Being immunized against COVID-19 is a highly effective way at reducing symptomatic infection, severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. COVID-19 immunizations have been approved for ages 6 months and up.
COVID-19 immunizations have been extensively studied for safety and continue to be monitored and is a safer way to build protection than getting sick with COVID-19. We can’t reliably predict who will have a mild or severe illness when they get sick with COVID-19, so vaccination is a safer way to protect your health. COVID-19 immunizations can also protect others from getting sick as they can help reduce the spreading of the virus to vulnerable populations, including those who cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination remains the best protection against COVID-19 hospitalization and death and reduces your risk of developing long COVID.
Everyone ages 6 months and up should receive an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. Those are are ages 65 and up should get a second dose of the updated vaccine four months after their first for continued immune protection. Those who are moderately to severely immunocompromised can receive a second dose two months after their first. .
The Macon County Health Department carries the Pfizer COVID vaccine, which is approved for ages 12 years old and up. You will need to bring an insurance card when receiving your COVID vaccine. We do have some COVID vaccine available for those who are uninsured.
The COVID-19 virus has been changing and mutating over time, and protection either from previous vaccination or illness, declines over time. Receiving updated vaccines can help restore our body’s protection against this virus and the variants that are causing surges.
Side effects
The benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine outweigh the risk.
Some people have side effects from their vaccine, which are normal signs that their body is building protection. They should not last long. Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are soreness in the arm, tiredness, fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, and nausea.
Severe allergic reactions are rare. Before receiving a vaccination, you will be asked to fill out paperwork, including whether you have had severe allergic reactions before. You will also be monitored for 15 minutes after your vaccination to watch for a severe allergic reaction.
Transportation
Seniors age 60 and over and other homebound adults, may qualify for assistance through Area Agency on Aging (AAA) with vaccine registration, transportation, and more. Please contact your local AAA for assistance on services at 660-665-8314.
If you need assistance with transportation to a vaccine appointment, check the DHSS website which lists resources for scheduling rides throughout the state. Macon County is located in Region B.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time? Yes, they are two separate vaccinations but can be received on the same day if you prefer.
- Should I get the vaccine if I’ve already had COVID-19? Yes. As long as you are no longer in isolation and symptomatic from a COVID-19 infection and as long as you had not had passive antibody therapy within the last 90 days as a treatment for COVID-19.
- Is the vaccine safe? Yes, it is safe. It has gone through three phases of clinical trials and has been approved by the FDA as safe. Immunizations are continually monitored for safety as they are in use.
- Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine? No you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. There are no live parts of virus in the vaccine.
- Will I be protected from COVID-19 right after receiving the vaccine? You are considered fully vaccinated after 2 weeks. It takes the body time to build antibodies from a vaccine, so it could take time for your body to build an immune response. It is important to continue wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and practicing good hand hygiene after vaccination while others build immunity and your body takes time to build an immune response.
- Are there side effects to the vaccine? The vaccines may cause side effects in some people, like sore muscles, feeling tired, or mild fever. These reactions mean the vaccine is working to help teach your body how to fight COVID-19 if you are exposed. For most people, these side effects will last no longer than a day or two. Having these types of side effects does NOT mean that you have COVID-19. If you have questions about your health after your shot, call your doctor, nurse, or clinic. As with any medicine, it is rare but possible to have a serious reaction, such as not being able to breathe. It is very unlikely that this will happen, but if it does, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room
- If most people recover, why do I need the vaccine? COVID-19 is a deadly disease that causes severe illness – and in some cases, long-term symptoms that we have yet to fully understand. The COVID-19 vaccines have been created to decrease death and severe illness. Although a high percentage of people recover from COVID-19, some are hospitalized and experience severe illness. The vaccine can help you from spreading the virus to others, including when you have the virus but no symptoms. When you make the choice to be vaccinated, you are protecting not only yourself but also those around you from the chance of death and severe illness caused by COVID-19.
- Can I receive the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding? Yes, it is safe for women who are pregnant and women who are breastfeeding to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
