covid-19 vaccines
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Durham Co. Health Experts Answer Frequently Asked Questions About COVID-19 Vaccines

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

Five months ago, we received our first COVID-19 vaccines here in Durham. It’s hard to believe that a little over a year ago, we were just seeing our first cases of what would become a deadly pandemic, but now, thanks to decades of research, we have life-saving vaccines that can help us put this pandemic behind us. It is critical that we all get vaccinated in order to help end this pandemic for good. Unfortunately, although the Black community has been hit hard by COVID-19, vaccination rates among African Americans remain disproportionately low. Durham County health experts hope that by answering some of our most frequently asked questions below, it will be easier than ever for you to take your shot to protect yourselves and others.

Why is it important to get vaccinated?
covid-19 vaccines
A man receives a COVID-19 vaccine at a Durham County Department of Public Health community vaccination event. (submitted)

By getting vaccinated against COVID-19, you not only help yourself stay safe, but you also help stop the spread of this virus. COVID has had a devastating effect on the Black community. In North Carolina, one in four COVID-19 deaths has been an African American. Among those who survive, many have experienced lasting side effects even after the duration of their illness. Getting vaccinated dramatically reduces your chance of ever becoming ill with COVID-19. It also helps limit your chance of spreading the virus to others. When enough people get vaccinated, eventually there won’t be enough opportunity for the virus to spread, and this pandemic will finally be over.

How were the vaccines developed so quickly? How do we know they’re safe?

It may seem that COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly, but they were actually built on decades of research. Similar vaccines have been studied for the flu, Zika, and rabies. Once scientists were able to learn enough about the virus that causes COVID-19, they were able to apply this information to several years of prior knowledge in order to develop COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines were rigorously tested on humans and held to the same safety and effectiveness standards as all other vaccines before being authorized by the FDA and the CDC for use in the United States.

Which vaccine is best?

The best vaccine is whichever you can get first! The three vaccine brands currently available for use are Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J). All three are safe, effective, and free! Pfizer is approved for all people age 12 and older and requires two doses. Moderna is approved for all people age 18 and older and also requires two doses. The J&J vaccine is approved for all people age 18 and older but only requires one dose. It is very important that you receive all doses of your vaccine, so if you think you may have a hard time getting back for your second dose, consider getting the one-shot J&J vaccine.

How can I get vaccinated?
covid-19 vaccines
A child photographs her mother receiving a COVID-19 vaccine at a Durham County Department of Public Health community vaccination event. (submitted)

Once you’re ready to take your shot, it is easier than ever to do so. Right now, you can stop by the Durham County Department of Public Health Monday-Friday to get vaccinated, no appointment needed. Visit their website at dcopublichealth.org/vaccineappointments to see their hours and complete your registration forms in advance. If you can’t make it to their building, check out this list of other vaccine locations in Durham, or keep checking their website here to see upcoming vaccination events in the community! Community events are hosted every week, so they may be in your neighborhood soon. Remember, all vaccines are free even if you don’t have insurance, and no ID is required.

In conclusion…

Getting your COVID-19 vaccine is urgent. It might save your life and the lives of others, and it is the only way to finally put this pandemic in the past. It takes two weeks after your final dose in order to be fully protected by the vaccine, so don’t put it off any longer. Protect yourself and your loved ones by taking your shot today. Visit their website at dcopublichealth.org/covid19vaccines for more information, or sign up for updates at dcopublichealth.org/COVID19emails to receive free updates on vaccination events, changes in guidance, and more sent to your email twice per week.