As of last week, anyone over the age of 16 in Minnesota is eligible to sign up for and receive the COVID-19 vaccine. We’re doing a great job of getting vaccines delivered, and this should only help get life back closer to the normal we once knew. Below, we want to talk a little bit more about the vaccine and how you can go about getting signed up.
I’ve Been Vaccinated
If you’re a regular reader of our blog, you’ve probably come across some of our COVID content. The virus was a hot topic for many businesses and healthcare professionals, and we were no different. Our goal was to help keep people informed and provide medical insight for all things COVID when appropriate. We enjoyed helping spread awareness and hopefully fuel understanding about the virus and how to stay safe during the pandemic.
I also wanted to take a moment to let everyone know that I became fully vaccinated in January. My family and I have been keeping up with the research and all indications are that the vaccine is preferred to COVID. As I mentioned in a previous blog, I said that I wasn’t going to be the first in line for the vaccine because it was too early to know the long-term effects of the vaccine. That was back in August, and while we still don’t have extended long-term data, it has become clear that the risk vs. reward between getting a vaccine and potentially having complications or the health effects possibility associated with catching the virus in the wild, the vaccine carries much less risk.
Don’t get me wrong, I am very pro-vaccine. My initial comment, when taken in the context of the entire blog, was more so meant to convey that we shouldn’t just blindly accept that the first vaccine that hits the market is going to be a perfect solution that will work for everyone. It is certainly possible that a vaccine could produce some unwanted side effects, and while some people have had a rough reaction to the vaccine, so far the long-term effects of COVID and the prospect of death are much more worrisome than anything we’ve seen happen in those who have been vaccinated for a while.
The technology behind the vaccination and vaccines in general have proven safe and effective in the short term, and it’s highly unlikely to prove troublesome in the long-term. We have seen how COVID can lead to chronic fatigue syndrome and other serious lung problems. I want none of that, which is why I became vaccinated and I urge you to really evaluate what’s best for you and your family when making your decision.
Getting Your Vaccine
If you are considering getting the COVID vaccine, you can click here to be taken to a page that will allow you to find a vaccination site in your area. Hopefully we’ll continue to see case numbers drop and we can take a stand against this virus once and for all. Thanks, and be well.
Dr. Silverman