What Is the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccine?

In 2020, COVID-19 (Coronavirus) affected people across the globe. Since its introduction, the virus has spread across the world with more than 90 million confirmed cases in 190 countries and nearly two million deaths. In NYC alone, there have been 505,000+ cases with nearly 26,000 deaths, and it has disrupted industries and human lives.

After a hard and difficult year, we are finally starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel with the introduction of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, which are CDC approved. Below we have included some information, some of which we’ve taken directly from the Centers and Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Vaccine Information Page. Please refer to this website for more specific information.

How Does a Vaccine Fight a Virus?

To understand how vaccines work, it helps to first look at how our bodies fight illness. When germs, such as a virus invade our bodies, they attack and multiply. This invasion, called an infection, is what causes illness. Our immune system uses several tools to fight infection. Blood contains red cells, which carry oxygen to tissues and organs, and white or immune cells, which fight infection. 

It can take several days or weeks for their body to make and use all the germ-fighting tools needed to get over the infection. After the infection, the person’s immune system remembers what it learned about how to protect the body against that disease. The body keeps a few white blood cells, referred to as memory cells, that go into action quickly if the body encounters the same virus again. 

Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection, but with all types of vaccines, the body is left with a supply of “memory cells” that will remember how to fight that virus in the future.

How do the Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines Work to Fight COVID-19 (Coronavirus)?

Currently, the two types of COVID-19 vaccines are classified as mRNA vaccines. This type of vaccine contains material from the virus that causes COVID-19 that gives our cells instructions for how to make a harmless protein that is unique to the virus. After our cells make copies of the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. Our bodies recognize that the protein should not be there and build memory cells that will remember how to fight the virus that causes COVID-19 if we are infected in the future.

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to produce white blood cells after vaccination. Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity!

How are the Pfizer and Moderna Vaccines Different?

Pfizer and Moderna are the two vaccines that have been approved by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) for public use. Both vaccines require two shots to the upper arm. However, the Pfizer shots must be 21 days apart while Moderna calls for 28 days. Each vaccine is the most effective after both doses. During the clinical trials, it was revealed that Moderna's vaccine is about 94.1% effective against COVID-19 in people ages 18 and older and Pfizer’s vaccine is about 95% effective in adults ages 16 and up.

Why You Should Take the COVID-19 Vaccine!

All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. These vaccines can help you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy. 

Overall, the COVID-19 vaccination will be an important tool to help stop the pandemic. Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed.

Is It Safe?

As per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the vaccines are safe. All the COVID-19 vaccines that are being used have undergone thorough safety tests and meet the same standards as any other vaccines produced through the years. There have been several clinical trials done, and the CDC will continue to monitor for adverse events that may not have been seen in clinical trials. 

Are you a Royal Care HHA and are interested in getting exclusive access to take the COVID-19 Vaccine? Click the button below!