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- 45 - accessHealthNews.net December 2021 Volume 8 | Issue No. 52 The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines use mRNA to send the body's cells instructions for making a protein that the immune system is then trained to recognize and attack when attached to the actual virus. The first vaccine dose primes the body, and the second dose strengthens the immune response. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine uses a different approach. A harmless adenovirus is engineered to carry genetic code on the proteins to the cells. Once the cells receive this code, they produce a protein to train the body's immune system to protect against the virus. The immune The immune response to two doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines provokes a much stronger immune response than just one dose. The first dose begins the process of building up protection, while the second dose reinforces this. Several common vaccines require multiple doses, including measle-mumps-rubella, hepatitis A and B, and the shingles vaccine. A small but conce A small but concerning share of people have purposely skipped the second dose of their Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, with some citing the fear of harmful side effects. However, reported side effects have been mild to moderate and disappear quickly. Ultimately, enduring a few days of discomfort greatly outweighs the real possibility of dying a preventable death. To date, more than 752,000 Americans have lost their lives to COVID-19. Completion of the second dose is critical in p Completion of the second dose is critical in protecting you from COVID-19. Missouri offers several programs to assist those in need of rides to COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Learn more about ride assistance to local COVID-19 vaccination appointments: https://bit.ly/MOVaxxRides If possible, appointments for the second COVID-19 vaccine should be made at the time you receive your first to ensure they are within the required time interval. However, the second dose can be given up to six weeks (42 days) after the first dose. If more than six weeks have passed since your first dose, contact the location where you received your vaccine to determine next steps. Mo More than 193 million Americans have safely received two doses of the vaccine, and more than 22 million have gone on to receive a third booster dose. Though there have been a small number of reports about adverse side effects, the FDA and CDC have been extremely transparent. In April 2021, these organizations paused the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to vaccine to review adverse cases. The benefits of the vaccine were determined to outweigh the risk of this very rare side effect, and authorization resumed. The FDA and CDC have continued to release information to the public about adverse events, possible safety issues, and any risks to consider. "How do I know the information concerning COVID-19 vaccine safety is true?" "I got my rst shot. I don't need the second." "Why do some vaccines require two doses?" "I waited too long to get my second COVID-19 shot. Now what?" Vaccine Myths and FAQ (continued) Learn more about vaccines: https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/facts/ Researchers evaluated 1.1 million individuals who got a COVID-19 booster shot. After 12 days, they were almost 20 times less likely to test positive for COVID-19 and less likely to have severe symptoms than people who did not get a booster shot. Research shows that immunity against COVID-19 goes down over time, and a booster shot can help your body stay protected longer. If you are experiencing "long-haul" COVID-19 symptoms, a booster shot can be helpful. Long-haul symptoms include: brain fog, fatigue, headaches, dizziness and shortness of breath, among others. Resea Research shows that immunity against COVID-19 diminishes over time, and a booster shot can help your body stay protected longer. COVID-19 deaths are disproportionately rural. Rural communities often have a higher proportion of residents over 65 years of age, living with underlying medical conditions or disabilities that make them more likely to get sick or die from COVID-19. Booster shots are an important way to prolong protection against COVID-19 and prevent serious illness. Booster shots are available for all three COVID-19 vaccines. Data shows that unvaccinated people are 25 times more likely to experience hospitalization and death due to COVID-19. COVID-19 booster shots p COVID-19 booster shots provide an extra level of protection against the COVID-19 virus. The good news is that it's very easy to get a booster shot. Find a place near you at: covidvaccine.mo.gov/find/#map/ Helpful Info About Booster Shots Is the COVID-19 booster shot safe? (continued) Do we really need a booster shot? We don't live in a big city. I am already fully vaccinated. Why do I need a booster shot? Learn more about vaccines: https://covidvaccine.mo.gov/facts/

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