Recently, the Pfizer vaccine was approved for kids ages 12 and up, and it is now being offered at Saenz Pharmacy for those who fit this age criterion. When looking into getting the vaccine there are many questions you might ask yourself, including whether it is safe, whether it is worth getting vaccinated, and what the side effects are.
Today, your candid McAllen pharmacists at Saenz Pharmacy will go in depth about everything you need to know about the Pfizer Vaccine.
What is the Pfizer Vaccine?
The Pfizer vaccine is a COVID-19 vaccine authorized by the FDA and recommended by the CDC for those who meet the criteria for being vaccinated. The vaccine helps our body develop immunity to the COVID-19 virus without us having to be infected.
Is the Pfizer Vaccine Safe?
The next question that might come to mind is if the Pfizer vaccine is safe. The short answer is, yes.
The Pfizer vaccine has been administered worldwide over 200 million times and has an excellent safety record. However, certain people should not get the Pfizer vaccine for several reasons.
Who Should Not Get the Pfizer Vaccine?
Although it is recommended that everyone in the U.S. receive the COVID vaccine, the following demographic groups should not get vaccinated:
- Someone with a severe allergic reaction like anaphylaxis, or any type of immediate allergic reaction to any ingredient listed in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, even if it was not a severe reaction.
- Someone who experienced a severe or immediate allergic reaction after getting their first dose of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.
- Someone who had an allergic reaction classified as severe; if you needed to be treated with epinephrine or received immediate medical care.
- Someone who experiences an allergic reaction that is considered immediate; having an allergic reaction within 4 hours of exposure, including hives, swelling, or wheezing.
Potential Side Effects of the Pfizer Vaccine
Having the following side effects after receiving the vaccine is common and they will typically go away in one to two days after vaccination:
In the arm where you got the shot:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Redness
Throughout the rest of your body:
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
The reason you develop side effects is because your body is building protection.
How Effective is the Pfizer Vaccine?
According to the CDC, the Pfizer vaccine is 95% effective at preventing laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 illnesses in those who did not have a previous infection (16 and older). In clinical trials, it was also shown that those aged 12-15 had just as strong of an immune response as those aged 16-25.
When it comes to getting vaccinated to protect yourself from COVID-19, it is best to get the first shot that becomes available to you, no matter what the brand is.
Help do your part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 by setting up your appointment to be vaccinated with Saenz Pharmacy.
The spread of COVID-19 can be prevented by those who are eligible to get vaccinated doing so. Reach out to Saenz Pharmacy to speak to a McAllen pharmacist to schedule your vaccine appointment today!