Should You Get a COVID-19 Vaccine?
Are you unsure if you should get vaccinated against COVID-19? Here’s everything you need to know about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Getting a vaccine will not only protect you from COVID-19, but it will also protect the people around you. This is an especially important consideration for those who are in close contact with people who are considered high-risk.
It’s a fact that COVID-19 is not going away. The virus has normalized, and learning how to live with it is the best option.
Likewise, Additionally, the more people that receive vaccinations in a given area, the less likely it is for the virus to spread. This has the potential to save the lives of the people in your community and your own home.
If you haven’t received your vaccine yet and have a few questions before you do, read this post to learn more. We’re sharing how to see if you’re eligible, how to register, what the side effects are, when you can receive your first and second dose, and when can you get your booster dose.
Let’s get started.
Is it safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Generally, yes it is safe to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Health Canada has a thorough approval process to ensure the vaccines available to you are safe. This is the same process practiced to approve other vaccines that have been used successfully for other diseases. Although there is a small chance you may experience some side effects, that is common with just about any drug or vaccine you take.
The vaccine is also safe for women who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What are the benefits of getting vaccinated?
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine provides you with an increased immune response to the COVID-19 virus after about two weeks of receiving your first dose. After your second dose, your immune response will get even stronger. Once vaccinated your chances of contracting and transmitting COVID-19 is decreased. Furthermore, once vaccinated your chances of hospitalization and death due to COVID-19 are also reduced.
The subsequent booster dose enhances your protection against COVID-19 even more. We encourage you to book your booster dose as soon as you are able to so that you can have maximum protection.
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine?
In B.C., everyone 5 years and older is eligible for vaccination. Health Canada has approved Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty’s mRNA vaccine for children 5 to 11 years of age. Like all COVID-19 vaccines, this one continues to have the same review and approval process necessary for everyone’s safety.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at select Wellness Pharmacy locations. If you would like to book an appointment, you can register via the BC Get Vaccinated Program or call 1-833-838-2323.
Which COVID-19 vaccine should you get?
At this time, if you book an appointment at Wellness Pharmacy, you will receive the COVID-19 Pfizer Vaccine. You will not have the option to choose a different vaccine, such as Johnson and Johnson (Janssen), Moderna, or AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD.
You can register with the Get Vaccinated provincial registration system to receive email, text or phone alerts when you can book your next dose.
What are the COVID-19 vaccine side effects?
Side effects of the vaccine are typical and usually range from mild to moderate. If you do experience side effects, they should go away on their own. Common side effects include:
- Pain, redness, itchiness or swelling in the arm, where the vaccine was given
- Swollen lymph nodes under the armpit
- Tiredness or headache
- Fever and chills
- Muscle or joint soreness
- Nausea and vomiting.
Be aware that although some side effects of the vaccine may be similar to COVID-19 symptoms, none of the vaccines will cause or give you COVID-19.
Sore throat, runny nose, cough or problems breathing are not side effects of the vaccine. If you are concerned about your symptoms or any side effects you are experiencing, call your healthcare provider or 8-1-1.
When can you get your second dose?
If you have already received a first dose of your COVID-19 vaccine, you must register to receive your second dose. If you have already registered for your first dose, you do not need to register again. You will receive a text, email or phone call notifying you that you can register to get your second dose. The notification will include directions on how to book your dose.
After receiving your first dose, the B.C. government recommends that most people get their second dose 8 weeks later. If you are unable to receive your second dose within this time period, we recommend scheduling an appointment as soon as you can for greater protection.
Can children be vaccinated?
Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty’s mRNA vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 years has been approved by Health Canada. If your child is within this age range, you can register them for their next dose now.
When can I get my booster dose?
When you get a booster dose, it helps you maintain your level of protection as immunity can wane over time. Anyone over 12 years of age who has already received doses 1 and 2 can receive a booster dose 6 months after their initial series.
To book your booster dose, you must be registered with the Get Vaccinated provincial registration system.
Once you are eligible, you will receive an invitation to book an appointment for your booster dose. This will usually be 6 months after the second dose (or 2 months if you are pregnant or received a single dose of the Janssen vaccine).
You can learn more about booster shots here.
Immunization Record
Once you receive your vaccines and booster dose, you will receive either a paper or digital copy of your immunization card. Once you have your immunization card, you can register for Health Gateway where you can view your immunization record.
Summary
Wrapping up, if you are over the age of 5 in B.C. you can register for a vaccine for free.
To book an appointment, please register with the BC Get Vaccinated program. When you receive your booking notification from the province, you will be able to select a Naz’s Pharmacy or Wellness Pharmacy location near you as your preferred site and book your appointment. We are adding appointments on a regular basis so please check back on the booking link if you do not see any availabilities.
Finally, remember that getting vaccinated helps save lives by protecting you and your community against the spread of COVID-19.
For more information on COVID-19, visit the B.C. government’s website.
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