COVID-19 has been exacting its toll on healthcare workers as they care for their patients. Over 280,000 healthcare personnel cases of COVID-19 have been reported as of mid-December 2020 with over 900 deaths. Now, COVID-19 vaccines are starting to roll out across the country. To protect our fighters on the frontline of the pandemic, the CDC Is recommending that healthcare workers are first to receive the vaccine.

Each state is developing its own plan for who should receive the vaccine, where and how. However, most states are following the CDC guidelines to protect the healthcare workers with the first wave of vaccines. The only people not being recommended to receive the vaccine are those who have experienced severe allergic reactions to vaccines previously or are allergic to any of the ingredients.

Pfizer vaccine: The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was the first to pass the FDA. It must be kept at -94° Fahrenheit, creating challenges for states on where the vaccine can be stored and administered. It’s given in 2 doses, 3 weeks apart. According to the FDA, the most common reported side effects are pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever. Both the FDA and the CDC will continue to monitor safety of the vaccine as it rolls out across healthcare personnel and other members of the public.

To find out if you are eligible to receive the vaccine, contact your state health department. Your licensing bureau may also be able to provide direction. It’s important to remember to roll up your sleeve for the vaccine to protect yourself and others from the virus that has killed over 1 million people across the globe.

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