Every one of us wants immunity against COVID-19 virus and wants everything to get back to the pre-pandemic situation where we can hang out with families and friends, attend mass gatherings and simply see the smiles of every person we cross paths with. These were the things we were deprived of due to this pandemic. Now, how can we go back to normal? How can these vaccines protect us from the virus? Are available vaccines really that effective against COVID-19 and give each one of us hope for the future?

First, we need to address how vaccines work and how it can protect us from the virus? Vaccines contain an inactive part of an antigen that can trigger the immune response within the body. Once the body learns to build a specific antibody, it will now prepare the body to counter the real antigen or part of the real organism to defeat once exposed to it. In this manner, it will help protect us from the virus. Although it is not guaranteed that we are completely safe from acquiring the virus, at least it can help our body lessen the impact of the virus on our overall health.

If you are worried about the side effects of the vaccines, worry not as all of the vaccines are safe with minor and temporary side effects ranging from sore arm to mild fever. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), some noted serious effects are still possible but are extremely rare. The vaccines pass through a tedious process and clinical trials to ensure their efficacy and safety for human introduction, and these new vaccines were continually monitored for other experienced side effects.

Lastly, COVID-19 vaccine is now offering a chance to a better transition out from this phase we are facing now. Vaccine is the answer to our hope to bring back the normal lives we used to have. Some countries are now reaping what they sow, as they are already enjoying the outcome of herd vaccination with strict monitoring on the movement of their people. They are also now having their leisure and savor breathing fresh air without wearing a face mask. Without vaccines, it will take us more time to achieve herd immunity and natural herd immunity will not be enough to restore a society. As time goes by buying out time to attain it, more lives will be in peril and more families and individuals will be devastated. Our government is trying to perform its best to counter this invisible enemy with the procurement and administration of vaccines and their efforts will only be paid off if everyone will voluntarily submit for vaccination and surely a brighter future free of worries awaiting us will be of close reach.

#RESBAKUNA

#WeHealAsOne

NO II Joanna Marie E. Baltazar

References:

1. Vaccines and Immunization: What is vaccination?

https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/vaccines-and-immunization-what-is-vaccination?adgroupsurvey={adgroupsurvey}&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3f6HBhDHARIsAD_i3D-DWvqi1FQUgXU-izlKBqMFJKHBswoGqUPwLz8Ats9URYhcVr_2ApUaAkKZEALw_wcB

2. Why it’s safe and important to get the COVID-19 vaccine

https://www.uab.edu/news/youcanuse/item/11797-why-it-s-safe-and-important-to-get-the-covid-19-vaccine

3. Benefits of getting vaccinated

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html