Protect yourself and the people you love. Get vaccinated.
We are at a turning point in the COVID-19 pandemic and have a powerful tool at our disposal – the coronavirus vaccine. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA and are proven to be safe and effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 when administered in two doses.
The current supply of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States is limited, and Florida has designated that healthcare workers and first responders will receive the first available doses followed by adults ages 65 and older and adults designated as high-risk by healthcare providers. We do not currently have the vaccine available, but we anticipate getting doses soon. We are thoughtfully planning and working closely with federal and state health authorities to ensure we are ready for distribution as soon as more authorized vaccines are available.
While this is a promising step toward curbing the COVID-19 pandemic, we must stay vigilant in observing safety protocols such as continuing to wear a mask, washing your hands frequently with soap and water or using hand sanitizer and practicing social distancing.
We will share more details on the COVID-19 vaccine distribution for our community as soon as more information is available. The Florida State Department of Health has established a vaccine information webpage and the CDC continues to add and update its vaccine information as well here.
Trinity Medical Group is committed to getting you the information you need to learn more about the vaccine and the importance of getting vaccinated.
FAQ
How can vaccines help control Covid-19 infections?
COVID-19 vaccinations will help protect ourselves and others to both prevent and reduce the severity of disease. Vaccines provide immunity without the serious risks associated with getting infected naturally. Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce the chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others but these measures are not enough. The COVID-19 vaccines are designed to work with our immune systems so the body will be ready to fight the virus if we are exposed to the virus.
If a large enough proportion of a community becomes immune to COVID-19 through vaccination, it can reduce the spread of the disease to others. Stopping a pandemic requires the use of all tools available.
How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will I need?
Initial supply of COVID-19 vaccines will require two doses – 21 days apart for Pfizer-BioNTech and 28 days apart for Moderna. It is imperative to complete the full course of treatment, which includes a second dose of the vaccine, to achieve maximum protection.
Is the vaccine safe?
Trinity Medical Group takes the health and safety of our patients and team members seriously, and we are committed to ensuring the safe distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in a timely manner. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been proven to be over 90 percent effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 when administered in two doses. For comparison, annual flu vaccination is between 40-60 percent effective in preventing influenza. As with all pharmaceuticals, a patient’s response to a vaccine is unique to their individual body and medical history. We encourage all patients to discuss the vaccine with their physician before administration.
Why should I receive a vaccine?
Ending the pandemic is dependent on enough of the population receiving a vaccine. By choosing to get vaccinated, you can protect yourself and the people you love while taking an important step toward getting everyone back to their normal routines.
We encourage all our team members, as well as all members of our community, to consider a vaccine. Since the start of the pandemic, caregivers have been at risk for contracting the coronavirus in their work caring for patients and the communities they serve. Numerous nurses, physicians and other clinicians around the country have contracted the virus, and some have died. The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been proven to be over 90 percent effective in preventing symptomatic COVID-19 when administered in two doses.
What are the side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine?
Most commonly reported side effects are injection site pain, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain, fever. Most of these are mild and usually present for a day or two. Severe allergic reactions to vaccine have only been observed in a small number of people who have typically had reactions to other vaccines or medications.
If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated. However, there is not enough information about this at this time to determine if or for how long after infection that someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again.