FAMILY HEALTH 5 Q I have had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine? Yes, you should be vaccinated if you’ve had COVID-19. That’s because research has not yet shown how long you are protected from the coronavirus after you recover. The vaccine helps protect you even if you’ve had COVID-19. Evidence is emerging that unvaccinated people who already had COVID-19 are more likely than fully vaccinated people to get it again. Experts are still learning more about how long vaccines protect against the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available. Carlos Bello, MPH, CHES Senior Member Health Educator Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Q Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day? Yes. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all who are 5 years of age and older. This includes people who are trying to get pregnant now or might become pregnant in the future. At this time there is no research that shows the COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems (problems trying to get pregnant). If you have concerns about this vaccine, talk with your doctor. They can help you make the best choice for you and your health. If you get pregnant after getting your first shot of a COVID-19 vaccine that requires two doses, you should still get your second shot. This will protect you the best against COVID-19. Flor Del Hoyo Galvan, MPH Member Health Educator Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Q How do mRNA vaccines work? Pfizer’s and Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) technology. These mRNA vaccines don’t contain the real coronavirus. They cannot give you COVID-19. And they can’t change your own DNA in any way. mRNA orders the cells in your body to make copies of a harmless spike protein, like the spike on the coronavirus. These proteins trigger an immune response. Your body then creates antibodies. If you’re exposed to the real virus later, your immune system will be ready for it. Bernardo Ochoa, MPH Member Health Educator Health Education Corner
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