Vaccines Can Help Us Celebrate Safely
It’s the time of year when we honor old traditions and make new ones. It’s the time for gathering with family and friends. Whatever you have in store for the holidays, we encourage you to celebrate safely.
You can enjoy the magic of the season, while protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. The best way to help your family and friends stay safe? Get vaccinated.
Who should get a COVID-19 vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone ages five and older get a COVID-19 vaccine to help protect against the virus. To learn about what vaccines are appropriate for different age groups, please visit the CDC website.
Booster shots, explained.
Everyone ages 16 and older can get a booster shot. According to the CDC, booster shots can increase an individual’s protection against infection and severe outcomes. They are an important public health tool to strengthen our defenses against the COVID-19 virus.
You may choose which COVID-19 vaccine you receive as a booster shot. Some people might prefer the vaccine type that they originally received, while others may prefer to get a different booster. The CDC allows this mix and match dosing for booster shots.
For more details on getting boosted – including the types of boosters, who should receive them, and when to receive them, visit the CDC website.
COVID-19 vaccines protect children.
Are you aware that children are just as likely as adults to be infected with COVID-19? They can get very sick from COVID-19 and can develop both short and long-term health complications. Children can also spread the virus to others. COVID-19 ranks as one of the top 10 leading causes of death among 5- to 11-year old children.
Vaccination can help prevent severe illness in children – even if they do contract the virus. By vaccinating your kids, you can help keep them in school and allow them to safely participate in their favorite sports and activities.
Vaccines are safe, effective, and FREE.
COVID-19 vaccines are FDA approved. They have been trialed, tested, and are proven to be safe. The federal government provides these vaccines free of charge to all people in the United States. You will not pay any out-of-pocket costs for an authorized vaccine.
You can learn more about the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines here.
Want to get vaxxed? Check out these helpful resources.
- Visit vaccines.gov to find a vaccination provider near you.
- Text your ZIP code to 438829 or call 1-800-232-0233 to find vaccine locations near you in the United States.
- Blue KC also has a web page with the latest updates for our members here.
- This website and this Twitter page are both helpful resources to find vaccine locations in the Kansas City area (these links are not managed by Blue KC).
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention