Page 2 - Chehalis Tribal Newsletter - Jan - Feb 2021

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COVID-19

WHAT ARE VACCINES?

Vaccines are medicines that help “teach” our bodies how to recognize and fight
diseases. After receiving a Covid-19 vaccine, your body will develop protection
against the coronavirus. This is called immunity. Vaccines are one of the most
important public health measures ever developed. Because of them, most children
in the U.S. are protected from childhood diseases – saving thousands of lives.

WHICH ARE AVAILABLE FOR COVID-19?

There are three Covid-19 vaccines available, have serious, life-threatening complications
made by the pharmaceutical companies and there is no way to know how it will affect
Pfizer, Moderna (two doses; depending on you. If you get sick, you also could spread the
which vaccine, the second dose is given three disease to your family and loved ones.
or four weeks apart) and Johnson & Johnson Why two doses?
(single dose). The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require
Pfizer and Moderna are about 95% effective two doses to achieve their full protection.
against Covid-19 for all races, genders and Research has shown that the vaccines are
ages! The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is 85% only about 50% effective after the first shot
effective. but are 95% effective two weeks after the
It is much better to be vaccinated than to get second shot. Getting both doses is important
sick with Covid-19 because the disease can to keep you safe.

AFTER YOUR SHOT
Keep planning to stay safe.
The day we can stop wearing masks and BUILDING PROTECTION
hug our family and friends is coming, but
GETTING THE VACCINE until the majority of the population is Mild side effects, such as tiredness,
headache and muscle pain can happen
vaccinated, we need to keep wearing masks
You can get your vaccine at the clinic or and socially distance to keep ourselves, our but they usually go away in a few days. If
drive thru. family and our communities safe. you have any of these symptoms, don’t be
alarmed, it means your body is building
When you are scheduled for your vaccine, After being vaccinated, scientists do not protection against the virus! Many people
expect to spend up to an hour, depending know whether you could still be carrying report no side effects at all. If you do have
on the location. First, you might be asked the virus, even if you feel fine. You could concerns, don’t hesitate to call your doctor.
questions to make sure it is safe for you also get sick while your body is building its
to receive the vaccine, including “Are you defenses. You might unknowingly pass the
feeling sick” or “Have you had another virus to someone who hasn’t received their HERD IMMUNITY
vaccine (not for Covid-19) recently?” You vaccination, yet. Wearing your mask and Herd immunity (also called community
will be told which vaccine you will receive social distancing will help prevent that. If immunity) is when enough of the population
and your clinician can answer questions you feel ill, stay home and call your clinic. is immune to a disease, it cannot easily
you might have about it. Because the spread to people who are not immune.
supply of vaccines is still limited, you will SHARE THE GOOD NEWS! Achieving herd immunity is usually done
not be able to request a specific vaccine. through vaccines, like the polio vaccine.
Once you get your shot, you will be asked to Let family and friends know that you have That way people do not have to become sick
wait for 15-30 minutes before leaving. This received the vaccine! Some people may be to acquire immunity.
is required by the CDC for your safety. If skeptical or concerned about the vaccine.
you are feeling anxious, you can stay longer. Hearing or seeing positive stories about Many scientists, including Dr. Anthony
Before leaving, you will be given a CDC getting the vaccine might encourage them Fauci, believe that around 75%-85% of the
Vaccination Record Card which you must to get vaccinated and help stop Covid-19! population will need to be vaccinated to
keep and bring when you get your second By getting vaccinated, you are helping in achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.
dose. If you haven’t already scheduled an the fight against the pandemic by keeping
appointment for your second dose, you will yourself, family and community safe. Thank LEARN MORE
receive information on how to do so. you! For detailed information about the
three current vaccines, go to cdc.gov/
coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines.