If I’m healthy, or if I’ve already had COVID, should I get the vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccine questions answered by your hometown doctors.
Dr. Matthew Allen answers questions about the COVID-19 vaccine that have contributed to hesitancy in getting vaccinated for many. Jump ahead to hear his take on specific questions. Links to specific questions are provided below.
Want to learn more? Hear from other Welia Health doctors as they address even more topics on COVID-19. Ready to roll up your sleeve? Vaccines are free and available—no appointment required—at Welia Health clinics and communities pharmacies. Visit WeliaHealth.org/Getting-Vaccinated for details.
Vaccine recommendations
Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you get COVID-19 and will help keep you from spreading COVID-19 even if you have no symptoms.
With vaccines now widely accessible, everyone ages 12 and older is recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
Health experts recommend getting vaccinated regardless of whether you have already had COVID-19. At this time, experts are still learning how long you stay protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible—although rare—to be reinfected. Epic Health Research Network has analyzed data and found that 0.4% of patients who previously tested positive for COVID-19 tested positive again after 90 days, indicating possible reinfection. If you’ve had COVID-19 in the past 90 days, talk to your provider about when you should get vaccinated.
Benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine (CDC)
Sources: Key Things to Know about COVID-19 Vaccines, CDC and COVID Coalition