Take the Vaccine
IBEW 11 is encouraging all of our members to get vaccinated with our Stop the Spread, #TakeTheVaccine campaign that looks at the science behind the medicines that are now available. Vaccines are safe, effective and part of the solution to getting our country back on track.
We know there’s a lot of misinformation about vaccines out there. And we are aware that some of our members may be skeptical about taking the Pfizer or Moderna COVID 19 vaccines, concerned about their effectiveness or safety. To set the record straight, we’ve gathered information from the medical experts and here’s what they have to say:
1
These New Vaccines Are Not “New” – They’ve Been In The Works For Years.
Operation Warp Speed gave the impressions that these newly approved vaccines were developed in record time– less than a year, but research into these kind of vaccines, called mRNA vaccines, has been studied for more than 20 years. And the process has been in testing for many years as well.
2
What About The Safety Record? How Can We Trust It?
These vaccines have gone through the same vigorous safety approval process as any other vaccine submitted for approval. To study and evaluate the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, these Phase 3 trials have been tested by large populations of 30,000 – 40,000 pre-qualified volunteers, then compared to non-vaccine control groups.
3
I’ve Heard These Vaccines Can Actually Give You COVID 19.
Not true. None of the vaccines in the US studies used a live Covid-19 virus. Some people due get a temporary side effectafter taking the vaccine – like body aches or fever. But that’s simply a sign that your immune system is fighting the virus. Any side-effect are far less intense than getting the actual virus.
4
These New Vaccines Are Not “New” – They’ve Been In The Works For Years.
Again, not true, according to the scientists. These mRNA vaccine cannot interact or modify your DNA because the nucleus where the DNA is stored has a protective shell around it which is impossible for mRNA to crack. Instead, the proteins made from this mRNA interact with your body’s natural immune system to create a robust antibody response to Covid-19, without you getting sick.
5
Will Getting Vaccinated Prevent Me 100% From Getting Covid-19?
No, but the success rate of these vaccines is 94 percent or better. The vaccines helps protect you by creating an antibody response without having to get sick. While many people with Covid-19 have only minor or no symptoms, the risk of severe illness and death is very real. There’s also no way to know how Covid-19 will affect you. Not to mention the risk to your family and friends.
6
If I Do Get The Vaccine, And Still Get Covid-19, Will My Case Be More Mild?
Yes. Studies from both vaccines have shown a very high success rate for preventing the virus, but even for those few who did catch the virus, none of the people who were infected got severely ill.
7
Who Shouldn’t Get The Vaccine?
The vaccines are only available to people 16 years and older. The other few groups of people doctors recommend NOT take the vaccine include:
- People with a proven history of severe allergic reaction to vaccines
- Pregnant and lactating women should talk to their doctors, since there’s not enough data on these groups
- Immunocompromised people, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, should talk to their doctors first
8
Which Groups Are Safe To Take The Vaccine?
- People over 16 years of age
- Healthy people
- People with food or mold allergies were included in the clinical trials with no adverse effects
- People with underlying medical conditions were found to be safe using the vaccine
- The elderly tended to have a good safety record using the vaccine
- People who have already had COVID were found to be safe using the vaccine
