An Update on the COVID-19 Vaccine

After nine months since the announcement of the global pandemic, a vaccine for the novel coronavirus is finally underway. Earlier this month, the Food and Drug administration issued an Emergency use Authorization (EUA) to permit the administration of the Moderna and the Pfizer-BioTech COVID- 19 vaccines. The administration of these vaccines has already begun here in New York to nurses and other hospital workers. Since the information on these vaccines is constantly evolving,  the CDC has established a list of  eight things the general public should know about the COVID vaccine at the moment. We have listed them here for you:  

• The safety of the COVID-19 vaccines is top priority 

• Covid-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19 in two separate doses. 

• CDC is making recommendation for who should be offered COVID-19 vaccine first when and wherever supplies are limited.

• There is currently limited supply of COVID-19 Vaccine in the US, but supply will increase in the weeks and months to come. 

• After COVID-19 vaccination, some side effects may occur. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection.  

• Cost is not an obstacle to getting vaccinated against COVID-19.

• The first COVID-19 Vaccine is being used under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the FDA. Many other vaccines are still being developed and tested 

• COVID-19 vaccines are one of many important tools to help us stop this pandemic. 

As we wait for new information on this vaccine, remember to take other precautions to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Practice proper hand hygiene frequently, wear a face mask whenever you step out of your house, and avoid any large gatherings. Together, we can help put an end to this pandemic.   

For more information on the CDC’s eight facts, please visit: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/8-things.html 

You may also learn local information regarding vaccine implementation here.

Author

Marcella Arcabascio, BSN, RN Marcella is a nurse manager at MD1CARE Gold Pediatrics. She grew up in Bayside, NY and completed her nursing studies at Adelphi University. She has been involved in various Queens-based community organizations for the past several years. Her passion to get involved in bettering people's lives led her into a career in healthcare. Outside of her nursing profession, she loves to read, listen to music, and teaches/ practices martial arts (JKD and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu).