08/10/2021

ODH Encourages Ohioans to Get Vaccinated

The more people who receive the vaccine, the fewer variants will arise

The COVID-19 vaccine has helped to lessen the pandemic and given Ohioans a summer more reminiscent of years past. But we can’t stop now. The highly contagious COVID-19 delta variant is spreading across the country; choosing to be vaccinated now will prevent the spread as cooler fall weather approaches. Being vaccinated will also help protect those 11 and younger who cannot get a COVID-19 vaccine yet, such as friends, siblings, neighbors, cousins or students riding the school bus this fall.

Many people have questions about the new vaccines and that is understandable. Everyone wants to do what is safest for their families. According to the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), the best thing you can do is talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist about COVID-19 vaccines, their safety and their efficacy. Like any medicine, COVID-19 vaccines have some possible side effects, which, if any, tend to be mild and short in duration. They are a sign that your body's natural immune response is working and developing protective antibodies to fight off the virus. The most common are short-term fatigue, pain or swelling at the injection site, headache or low-grade fever.

When you choose to get a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine, it takes five to six weeks from the time you get the first dose to the time you are considered fully vaccinated. Choosing to be vaccinated now will help Ohioans toward a healthy fall with cookouts, Friday night football games and more. If you are unsure about what is best for you or your family, it is important to share your concerns with a trusted medical provider and learn all you can.

If you would like to get a vaccine or learn more, please select this link.