The recent COVID-19 pandemic that was first discovered in 2019 has significantly impacted much of human society. This has caused drastic changes in safety policies and socio-economic development and redrawn various business practices in the past few months. But despite being a catalyst for many changes since last year, many organizations, governments, and corporations have been doing everything in their power in outlining strategies and developing medication that could mitigate the effects of this public health crisis.
Since last year, different conglomerations and pharmaceutical companies have been racing to develop a vaccine that can help with the ever-increasing cases of SARS-CoV 2 that has affected almost all nations and industries around the world. Much of the public has been clamoring about getting the COVID-19 vaccine for the majority of the pandemic. Fortunately, many vaccines designed to combat the virus have just been released in the first quarter of 2021.
But even before the COVID-19 pandemic began during the first few months of 2020, a percentage of the population are still hesitant in accepting vaccines, no matter what type of disease they are designed for. Despite the encouragement and “endorsement” from medical health professionals and experts who are well-versed in infectious diseases, many among the public are still worried about vaccines’ effects, especially COVID-19 vaccines.
Most individuals claim that it has “severe” side effects. But what are some of its actual side effects? Since many individuals are still skeptical of the vaccine’s usage, we’re here to discuss its importance and accurately discuss possible side effects while dispelling fabricated fear for it.
Time Is of the Essence
First and foremost, we have to discuss one of the more significant issues regarding vaccines: hesitancy. Most experts would say that the unwillingness to vaccines is mainly caused by anti-vaccine groups spreading misinformation and disinformation regarding its effects and uses. These news outlets catering to false information have bred a sphere of fear that has affected many individuals that rely on these channels for constant “information.”
Although information drives are a great way of dispelling myths about the vaccine, we also consider the information and data we distribute to the public.
Another important part of the vaccination process is the rapid distribution and administering of these vaccines. With cases accelerating in the past few days, many public health experts are emphasizing the speed of the vaccine rollout since it can serve two purposes:
- Protecting individuals from being infected with COVID-19
- Less likely, or not being able to transmit the infection
- Reach a point where those not vaccinated can be protected through herd immunity by those vaccinated
The more people who get vaccinated in a shorter period, the more effective a community mitigates the effects of infection since herd immunity will make it harder for the pathogen to spread from one person to another, especially when much of the population is already immune. Fewer cases are also known for minimizing the likelihood of the virus mutating.
Still skeptical? You shouldn’t be since many medical companies and corporations actively research and collect data on these vaccines. With state-of-the-art in-vitro imaging, many medical experts are starting to produce medications and innovative therapies that can help with COVID-19 and future diseases that might arise.
What Are the Possible Side Effects?
Despite published findings on many vaccines’ efficacy, most individuals are still worried about the possible side effects. It’s essential to keep in mind that the vaccines are there to help fight the infection, which will not result in a positive test result. However, this will lead to side effects that are similar to the symptoms of COVID-19.
Some symptoms include:
- Usual pain in the injected area, which could lead to a bit of redness.
- Slight fever that might come with chills
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Muscle pain
- Feeling unwell
Although these symptoms might seem a bit alarming, most symptoms will subside in 24 hours.
Right after the vaccination process, medical practitioners will ask you to stay in the facility for half an hour so that they can monitor any reactions. Usually, these reactions are due to allergic reactions.
That said, these COVID-19 vaccines are safe, and any severe reactions are infrequent.
The COVID-19 vaccine is one of the more critical medications that have been introduced in the past few months. Not only is this integral for many in transitioning back towards a “normal” life, but these vaccines will help mitigate any future infections that could be dangerous to immuno-compromised and weak individuals. From much of the data involved in distributing these vaccines, they’re known for being safe. If you experience severe symptoms after the span of 24 hours from taking the vaccine, you might want to consider consulting a medical professional.
Still, it’s important to remember that data and information regarding these vaccines and the pandemic, in general, is constantly being monitored and will always be changing. That said, individuals should still be open-minded in processing information. Of course, there’s no hurt in taking a grain of salt and doing your own research if some news regarding the pandemic might seem too good to be true.
