Is the COVID vaccine really worth it?
COVID-19 is a new disease, and the vaccines being developed are even newer- are the risks associated with the vaccine worth it?
2020 was definitely one of the craziest years for a lot of people, and that was mainly a result of the coronavirus. Coronavirus has obviously plagued our lives for the past year. As of right now there have been over 11 million cases reported and over 2 million deaths as a result of the pandemic. The pandemic has taken many things from many people all over the world and has caused a large surge in research regarding possible vaccinations that could help to slow the spread of this deadly pandemic.
Although there have been preventative measures taken throughout the course of the pandemic, like masks and social distancing, the most effective way to slow the spread between people is via vaccination. However, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding the vaccine and if it is safe for people to get so soon after it has been developed. Looking at information and facts on both sides of the debate can help to distinguish where to stand and if you should get the vaccine or not.
There are many benefits to getting the COVID vaccination. Although there have been measures taken throughout the pandemic thus far that have somewhat helped lessen the spread of the deadly disease, the best possible way to slow the spread of the coronavirus is with widespread immunity via vaccination. Each vaccine being distributed today has been through multiple clinical trials and has been very thoroughly examined and studied to ensure that they are safe for everyone to receive. Scientists are even still studying the vaccine to see how it is affecting the ability for people to spread the virus to others, even if they don’t have it themselves. Studies have also proven that even if a recipient does somehow also get COVID, the symptoms and health effects will be much less severe than if they had not gotten the vaccination.
There are two different types of the coronavirus vaccination: Pfizer and Moderna, and they have both proven to be extremely effective in slowing down the spread of the disease. Currently there are over 2 million doses of COVID vaccines given and over 700 thousand people fully vaccinated against the disease. As of right now the main portion of the population that have been receiving the population include healthcare workers, people on the front lines, and the elderly population.
Although there are many benefits of the coronavirus vaccination, there are also many side effects associated with receiving the vaccine. The most common vaccine that is being received throughout the country is the Pfizer vaccine, which requires two doses. Each dose comes with some side effects that are commonly felt throughout the population that have received the vaccines thus far. At the exact site of the vaccination people have reported feeling pain and swelling. However, throughout the entire body, most people reported feeling fever, chills, fatigue, and headaches.
These side effects last about 1–2 days after getting the vaccine and people have also reported feeling completely fine after the shot. It all depends on the patient who receives the shot, but no serious complications have come from receiving the shot.
Overall, looking at the scientific facts regarding this topic, it can be determined that the positives do outweigh the negatives when debating whether or not to get the vaccine. Although there are some side effects associated with the vaccine, there are also side effects associated with most other vaccines that are commonly received and required by certain schools/businesses. There are no side effects that would be worth the long term effects of the coronavirus on the body. The side effects that last 1–2 days will be worth it to save thousands of lives in the long run.
If you would like to view the progress of the COVID vaccine and how it is being distributed and studied by scientists, the link below is an amazing resource that provides up to date statistics of the spread of the COVID vaccine.
