The COVID-19 vaccines have begun to be distributed to the citizens of Hancock County. This is a huge development and is necessary to the end of the pandemic. Many people have mixed opinions about the vaccine but, everyone should at least consider receiving the vaccine.

“It is not safe at all. It was made in like a few months. While I somewhat trust the scientists, I don’t think it is safe enough” Hancock County resident Megan Courtney said.

Courtney represents many of the opinions expressed by other residents of Hancock County. They say that the vaccine was produced way too quickly and that causes it to be unsafe.

The vaccine, while considered to be ‘unsafe’ or ‘rushed’, is very safe. It does not contain any of the live virus nor the dead virus; therefore, there is no risk of getting COVID-19. It is made from the mRNA of the virus, which allowed the scientists to make the vaccine in months because they did not have to grow the full virus.

Currently in the United Kingdom, there is a mutated version of the virus and studies of the vaccine have shown that it protects against this mutation as well. Since it protects against the mutation, it is highly likely that it will protect against other possible mutations to come.

The CDC recommends that the only people not to receive the vaccine are those who have serious medical conditions and it would be life-threatening to receive the virus. Previously having COVID-19 could have some sort of immunity but the immunity is really only there for up to 90 days. After the 90 days, the immunity depletes and getting the vaccine extends that immunity.

The vaccine is a huge breakthrough and vital to getting back to ‘normal’. While wearing masks, social distancing, avoiding mass gatherings, and other CDC guidelines do help reduce the risks of getting the vaccine and spreading the virus, the vaccine attacks it at the source. The source being the immune system.

“COVID-19 vaccines can cause a short fever, headache, fatigue, sore arm or chills. Other reactions are extremely rare”, The University of Michigan Health says.

It has been proven that there are side effects to the vaccine but these side effects are nowhere near as severe as possible side effects to the actual COVID-19 virus. Plus, the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are almost identical to side effects of other vaccines. Michigan Health says that having side effects is good because it shows that the vaccine is working.

If you want to help put an end to this pandemic, getting the vaccine for COVID-19 is a huge way to help reduce your risk of getting the virus and spreading it.