As everyone knows, there is a global pandemic happening right with the spread of COVID-19. This pandemic has changed the lives of everyone around the world. Everyone has been required to wear a mask and to stain doors mostly unless it’s urgent to leave. People have now started to work from home as well and lives have been lost sadly from this virus. Even though this virus has had a lot of bad effects on people it might all come to an end with a new vaccine.  

In the span of 9 months scientists have been able to make a vaccine for the virus. Considering that vaccines normally can take 10-15 years to make this is pretty fast for a vaccine to be created. However, this vaccine was made in a short amount of time and has a 95% success rate. There are two vaccines available now that both need to be injected for full protection called Pfizer and Moderna. 

Pfizer’s full name is Pfizer-BioTech. Pfizer is administered as a 2-dose series, 3 weeks apart, into the muscle. Before you get the vaccine you should mention to whoever is providing you the vaccine if you having any of the following medical conditions: 

• Have any allergies.
• Have a fever.
• Have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner.
• Are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system.
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.  
• Are breastfeeding. 
• Have received another COVID-19 vaccine.

You shouldn’t get this Pfizer-BioTech vaccine if you’ve had any of the following:

• Had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine 
• Had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of the vaccine 

For more information about the Pfizer-BioTech vaccine you can go to here: Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine | cvdvaccine.com 

Moderna’s full name is mRNA-1273. Moderna is administered as 2 shots, one month (28 days) apart and is given in the muscle of the upper arm. Moderna is recommended for people who are 18 years or older. You shouldn’t get the vaccine if you:

• If you had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an immediate allergic reaction.

• Even if it was not severe to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.

• If you had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an immediate allergic reaction.

• Even if it was not severe, after getting the first dose of the vaccine, you should not get another dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. 

Some common side effects of the vaccine are: 

• Pain
• Swelling
• Redness
• Chills
• Tiredness
• Headache 

For more information the Moderna vaccine you can go here: Information about the Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine 

Though it is a miracle that the vaccine was made quickly, a lot of people are hesitant about taking the vaccine. “I’m excited because their arrival might signal the end of a very dark season in our global history. So many lives have been lost and the possibility that we have found something to prevent that is amazing. However, I am a little hesitant about the vaccines because they were developed so quickly and we do not know the long-term implications on our health or the long-term impact of the various vaccines preventing COVID. I wish we had more information, but all we can do is remain hopeful and wait.” says Dr. Hill English 11 Teacher. Even though some people are hesitant to take the vaccine some people at our school have already taken it, one of these was our school nurse Ms. Boone. Here’s how it went for her:  “I got my vaccination last week. Very good process. Questionnaire on the phone to make sure that you qualify for the vaccine. You are asked about any allergies, fever,  bleeding disorder, immunocompromised, pregnant/breastfeeding, received any other vaccines in the past 2 weeks or have Guillain Barre. After arriving the staff verified these questions again, took my temp & injected it in my arm (muscle). They made my next appointment & I had to wait 15 minutes to make sure I did not have an allergic reaction.” She also hopes that all the teachers will be able to take the vaccine.