Benefits of Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

Based on early information from COVID-19 vaccine trials and from what we know about vaccines for other diseases, getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. People can develop antibodies and be protected against COVID-19 after they become ill with the disease. But experts don’t know how long this protection lasts, and the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you without having to experience sickness. 
 
Covid-19 vaccine utilizes mRNA in building immunity to the virus. Learn more about mRNA and other facts about the vaccine, including that it does not use the actual virus that causes COVID-19. 
 
Because vaccine supplies will be limited, we will not reach a significant level of protection for several months. Therefore, it remains important that individuals continue taking actions to mitigate the spread of virus – washing hands, wearing masks, socially distancing and staying home and away from others if ill.  

From Gov. Northam: Updated Public Health Measures
In response to the current surge in cases, Governor Northam issued Executive Order 72 on Dec. 14, 2020:

• Masks are required in all indoor spaces except your home. Outdoors, masks are required when within six feet of another person.
• Social gatherings are limited to 10 individuals.
• Restaurants must stop alcohol sales at 10pm.
• Spectators are limited to 25 people for recreational sports played indoors, and there is a limit of two guests per player for outdoor sports.

 
Locally, the Fairfax County Health Department provides a vaccination page:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus/vaccine
with links to:

• Blogs about vaccines
• Relevant partners – Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), manufacturers
• CDC and Virginia Department of Health (VDH) Frequently Asked Questions