In the United States alone, there have been over 131 million cases of the coronavirus and over 2.5 million COVID-related deaths. Luckily, for those in need of getting vaccinated, the vaccine has become available to everyone 16 years of age and older as of March 29th. Currently, 25% of the U.S. population has been fully vaccinated.
Recently Saenz Pharmacy, Faith Fellowship Bible Church, and the City of Peñitas got together to host a community COVID-19 vaccination clinic in the Rio Grande Valley. Our team was able to assist in giving over 1,100 COVID-19 vaccinations to those in need in South Texas.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have reported that over 5.2 million Texans have been fully vaccinated, and we hope to see that number rise so that more of Texas is protected.
Why You Should Consider Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
We understand that certain people may be hesitant when it comes to getting the vaccine. However, safety is a top priority when producing the vaccine, and there are a handful of benefits to getting the vaccine.
Every COVID-19 vaccine available in the US is safe, effective, and only approved if it has been proven to significantly lower your chance of being infected with the virus. Studies show that even if you still contract COVID-19 after receiving the vaccine, that your chances of becoming severely ill are extremely low.
Even if you’re not worried about how COVID-19 could affect your health, it is imperative to take other people who are at higher risk into consideration. By receiving the vaccination, you are not only protecting yourself but also protecting those around you who may be more susceptible to developing serious complications.
Possible Side Effects of the COVID-19 Vaccine
As with any other vaccine, everyone should be familiar with potential side effects. Possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine reported by the CDC include:
- Pain, swelling, and redness in the arm where the shot was given
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
To manage the side effects, it is highly recommended that you talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter medications, including ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines.
However, it is in your best interest to not take these medications before receiving the vaccine to prevent side effects.
Don’t wait, vaccinate! Stop by Saenz Pharmacy to learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine and how you can receive yours.
Even if you have already gotten COVID-19, it is still crucial to think about getting vaccinated as experts are still uncertain of how long you are protected from being reinfected with the virus a second time.
The pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy are ready to give you all the information you need regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.