Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?

By Susan Kreitz, RN, MNA Board of Directors, CARn Chair

This question is being asked by many people. People from all walks of life, race, young and old. The truth is everyone who can, should be vaccinated. The virus doesn’t know who we are, where we live, or how old we are.

We need to look at the science of this medication. mRNA technology was discovered over 30 years ago and the vaccine has been studied for nearly 2 decades. The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, those who are vaccinated gain protection without ever having to risk serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.

Side effects from the vaccine are an indication of an immune response. This response is a good thing without getting infected with COVID-19! Most common side effects are: Injection site reaction, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, and fever.

When the vaccine becomes available to you, please get vaccinated. The sooner everyone gets vaccinated, the sooner we can return to taking off our masks, hugging our families and friends, eating out, go to movies, concerts, dancing, and having fun again!

As President John F. Kennedy said at his inauguration on January 20, 1961:

“Ask not what your country can do for you but, what you can do for your country.”