What older adults and seniors should know about the COVID-19 vaccine

The COVID-19 outbreak gave new stressors to people of every age group. However, people aged 55 and older are dealing with a stressor that no one else is: they’re 30 times more likely to lose their life if they contract the virus. For the past year, older adults have not had a way to reduce that likelihood. Now, researchers and doctors believe that the vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna are the answer. This article addresses what we know about the COVID-19 vaccine’s development, effects on older adults’ bodies, how to access the vaccine, and what to do after you’ve been vaccinated.

All about the vaccine

Many older adults get vaccinated for the flu, hepatitis, and shingles without hesitation. Yet, some report that they are not as comfortable with getting vaccinated for COVID-19. The vaccine’s fast emergence has raised skepticism among the people who need it the most.

Contrary to popular belief, the vaccine’s testing was not compromised. The FDA required the vaccine to undergo the same number and size of clinical trials as others. The only exception was that the vaccine’s clinical trials were conducted simultaneously. This exception is only permitted during a national crisis, which the country is experiencing as it faces 24 million cases of COVID-19. Rest assured: the vaccine was created efficiently, but still effectively.

There is just as much confusion about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine as there is about its testing. When the government announced that the vaccine was approaching its release, citizens assumed that they would only need to get vaccinated once. The vaccine’s creators quickly clarified that citizens would need to get vaccinated twice, with three to four weeks in between. With just one dose, older adults’ bodies are still susceptible to catching the life-threatening sickness. Getting vaccinated twice may save an older adult’s life.

A vaccinated older adult’s experience

Older adults that you know may be postponing their COVID-19 vaccinations because they anticipate an intense period of pain. They may be mentally preparing for headaches, fatigue, chills, or a fever. According to Wanda Rood, a vaccinated 57 year old from Georgia, the aftermath was not as painful as she thought it would be. The only effects that Rood endured were a swollen shoulder and a sore arm for two days. Each person’s body may react differently, but the CDC assures that all of the vaccine’s symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter medicine. For many older adults, getting vaccinated for COVID-19 will be an identical experience to getting vaccinated for other diseases. If you are getting vaccinated, allow yourself time for rest and recuperation, similar to how you would if you’d received a flu shot, which can also carry some lingering symptoms as the body works through its defense mechanism.

Where older adults can get vaccinated

An older adult’s lifestyle and occupation significantly impacts their access to the COVID-19 vaccine. Currently, older adults that live in or work at care facilities can receive the vaccine from medical aides on site. Other older adults that attend or work at select universities can receive the vaccine from clinicians on campus. Soon, older adults that work in essential services outside of healthcare and education will also have the option. Right now, employers can offer something even more valuable than money: immunity.

There are still opportunities for older adults with other or no employment to get access to the COVID-19 vaccine, but the rules and regulations depend on location. To find out who your state is allowing to receive a vaccination, locate a health center near you. Contact its office or visit its website to check you or your loved one’s eligibility and schedule an appointment. Although appointments are “first-come, first-served”, health centers have extended hours and daily availability updates. Vaccinations are just one call or click away.

Before and after the appointment

Older adults can receive the COVID-19 vaccine safely and swiftly by completing a few simple tasks. Pre-appointment, dress with appropriate garments. Putting on a mask offers protection from potentially sick people in lines and waiting rooms. Additionally, wearing clothing with short or no sleeves gives vaccinators easy access to the arm. Post-appointment, download the V-Safe app to record mental and physical side effects. CDC members then review them, call if they’re concerning, and send reminders about receiving a second dose. Small actions can lead to successful appointments.

Many older adults are worried about their high risk of fatality from COVID-19. Getting vaccinated twice can keep them healthy and ease their anxiety. They can do so at their place of employment, academic institution, or local health center. If they experience side effects, they can track them on the V-Safe app and cure them with medicines that they already have at home. COVID-19 has taken a lot out of the country, but through vaccinations, we can make sure it doesn’t take away our health.

— Madison Kemp