Now that the first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine have started rolling out, you probably have a lot of questions about what happens when you get cleared for the vaccine. That is, if you have already had COVID-19 or have tested positive for antibodies, is the vaccine still necessary?
Health professionals have yet to make any recommendations in any way. However, they suggest that you do so, both for yourself and for the safety of others.
3 reasons to get vaccinated against COVID-19
You could get sick again
Even though you are glad you survived the coronavirus, you can still get sick again. Those who have been infected with COVID-19 should receive the vaccine. No one is sure that a previous infection leads to lifelong immunity. Current data suggest that falling ill could confer immunity for about six months.
Although not common, cases of people who have been reinfected with COVID-19 have been confirmed. So even if you think you're comfortable taking a chance because your first contact with the coronavirus wasn't that bad, that doesn't mean that a future illness is a walk in the park.
There are no downsides or dangers
Due to the uncertainty about how long immunity actually lasts, the vaccine is recommended even if you have had COVID-19 in the past, and it is safe to do so.
There are several vaccines in development. Although the vaccine trials did not actively seek and enroll people who had previously had COVID, some participants did. Therefore, in terms of safety, it is not a problem to get vaccinated, and it will help prevent a person from being reinfected.
Typical reactions are similar to those of an influenza vaccine, for example it hurts the arm by the needle prick. You may also have a fever or feel pain for a day or two afterward, a simple response that your immune system is reacting correctly and responding legitimately to the vaccine.
If you have any questions or concerns related to the vaccine and your particular health condition, the first thing you should do is have a conversation with your doctor.
Help keep others safe
It is also important that by getting a vaccine you are helping save other people.
As of October 2020, less than 10 percent of the world's population had been infected with COVID-19, according to the World Health Organization. That is, there are many people who could become seriously ill and die from the disease.
One of the main goals of vaccination is to protect people who cannot receive the vaccine. If enough people are vaccinated, this creates herd immunity, which is community protection. If the herd can't get the infection, it can't pass it on to vulnerable people.
