In this article, we will cover:
- Benefits of getting vaccinated for COVID-19
- Possible Side effects of COVID-19 vaccines
- How to get COVID-19 vaccine in Manitoba
- Life after COVID-19 vaccination
What are the benefits of getting a COVID -19 vaccine?
- COVID-19 vaccine is the most effective way to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 infection.
- The vaccine is an important part of stopping the spread of the virus to our families and communities, in addition to wearing masks, washing hands and staying at least 2 meters away from others.
- COVID-19 vaccine will help us all to return to a normal life.
Is the vaccine safe?
- Yes – COVID-19 vaccines have been extensively studied in diverse populations and are considered safe and highly effective.
Will COVID -19 vaccines protect against the COVID -19 Variants?
- Yes – COVID-19 vaccines that are currently approved are expected to provide at least some protection against new virus variants.
Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
- No – none of the authorized and recommendedCOVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. This means that a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with a COVID-19 infection.
After getting a COVID-19 vaccine, will I test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?
- No – none of the approved and recommended vaccines can cause you to test positive on viral tests.
Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant or would like to have a baby one day?
- Yes – there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy. In addition, there is no evidence that fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines.
Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am breastfeeding?
- Yes – there is no problem with getting COVID 19 vaccine if you are breastfeeding. COVID 19 vaccine does not hurt your baby.
If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?
- Yes – you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had a COVID-19 infection. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19.
What are the common side effects?
- In general, the side effects observed during the large scientific studies are similar to what you might experience with other vaccines such as the flu vaccine. They included things like:
- shoulder/arm pain at the site of injection
- Redness at the site of injection
- body and muscle pains
- Chills
- feeling tired
- feeling feverish
- These are common side effects of vaccines and do not pose a risk to health. It is a sign of your immune system working.
Are there long-term effects?
- Likely No – Like all vaccines, scientists are studying COVID-19 vaccines carefully for side effects now and will continue to study them for many years. There are no known long-term effects from any other vaccines.
How to access the vaccine in Winnipeg?
You can help your friends, older relatives, clients to make an appointment, fill out their consent form and you can accompany them to their appointment
- Vaccine finder web site –https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html
- Many pharmacies and doctors offices as walk-in
- Vaccine cards – 2 weeks after 2nd dose, website – https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/immunizationrecord
- Everyone 12 years and older is eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Main vaccine available – Pfizer which is safe for pregnancy
Is there a cost for the COVID-19 Vaccine?
- No – COVID-19 Vaccines are free to all people living in Manitoba regardless of citizenship.
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- You do not need a Manitoba Health Card
- You will be asked for it but if you don’t have it any ID card can be used.
Life after you had COVID-19 Vaccine
- After the 1st dose
- You can still get a COVID-19 infection.
- It does not mean the vaccine gave you the infection but you were exposed to the virus.
- After 2nd dose
- Takes two weeks to produce immunity
- About 80-90% effective but still risk of being infected especially with Variants
- You must continue to follow all public health advice on wearing a mask, physical distancing and limited socializing etc.
- You have to continue to reduce travelling.
Main Points
- COVID-19 vaccines available in Canada are safe.
- Get immunized as soon as possible and encourage others to do so.
- Continue to practice public health advice (masking, social distancing, avoiding gatherings, etc.)
Resources
- World Health Organization – COVID-19 vaccines https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/covid-19-vaccines/explainers
- Ontario Health vaccine Bulletin
- Centre for Disease Control and Prevention – Myths and facts about COVID-19 vaccines https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html
