Stay out of the hospital, stay with your grandkids
Everyone six months and older should consider getting the fall 2024 updated COVID shot, along with this year’s flu shot. You should really consider the benefits of the shots if you are 50 years or older. Do not let a hospital stay be part of your holiday plans.
As people get older, their immune systems do not work as well. Older adults often have other health issues as well. People who have health conditions such as asthma and diabetes are more likely to have severe symptoms or end up in the hospital.
Do not miss out on making memories with your grandkids. A vaccine protects you so that you can keep up with your family and their fun activities. Make sure you are around to watch your grandkids grow up. They are counting on you to be there.
The protection from the COVID vaccine does not last forever. This is one way that the COVID vaccine is different from other some vaccines. Over time, your body forgets the lessons it learned from the COVID vaccine. Remind your body.
COVID also changes over time. The shot you got several years ago doesn’t protect you now. The COVID virus also changes because it wants to infect as many people as possible. Getting the updated shot helps make sure your immune system is prepared to fight the virus as it changes.
Getting the flu shot adds another layer of protection. Adults aged 65 years or older are also recommended to receive a high dose flu vaccine. This provides you with a stronger immune response. However, any flu shot is better than no flu shot. If you can’t find the high dose shot, don’t wait.
The COVID vaccines went through the standard review process for new vaccines, and none of the normal steps were skipped. Like the flu vaccine, the COVID vaccines are not an experiment. It is based on technology studied for decades. It was tested carefully with people who volunteered for studies. Since then, thousands of scientists and studies across the world have confirmed how helpful and safe it is. It has been proven to be an added layer of protection against severe illness and possible long-term effects. It is a historical achievement that an effective vaccine was developed quickly during a pandemic. It has saved many lives.
Most vaccines have short-term side effects, like tiredness or a sore arm. Minor vaccine side effects means that your body is defending itself against viruses.
On the other hand, symptoms from getting sick with COVID or flu are more serious. Getting sick from COVID or the flu is not like getting sick from the common cold. A little soreness is better than a trip to the hospital.
Serious health problems from getting the vaccine are rare.
You are far more likely to get myocarditis from getting COVID than you are from getting the vaccine. One main difference between getting ill from COVID and getting the vaccine is not much is known about the long-term health effects of getting COVID.
Your life can be disrupted by COVID and flu even if you are healthy. Getting the COVID shot is especially important if you:
- Are 65 and older
- Are living in a long-term care facility or have a disability
- Have mental health issues or problems such as anxiety and depression
- Are overweight
- Have limited access to health care
You wear a seatbelt, right?
Saying you are too healthy and do not need the updated COVID shot is like saying you are too strong and do not need a seatbelt. Both are preventative actions designed to protect you and your loved ones in unpredictable situations. A little history: the seatbelt was met with high resistance when it first came out too, and now it is part of our daily lives. No matter how strong you are, the virus changes and can cause healthy people to get really sick. This is true even if they got sick with COVID in the past.
Why this San José pro dancer got the fall 2024 COVID vax
Watch Anthony, a professional dancer from San José, break it down and share why getting the fall 2024 COVID and flu shots is the best move you can make.
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The COVID virus changes to infect as many people as possible. Getting the updated shot helps make sure your immune system is prepared to fight the virus as it changes.
I got the shot for my job. Why do I need it again? It is not about a job requirement, it is about your health and not needing to take sick days. If you don’t get sick, you won’t spread the disease to other people either.
The COVID vaccines went through the standard review process for new vaccines, and none of the normal steps were skipped. Like the flu vaccine, the COVID vaccine is not an experiment. It is based on technology studied for decades. It was tested carefully with people who volunteered for studies. It has been tested by thousands of scientists. It has been proven to be an added layer of protection against severe illness and possible long-term effects. It is a historical achievement that this effective vaccine was developed quickly during a pandemic. It has saved many lives.
Most vaccines have short-term side effects, like tiredness or a sore arm. Minor vaccine side-effects means that your body is defending itself against viruses.
On the other hand, symptoms from getting sick with COVID or flu are more serious. Getting sick from COVID or the flu is not like getting sick from the common cold. A little soreness is better than a trip to the hospital.
Serious health problems from getting the vaccine are rare.
You are far more likely to get myocarditis from getting COVID than you are from getting the vaccine. One main difference between getting ill from COVID and getting the vaccine is not much is known about the long-term health effects of getting COVID.
Just because you are young and not immunocompromised does not mean you are not at risk for getting sick. Your life can be disrupted by COVID and flu even if you are healthy. You are also more likely to have a severe case of COVID if you:
- Have mental health issues or problems such as anxiety and depression
- Are overweight
- Are pregnant
- Have limited access to health care
Don't be fooled by anti-vaxxers. Common things anti-vaxxers say:
- "I don’t trust the experts."
- "I’ll do my own research."
- "The vaccines have too many side effects."
- "Getting the disease will build my immune system."
- "Vaccines don’t work because you still get sick."
- "The vaccines were developed too fast."
- "I'll just take Vitamin C."
If you believe in science, then trust in vaccines. Strongly consider getting the fall 2024 COVID and flu shots this year.
Need a doctor or health insurance?
- If you do not have health insurance or a regular doctor, a community clinic or the County health system can help with health coverage enrollment.
- If you need help enrolling for health insurance, call (866) 967-4677 or drop-in at 770 South Bascom Avenue, San José.
- Santa Clara County community clinics offer free or low-cost routine vaccinations for children. Find a clinic.
Why do I need another COVID shot?
An updated COVID vaccine was just approved in August 2024 and offers the best protection against the COVID virus currently spreading in Santa Clara County. Consider getting an updated COVID shot, even if you had COVID or had other shots in the past. Everyone six months and older also needs to get this year's flu shot. It is safe to get this year's flu shot and the updated COVID shot at the same visit.
Talk to your doctor today to make an appointment or find a pharmacy near you that takes your health insurance. You may be able to get shots for free at certain locations.
