Learn the Risks and Benefits of Your Decision
We get it. Deciding whether or not to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can be a difficult decision. That’s why we’re committed to providing the facts about its development, distribution and side effects, so you can make an informed choice. The following evidence-based information will guide you through some of the most frequently asked questions about the vaccine and provide answers based on the action you choose to take.
What are my options?
The COVID-19 virus will continue to spread until a large enough portion of the population is vaccinated. Therefore, you should be prepared to continue taking precautionary methods to avoid getting ill or infecting someone else, whether you choose to receive the vaccine or not.
Getting the Vaccine
You will receive a total of 2 shots in your arm, the second dose given 3 or 4 weeks after the first dose. Getting both shots is important for the vaccine to work. Continue to distance, avoid gatherings, wear a mask, and wash your hands often.
Not Getting the Vaccine
Continue to distance, avoid gatherings, wear a mask, and wash your hands often.
What are the benefits?
If enough people receive the vaccine, there is a better chance of stopping the pandemic.
Getting the Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is proven to be 95% effective. This means it lowers your risk of getting COVID-19 by about 95%.
Not Getting the Vaccine
You will not encounter the side effects common with the COVID-19 vaccine.
What can I expect in the short term?
Either decision could result in short-term side effects, although the potential severity is significantly reduced as a result of receiving the vaccine.
Getting the Vaccine
Serious side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are rare. Mild side effects are more likely with the second shot, and are considered to be a normal reaction to vaccination. The following common side effects typically occur within the first 3 days and subside in a 1-2 day time frame:
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Body aches
- Headache
- Soreness and redness at the site of vaccination
Not Getting the Vaccine
You will be at higher risk of getting COVID-19, which can result in serious illness, a hospital stay, or even death. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Fever or chills
- Body aches
- Shortness of breath and cough
- Diminished (or absence of) taste or smell
What can I expect in the long term?
Long-term and serious side effects could be a differentiator in your decision, as they differ significantly between receiving and not receiving the vaccine.
Getting the Vaccine
Serious side effects were rare in COVID-19 vaccine studies. There are no long-term studies on COVID-10 vaccines as side effects have been uncommon after 6 weeks.
Not Getting the Vaccine
It has been shown that COVID-19 symptoms can last for a long time. In addition to lingering symptoms, some patients have encountered new symptoms weeks or months after contracting the virus, including hair loss, difficulty focusing, memory loss or lung damage.
What else do I need to know as I make my decision?
There is a lot of misinformation circulating about the COVID-19 vaccine. At a minimum, please be aware of the following facts:
- The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19.
- The vaccine cannot change your DNA.
- It is still possible to get COVID-19 after getting the vaccine, so you should continue to take precautions.
- If you have had COVID-19, the vaccine may still lower your risk of getting it again.
- Where you live may change who gets the vaccine and when.
For additional answers to your COVID-19 vaccine questions, please refer to thedacare.org/covid19.
References
EBSCO. COVID-19 Vaccine: Is It the Right Choice for Me?
