By Saqib Majeed
As we’ve all heard the news that Pfizer – BioNTech and Modern’s Covid-19 vaccines show outstanding results there is a question that now is on everyone’s mind, “When and where can I get the vaccine?”
In today’s article we’ll try and answer this question. As, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has authorized the use of Pfizer – BioNTech for emergency purposes already we now want to know how to get it.
Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar on Wednesday said the country was still on track to have enough doses to vaccinate 20 million Americans by the end of 2020 and 50 million by the end of January 2021.
The first shots could be given as early as Dec. 15 or Dec. 16 if the FDA gives the go-ahead for emergency use of Pfizer’s vaccine on Friday, according to Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. States will ultimately decide where to send the shots.
Who will get the vaccine in first phase?
It depends on your risk of getting infected or getting seriously ill. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), If you are a healthcare worker or a resident of a nursing home, you’ll be included in the 1st phase.
However, it is not yet clear who will be included in the second phase.
In addition to that you must be 18 or older to get the vaccine. Because companies developing coronavirus vaccines such as Pfizer – BioNTech started testing their vaccine in children from the age of 12 to 17 this fall. They are still waiting for the results.
While, Moderna’s vaccine trial in children is still underway.
In addition to that pregnant women were also excluded from trials so due to lack of data they won’t be getting the coronavirus vaccine anytime soon either.
Now, if you fall in the priority group mentioned above who is eligible for 1st round of vaccination you can most probably get it from pharmacies, health clinics and your doctor’s office. Local health departments will also probably run mass vaccination clinics.
Both the vaccines developed by Pfizer – BioNTech and Moderna require two doses. So, once the first dose is administered, you’ll have to get the second dose as well. The second dose depends on the what vaccination did you get. Pfizer’s is three weeks later, and Moderna’s is four weeks.
However, not all vaccines in development require two shots. Johnson & Johnson is testing a single-dose vaccine.
How much will it cost?
It is probably going to be free because the government is paying for the vaccination. Even if you are charged a fee it’ll be covered by your insurance company. If you don’t have health insurance providers can tap a government fund to cover costs.
Are there any side effects?
Vaccines can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. For instance, The UK’s Medical and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency is advising against getting vaccinated if you are allergic to other vaccines as well.
According to the data provided by Pfizer – BioNTech and Moderna, their vaccines are very safe and have not severe side effects.
If you are facing any health-related issues or need any assistance you can always contact Kandakacare. Our professional healthcare workers are fully qualified to assist you at home without risking your health.
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