COVID-19 vaccines that have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration are being distributed by local states and communities, and they are free. If you are eligible to be vaccinated for COVID-19, you are encouraged to do so as soon as possible.
“It is so important to get this vaccine when it’s offered to you,” says Dr. Melanie Swift, co-chair of the Mayo Clinic COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation and Distribution Work Group. “Even if you’re healthy, even if you might not be at risk for complications from COVID-19 yourself.”
Dr. Swift says being vaccinated for COVID-19 offers protection for you and others.
“Our society really needs everyone to be vaccinated so that we can stop transmission. And that means the virus stops replicating. It stops mutating and making these variants that keep coming up, and we can have safe communities and start going back to normal life. These vaccines are our quickest and safest way to get immunity so we can go back to normal life and end the pandemic.”
If you are unsure about your eligibility or you want to wait for others to be vaccinated, Dr. Swift offers some thoughts.
“If you’re offered vaccine, you’re eligible. Get the vaccine. It is really not a personal ethics test. If you’re offered vaccine, the right answer is: ‘Yes, thank you. I’ll take the vaccine.’ People should not feel guilty about getting vaccinated.”
Here’s what you can do to slow the spread of COVID-19:
- Get vaccinated for COVID-19 when you’re invited to do so.
- Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth to protect yourself and others.
- Stay 6 feet apart from others who don’t live with you.
- Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water aren’t available.
Contact your state health department for more information on its plan for COVID-19 vaccination.
“Courtesy: Melanie Swift, M.D./COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation and Distribution/Mayo Clinic.”[/vc_message]
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
