COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter #1

Current COVID-19 Vaccination Phases

Now that the vaccine has begun to roll out across the nation, our first phase, front-line health care workers have begun receiving their immunizations. The next phase varies some between Oregon and Washington, but generally includes high-risk first responders (police, firefighters, EMTs), long-term care facility residents, and other health care workers. Please check your states rollout plan for specific details (Oregon.gov, Washington.gov). Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic will be notifying our qualifying patients and posting information on our website as each phase of patient vaccination begins.

Limited Vaccine Quantities Make Rollout Estimates Difficult

As health care entities work to complete their states’ immunization plans, it is important to remember that availability will remain limited for some time. Both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines require two doses to be effective, making production, storage, and dispersal of the vaccine potential bottlenecks in these early days of immunization. As state and federal agencies refine their systems and supplies increase, the public rollout should become more predictable.

Both COVID-19 Vaccines Are Safe

Before their federal approval, both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines were tested for their safe and effective use in combating COVID-19. After almost 75,000 volunteers participated in the clinical trials, the vaccines were found to be safe for public use. Side effects are typically mild and can mirror the symptoms of a flu shot (fever, chills, tiredness, and headaches). These symptoms are typically short-lived, though they can sometimes linger for a few days.

For more information on vaccine safety, visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 vaccine safety evaluation.

How To Stay Safe While You Wait For Your Vaccine

While the nation awaits access to the COVID-19 vaccine, it is important to remember that you can take steps to avoid exposure to the virus:

Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth in public
Stay at least 6 feet away from those who don’t live in your household at all times
Wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitizer when soap is unavailable

If you are experiencing any kind of health issues, you should call your primary care doctor. Do not delay care because of COVID-19. Health centers go to great lengths to ensure their patients’ safety and failure to seek medical attention can complicate your recovery.