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Vaccination: How Does It Really Work?

Karen Apricot
/
flickr

The development and distribution of a vaccine to end the COVID-19 pandemic has been a desperate need for things to go back to "normal." However, some are hesitant to take the vaccine due to its quick development.

Dr. David Holcombe explains in-depth as to how the COVID-19 vaccine works and what to expect after getting vaccinated. 

On the effectiveness of the vaccine

The current estimate is the vaccine will last up to a year, but not much can be said yet considering it is still a new vaccine.

How it works

A fragment of the coronavirus material is inserted, which tricks your body into producing spike proteins --   little pieces around the coronavirus that allows it to attach to your cells. This process develops antibodies so that when you are actually exposed to the virus, your antibodies will kill the virus. Once the genetic material has been used, it will die off and leave your body after being used. You will not get the virus from the vaccine.

The risk to others

After getting vaccinated, you do not pose any risk, but you are still subject to being infected with COVID until you have received the full series of vaccines. You will just not have as serious of a case.

Precautions after the vaccine

Masks will still continue to be necessary, protection is not immediate and is never absolute. Protection for the whole community is when at least 70% of the population has been vaccinated. 

Anita Sharma Ph.D., LCSW, is a Gerontology and Social Work Educator, Researcher, and Practitioner. She holds an M.A. in Medical and Psychiatric Social Work from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, a prestigious social sciences university in India, a Master of Social Work (clinical practice) and a Doctorate in Social Work from Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Louisiana and serves as a pro bono consultant to various agencies.
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