The COVID-19 Virus is a virus linked to the same family of viruses as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and some types of common cold. The COVID-19 virus is characterized by signs and symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In more severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia or breathing difficulties. More rarely, the disease can be fatal.
The novel virus which started with a small cluster in Wuhan China is now responsible for millions of cases globally. The virulent outbreak of this novel virus puts every individual at the risk of exposure hence the current trend of mask-wearing globally in aim to protect self against the potentially deadly virus. Passing through daily, it is impossible to ignore a sizable uptick of arrays of face masks in self-imposed muzzlings on people’s faces. Another daily lifestyle we have all come to adopt is the judicious use of hand sanitizers and hand wash for hand hygiene. This trend which was once a practice adopted only at the point of entries has now become a part of our daily lives.
There have been significant advances made since the discovery of the Covid 19 Virus in 1 year ago, one of which is the development of the Covid 19 vaccine. Several brands of Covid-19 vaccine have passed clinical trials in several countries and are now authorized for use. More are still being developed while distribution and vaccination are currently ongoing on an unprecedented scale globally; however, a lot of people are still concerned about getting vaccinated, this is mostly due to the short period used for the vaccines clinical trial and an array of conspiracy theories.
While more COVID-19 vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is authorized or approved for use. Safety is a top priority, and there are many reasons to get vaccinated.
Some of the benefits of getting the Covid 19 vaccine includes:
- COVID-19 vaccination will help reduce the risk of getting seriously Ill with the Covid 19 disease and its consequences.
For starters, we must know that getting the COVID-19 shots cannot make you sick with COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine currently available in Nigeria has been shown to be highly effective.
In addition, based on the knowledge about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness and complications such as people with chronic diseases and the elderly. Studies are however still ongoing about the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on the ability to keep people from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
- COVID-19 vaccination is a safer way to help build protection (immunity).
Studies have shown that getting COVID-19 may offer some natural protection, known as immunity. Current evidence suggests that reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection. However, experts don’t know for sure how long this protection lasts, and the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. COVID-19 vaccination on the other hand will help protect you by creating an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness. This is scientifically a safer and a more effective way.
- COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to help stop the pandemic.
Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. The combination of getting vaccinated and following NCDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19. Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available in combination.
In Conclusion
While developing and approving vaccines for use, clinical trials must first show they are safe and effective before any vaccine can be authorized or approved for use, this global standard and protocols were also followed in the development of the COVID-19 vaccines. According to the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) studies and data, the Covid 19 vaccine is stated to be safe, effective with its known and potential benefits shown to outweighs the potential risks.
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