What are COVID-19 vaccines?

It typically takes a few weeks after vaccination for the body to develop this improved immunity, so you are not optimally protected from infection for several weeks after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. Sometimes as the body is building immunity after vaccination there will be symptoms such as fever, muscle aches, headache, or fatigue. These symptoms are normal and are signs that your body is building immunity. These symptoms, fi they occur at all, are of short duration and clear on their own. Talk to your medical provider about taking over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or antihistamines for any discomfort experienced after getting your vaccine. 

As of June 2022, there are three approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines in the United States. While all COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly, they were developed using established science and are all safe and effective.  

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines are both mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. They contain a copy of a SARS-CoV-2 component called mRNA which gives cells instructions for how to make a harmless protein that is unique to the virus. After cells make copies of the protein, the mRNA copy is destroyed. The body sees the newly created COVID-19 proteins and build antibodies which will be able to fight COVID-19 if it tries to enter the body in the future. The mRNA vaccines are preferred over the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. Multiple vaccine doses are recommended for optimal immunity.  

The Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine is a vector vaccine. It is made of a non-COVID-19 viral shell which contains non-infective material from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Once this viral material enters the cells, the cells are instructed to make a harmless protein that is unique to the virus. The body sees the newly created COVID-19 proteins and build antibodies which will be able to fight COVID-19 if it tries to enter the body in the future. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna mRNA vaccines are preferred over the Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. Additional Information About Testing and Vaccines

 
 

Creating your COVID-19 SOS Directive 

If you decide you want a COVID-19 SOS Directive, you need to:

  • Fill out the form and have it signed and dated by you and your witnesses.

  • Tell your loved ones and doctors that you have an SOS Directive.