COVID has taken many human lives. It is now the 3rd leading cause of death in the United States, just after heart disease and cancer.
There is a lot of information (and misinformation) about the new COVID-19 vaccines out there. You may be excited about the vaccine. But you may also be a little nervous about it.
Let's look at the what the vaccines are, how they work, and how they were made.
FAST FACTS
- Vaccines have been and are being created to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
- There are currently two vaccines available.
- Both vaccines are mRNA vaccines - which is a newer type of vaccine.
- mRNA vaccines DO NOT contain any
- Virus - live, weakened, or dead
- Bacteria or other toxins
- Preservatives - including thimerasol
- Eggs
- Stem cells or fetal tissue
- Biological ingredients
- The current vaccines DO NOT contain the virus and they CANNOT make you sick with COVID-19.
- Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are two dose vaccines:
- Pfizer - you must get your second dose 21 days after the first.
- Moderna - you must get your secon dose 28 days after the first.
- You must get the second dose to get the best immunity.
- After the second dose, both vaccines are about 95% effective at preventing COVID-19 infection.