Now that the first doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine have begun rolling out, you probably have a lot of questions about what happens when you're cleared to receive the vaccine. That is, if you have already had COVID-19 or tested positive for antibodies, is the vaccine still necessary?
Health professionals have not yet made 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're 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 suggests that falling ill could confer immunity for about six months.
Although not common, there have been confirmed cases of people being reinfected with COVID-19. So even if you think you're comfortable taking a chance because your first brush with coronavirus wasn't too bad, that doesn't mean future illness is a walk in the park.
There are no drawbacks or dangers
Due to uncertainty about how long immunity really 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 out and enroll people who had previously had COVID, some participants did. So, in terms of safety, it's not a problem to get vaccinated, and it will help prevent a person from becoming infected again.
Typical reactions are similar to those to a flu shot, for example you stave el arm by the needle stick. you can also have fever or feeling sore for a day or two afterwards, a simple response that your immune system is reacting correctly and legitimately responding 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 discussion with your doctor.
Help keep others safe
It is also important that by getting a vaccine, you are helping to 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 immunity collective, which is community protection. If the herd can't catch the infection, they can't pass it on to vulnerable individuals.