5 things the COVID-19 vaccine can prevent

Since the first COVID-19 vaccines became available at the end of 2020, millions of people in the United States have received several doses of the vaccines—including boosters and updated versions—to help protect themselves from the highly contagious virus.

The vaccines do not provide 100 percent protection against becoming infected with the virus. In fact, no vaccine is 100 percent effective. But people who are up to date on their vaccinations are better protected from illness than those who are unvaccinated. They also have a lower risk of spreading COVID-19 to other people.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), being up to date means that an immunocompromised child between 6 months and 17 years or any person aged 18 years or older has received the newest COVID-19 vaccine. For children between 6 months and 17 years who are not immunocompromised, speak to a trusted healthcare provider (HCP) about the decision to vaccinate.

How the COVID-19 vaccine protects you

Here’s a look at the outcomes that a COVID vaccine helps prevent:

Death

People who are up to date with vaccinations are at a much lower risk of dying from COVID-19 than people who are unvaccinated.

Serious illness

The vaccines protect against serious illness from COVID-19. That includes the kind of symptoms and complications that can put a person in the hospital, requiring intensive care and a ventilator. It can be difficult to predict who will experience serious illness.

Adults over the age of 65 and those with existing health issues are most at risk for serious illness. Those issues may include cancer, chronic lung disease, diabetes, and a compromised immune system. But COVID-19 has also led to hospitalizations and death in younger and middle-aged people who are otherwise healthy.

Moderate illness

Moderate illness refers to a COVID-19 infection that doesn’t require hospitalization but is still significant. You may experience dehydration, fever, shortness of breath, and other symptoms. These symptoms can last weeks. It is more common for people who have been vaccinated to experience mild symptoms, which tend to feel more like those of a common cold.

Long COVID

It is estimated that up to 1 in 4 adults diagnosed with COVID-19 will experience post-COVID symptoms, also known as "long COVID." Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, and loss of taste or smell. These issues can persist 6 months or longer after recovering from the virus. By preventing COVID in the first place, vaccines can help people avoid these complications.

Spreading COVID

In addition to protecting yourself, the vaccine can help prevent you from passing COVID on to others. Researchers have found that even when vaccinated people do contract COVID, they spread the virus for a shorter period of time than those who are not vaccinated.

Even if you’ve had COVID-19 before, it’s important to get a vaccine. It gives you added protection against getting the virus again.

Talk to your healthcare provider

If you have more questions about the vaccine or are unsure which COVID-19 vaccine to get, your best source of information is a healthcare provider. The vaccine is readily available at pharmacies and other locations.