Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines have been a contentious issue in the news with people wondering whether or not they’re safe, effective, and worth getting. The scientific data is in, and it has revealed that there are lots of reasons why you should get vaccinated for COVID-19.
The Benefits of Getting Vaccinated for COVID-19
- They are safe. They were developed using science and research that has been around for decades. Plus, they've gone through extensive testing and are undergoing the most stringent safety monitoring in our history.
- They are effective. COVID vaccines can prevent you from contracting and transmitting the virus.
- If you do still contract COVID-19, the vaccine can prevent you from developing severe symptoms.
- Getting vaccinated protects the people around, especially those who are at high risk for severe symptoms.
- Once you're fully vaccinated, you can resume your normal activities. Additionally, you will no longer have to wear a mask or practice social distancing.
Protecting Everyone: Herd Immunity and Novel Coronavirus
Herd immunity is a point at which enough of a population is immune to a vaccine that it is eventually eradicated.
The point at which we reach herd immunity differs depending on how transmissible or contagious a particular disease is. For example, with highly contagious measles and polio, herd immunity is reached when a respective 80% and 95% of the population is immune.
Additionally, viruses that mutate over time, like COVID-19, require a higher level of immunity before herd immunity can be achieved. So, although initial estimates figured that 60% to 70% of the population would need to be vaccinated to achieve herd immunity, the estimate has increased to somewhere closer to 85% due to the increased invariants.
What's the COVID-19 Situation Like in Texas?
As of the writing of this article, there are an estimated 22,652 active cases of COVID-19 in Texas and, according to the Mayo Clinic’s COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker, 41.2% of Texas residents have been fully vaccinated.
Everyone in Texas who is 12 years of age or older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. Additionally, the Federal government has made COVID-19 vaccinations free for everyone in the United States. So, regardless of where you receive yours, you won’t have to pay.
If you have yet to receive yours, we strongly encourage you to talk with a healthcare provider at Gulf Coast Health Center about whether the vaccine is right for you. To learn more, we welcome you to contact one of our locations today.
