Vaccination is a key preventive measure in medicine, helping us avoid severe illness. It is not a futile measure but rather a preventive treatment taken when we are healthy to remain healthy. Vaccines enhance the immune system’s ability to learn and effectively fight off pathogens. For COVID-19 vaccines, they target the SARS-CoV-2 virus.
COVID-19 vaccines are designed to prevent severe cases of the disease. The use of vaccines such as Oxford-AstraZeneca, Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, and Sinovac has been approved by the WHO. Before receiving approval from the WHO and national regulatory bodies, these vaccines underwent trials and tests to ensure they meet internationally agreed-upon safety and efficacy standards.
1. Benefits of COVID-19 Vaccination
The best way to reduce the spread of the virus is to get vaccinated. COVID-19 vaccines lower the risk of infection upon exposure to the virus.
COVID-19 vaccines protect you from severe forms of the disease and death by helping your body develop immunity. They can also help reduce human-to-human transmission of the virus, potentially saving many more lives.
COVID-19 vaccines are crucial tools for ending the pandemic and helping societies return to normal life. Mass vaccination campaigns should also ease the burden on healthcare workers and hospitals, allowing them to care for patients with other illnesses.
2. Side Effects of COVID-19 Vaccines
Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines can cause mild side effects and, in very rare cases, serious complications.
According to the WHO, side effects are usually short-lived: “You might experience pain at the injection site, fatigue, fever, chills, nausea, or headaches. Severe post-vaccination reactions are extremely rare. Consult your doctor if side effects worsen or persist after a few days.”
In the face of this challenging pandemic, protect yourself against the rapid spread of COVID-19, even if you are already vaccinated.
Britney Ngalingbo / Michael Ndamoyen / AFC
If you find information and images dubious, contact our editorial team at 00236 74 02 15 70 / 75 81 61 38 / 75 38 11 73, or write to us at [email protected].
