with COVID-19, get tested, self-isolate, and seek medical help immediately if you or your loved ones experience any serious symptoms of COVID-19.

Vaccine Facts 

The COVID-19 vaccines on the market today were created to help stop the spread of the virus across the globe. According to the CDC, these vaccines are safe. COVID-19 vaccines have already reduced transmission of the virus for most populations, and scientists are learning more each day about their effectiveness and the implications for world health. 

So far, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three vaccines in the United States.

• Pfizer BioNTech: The Pfizer vaccine was approved by the FDA in December 2020 for those who are 16 years of age or older. The vaccine is administered in two doses that are taken three weeks apart. Common side effects of the Pfizer vaccine include pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, and fever. Severe side effects include an allergic reaction. A person who experiences side effects can expect them to last for anywhere from a few hours up to several days. Side effects almost always occur after the second dose, not the first. 
• Moderna: The Moderna vaccine was approved by the FDA in December 2020 for those who are 18 years of age or older. The Moderna vaccine is administered in two doses that are taken one month apart. Common side effects of the Moderna vaccine include pain at the injection site, swelling of the lymph nodes, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, nausea, and fever. Severe side effects include an allergic reaction or trouble breathing. Like the Pfizer vaccine, those who experience side effects of the Moderna vaccine will often only experience them after the second dose. 
• Johnson & Johnson (Janssen): The Johnson & Johnson (or Janssen) vaccine was approved by the FDA in February 2021 for those who are 18 years of age or older. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is administered in a single dose. Common side effects of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine include pain or swelling of the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle aches, nausea, and fever. Severe side effects include an allergic reaction, rash, swelling of the face or throat, and trouble breathing. 

According to the CDC, it generally takes two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine for a person to build immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19. It should also be noted that experiencing side effects from a vaccine is normal but not inevitable. Not everyone will experience side effects in the same way, and some will not experience them at all. If a person experiences severe side effects or develops an allergic reaction, they should seek medical help immediately. 

Am I Eligible For the COVID-19 Vaccine? 

As of April 5, 2021, all citizens of Florida who are 16 years of age or older are eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The Florida Health Department notes that the Pfizer vaccine is available to anyone 16 years of age or older, while the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are available to anyone 18 years of age or older (as approved by the FDA). Any child under the age of 18 who wishes to receive a COVID-19 vaccine must be in the company of a parent or guardian and complete a COVID-19 vaccine screening and consent form. To find a vaccination site near you, make an appointment with your health care provider or locate a COVID-19 vaccine site in Florida. Once you get your vaccination card, be sure to keep it in a safe place.

If you find COVID-19 or the idea of getting a COVID-19 vaccine to be scary or intimidating, that’s okay. Your feelings are valid, and it’s important to talk to your doctor about your fears and validate your safety. At RECO Intensive, we understand that chronic fear of the changing world around us can be debilitating and sometimes even polarizing. You don’t have to live your life in fear. RECO Intensive is a rehabilitation and treatment facility that specializes in treating addiction and a myriad of mental health disorders. Although we don’t treat COVID-19 or administer COVID-19 vaccines, we do have an incredible care team of doctors, nurses, therapists, specialized staff, and experienced alumni to help with your mental health or addiction struggles. RECO Intensive offers a personalized plan that is unique to you and your needs. We’re here to help. To learn more, call RECO Intensive today at (561) 464-6533. Let’s get back to a brighter future.