10 facts about COVID-19 vaccine you need to know

In the past, Nigerian health authorities have struggled to convince locals to receive other vaccines like yellow fever and polio due to religious and cultural beliefs that influence the decisions of some citizens to participate in such initiatives.

COVID-19 vaccines are already being taken in many developed countries. Photo credit: Arnold Jerocki Source: Getty Images

As the country looks forward to receiving the first set of COVID-19 vaccines, Legit.ng lists 10 frequently asked questions about the coronavirus vaccine.

1. What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body without your having to become sick with COVID-19. A COVID-19 vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19.

2. What COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and how do they work? a. Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine This vaccine is for people age 16 and older. It requires two injections given 21 days apart. b. Moderna vaccine This vaccine is for people age 18 and older. This vaccine requires two injections given 28 days apart.

3. Can a COVID-19 vaccine give you COVID-19? No. The COVID-19 vaccines currently being developed don’t use the live virus that causes COVID-19. Keep in mind that it will take a few weeks for your body to build immunity after getting a COVID-19 vaccination.

4. What are the possible side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine? A COVID-19 vaccine can cause mild side effects like pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, or joint pain. You’ll likely be monitored for 15 minutes after getting a COVID-19 vaccine to see if you have an immediate reaction.

5. How are the COVID-19 vaccines being distributed? Due to limited supplies, not everyone will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccine right away. In the first phase of vaccination, COVID-19 vaccines would be given to health care personnel and senior citizens in Nigeria.

6. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I have a history of allergic reactions? If you have a history of severe allergic reactions not related to vaccines or injectable medications, you may still get a COVID-19 vaccine. You should be monitored for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine.

7. Can pregnant or breastfeeding women get the COVID-19 vaccine? So far, there is no research on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and part of a group recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine, you may choose to get the vaccine.

8. Is there anyone who should not get a COVID-19 vaccine? There is no COVID-19 vaccine yet for children under age 16. Several companies have begun enrolling children as young as age 12 in COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. Studies including younger children will begin soon.

9. Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine even if I’ve already had COVID-19? Because reinfection is possible and COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications, it’s recommended that people who have already had COVID-19 get a COVID-19 vaccine.

10. Can I stop taking safety precautions after getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Precautions for avoiding infection with the COVID-19 virus should still be adhered to despite getting the vaccine. The precautions are avoiding close contact, wear cloth face coverings in public places, practice good hygiene, and stay home if you’re sick.