COVID-19

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About COVID-19

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It's a respiratory virus that spreads easily from person to person through:

  • breathing in respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, talking, singing, or close contact; or
  • touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose, or mouth without washing hands.
     

SARS CoV 2 can infect people of all ages, but older adults and individuals with chronic medical conditions are at higher risk of developing severe illness.

  • Vaccines teach our immune system to make antibodies that help protect us from the COVID-19 virus. COVID-19 vaccines reduce the chance of serious illness, hospitalizations and death. Check with your health care provider for more information.

    • The COVID-19 vaccine is available every fall for everyone 6 months of age and older. 
    • It's especially important for:
      • older adults;
      • people who are pregnant;
      • people with chronic medical conditions;
      • people with weakened immune systems;
      • residents of long-term care homes;
      • health care workers; and 
      • others at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
    • Vaccines are the best way to protect yourself against severe complications from COVID-19.
    • Vaccines are effective at reducing the risk of post COVID-19 condition.
    • When you get vaccinated you help protect yourself and others, including those who cannot get the vaccine.

  • Common side effects may include: 

    • redness, swelling, or soreness at the injection site;
    • mild fever;
    • headache ; and
    • tiredness or muscle aches. 

    These reactions are usually mild and resolve within 1 to 2 days. 

    To manage symptoms: 
    • apply a cool, damp cloth to the injection site; 
    • if needed, use a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), as directed by your health care provider; and
    • seek medical advice if symptoms are severe or last longer than 48 hours. 

    It's important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after getting the vaccine because, although it's very rare, some people might have a severe allergic reaction. 

    The clinic can treat it right away. This happens to less than 1 in a million people. If you have a reaction after leaving, call 911 or your local emergency number. 

Find out how to get immunized