The COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to achieve herd immunity among our communities. Millions of Americans have received the COVID vaccine and have been safely monitored by qualified health professionals. While the vaccine is not yet available at AFC Urgent Care Paramus, it is highly recommended to to receive it as soon as you are able to. AFC Paramus provides walk-in COVID testing to all patients.
Potential Side Effects
When getting any vaccination, there is always a chance of side effects. This means the vaccine is effective and the body is building up protection against whatever illness it’s intended to fight off. Side effects are normally very mild and go away within a few days. Some common side effects include:
- Swelling and redness at the injection site
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
Only an extremely small number of people have had severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis. Once you have received your shot, the medical providers will ask you to stay between 15 to 30 minutes after to ensure you do not have any allergic reaction. They do this to provide necessary medical attention if needed.
Long-term Side Effects
Studies are showing that there are no long-term side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC has requested to study for two months after the final dose to track any effects. Millions of Americans have been vaccinated and have not shown any long-term effects. If a patient is going to experience side effects, it will be within six weeks of receiving the vaccine.
COVID Vaccine Effectiveness
The COVID vaccines available in the United States include Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson-Johnson-Janssen. All vaccines are safe and reliable. The only vaccine that is currently available for those 16 and older is Pfizer. Moderna and Johnson-Johnson-Janssen are available for those 18 and older. Pfizer and Moderna consist of two shots a few weeks apart, and Johnson-Johnson-Janssen consists of one shot.
The COVID vaccines available are the most effective ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Similar to other vaccines, such as the flu shot, you are still able to get COVID even after being vaccinated- not all vaccines are 100% effective. Symptoms will be less severe, and you are less likely to spread it to those who are more vulnerable, such as the elderly.
Current research shows that the COVID vaccines available in the United States are effective at fighting the COVID variants. The CDC is working to monitor how common the variants are and if the vaccines have any impact on them.
