Get the Facts. Get the Shot

Get the facts.

4 facts everyone should know about the COVID-19 vaccine

WHILE WEARING A MASK, WASHING YOUR HANDS AND KEEPING A SAFE DISTANCE HAVE ALL BEEN CRUCIAL TO SLOWING THE SPREAD OF COVID-19, THE VACCINE PLAYS AN EVEN BIGGER ROLE IN THE LONG-TERM PREVENTION – AND ENDING – OF THE PANDEMIC. IN ADDITION TO INSPIRING NEW HOPE AND INNOVATION, THE COVID-19 VACCINE HAS ALSO SPURRED ON QUESTIONS AND DOUBT. HERE ARE THE FACTS:

1. The COVID-19 vaccine is safe. Safety is the most important requirement for the vaccine and is assessed in trials by independent experts. The two most important ways safety is ensured are:

1. Most side effects occur within 6 weeks of vaccine administration, and the FDA has required 8 weeks of safety monitoring so it can track any side effects.

2. The FDA also advises a minimum of 3,000 participants to assess safety during a trial. The trials of the COVID-19 vaccine included 30,000 to 50,000 participants.

2. The COVID-19 vaccine will not change your DNA. The vaccine is an mRNA vaccine and does not interact with our DNA in any way. Instead, it gives instructions for our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the “spike protein” – just like the spikes on the COVID-19 virus. Our immune system begins building an immune response and making antibodies. At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infection. 3. What is in the vaccine? The Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines contain strands of messenger RNA inside a special coating that protects it from enzymes in the body that would otherwise break it down. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is a viral vector vaccine, using a modified version of a different virus to deliver instructions in the form of genetic material (a gene) to a cell.

None of the vaccines can give you COVID-19, and they DO NOT contain:

• Live COVID-19 virus • Egg products • Blood products • Beef products • Pork products • Government tracking devices

4. The COVID-19 vaccine does not cause infertility or miscarriage. There is no evidence to support claims that the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility or miscarriage. The mRNA is rapidly broken down by the cell once the instructions have been transmitted, so it does not cause mutations or cellular defects, and has not been associated with infertility.

Get the facts. Get the shot.

Now that you’ve decided that the COVID-19 vaccine is right for you, where can you get the shot?

1. Mass Vaccination Sites There are nine mass vaccination sites across the state, including one at the Habersham County Fairgrounds. MyVaccineGeorgia.com not only explains current rules for eligibility and allows those who are eligible to pre-register for an appointment, but also allows anyone who is not yet eligible to sign up for email updates.

Visit myvaccinegeorgia.com to pre-register or sign up for email updates.

Visit dph.georgia.gov/covid-vaccine to find these resources or call 888-457-0186 to schedule a vaccine appointment at your local Health Department.

Visit nghs.com/give to support the COVID Relief Fund with your gift today.

2. Georgia Department of Public Health The Georgia Department of Public Health has extensive vaccine information on their website, including:

• A Georgia Vaccine Locator tool that will allow you to search for vaccine providers near you • Scheduling for vaccine appointments at local Health

Departments across the state • Links to grocery stores and pharmacies providing the vaccine • An interactive COVID-19 vaccine dashboard • Current eligibility details 3. Local Physician Practices Your local doctors at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group, Longstreet Clinic and more may also be providing the vaccine to established patients. If you haven’t already let your family physician know that you’d like to get a vaccine, it may be worth a phone call to see if they’re keeping a list of patients to call when they have doses available.

GETTING YOUR VACCINE ISN’T THE ONLY WAY TO HELP US HEAL. As the pandemic and the tremendous strain on our frontline heroes continues into the second year, you can still donate to the COVID Relief Fund. Gifts will help our staff and patients recover.