Many of us have gotten used to the new normal of living with COVID-19 and occasionally hearing about a family member or friend getting sick with it. The reality is that COVID-19 is still with us and can cause severe illness in people. That is why getting vaccinated against it is crucial. It saves lives. Read on to learn more about the vaccine, who is eligible for it, and the science behind it.
Brought to you in partnership with Trinity Health Systems.
Who can receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
- Children ages 6 months 5 years old receive a 3-shot regime of the vaccine.
- Youth ages 6 to 17 years old receive a 2 dose series of the vaccine.
- Youth and moderately or severely immunocompromised youth are eligible for booster shots. Consult their primary care physician.
- Pregnant women
The science behind the vaccine:
Pfizer and Moderna were developed using mRNA. What is that?
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- mRNA stands for messenger RNA, which is the blueprint for making proteins. DNA, which lives in the nucleus of cells, makes mRNA and ships it outside the nucleus to the surrounding cell cytoplasm. Once in the cytoplasm, mRNA is translated into a host of cell proteins and enzymes. Because our cells make proteins all the time, they also make mRNA all the time. Soon after making proteins, mRNA breaks down.
Johnson and Johnson are adenovirus-based vaccines. What does that mean?
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- Adenoviruses are a family of viruses that can infect people and some animals. Some types cause the common cold, while others do not cause illness in people. COVID-19 adenovirus-based vaccines take advantage of these relatively harmless viruses to deliver the DNA for the spike protein of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. The adenovirus used in these vaccines has been altered so that it cannot reproduce in people; as a result, people who get the vaccine do not develop an adenovirus infection.
What are the potential side effects of the vaccines?
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- Low-grade fever
- Chills
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Headache
- Fatigue
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These side effects typically only last a few days and the potential risks associated with getting COVID-19 far out way these short-term symptoms.
It is important to note the COVID-19 vaccine does not include the following:
- Animal products
- Antibiotics
- Blood products
- DNA
- Egg proteins
- Fetal cells
- Gluten
- Microchips
- Pork products
- Preservatives
- Soy
Have more questions? Go to COVIDVaccineAnswers.org for more information
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