In Mississippi we look out for each because that’s The MS Way. Getting factual information about the COVID-19 vaccine like how it was developed, its efficacy, and associated risks will help you make an intelligent, informed decision about getting vaccinated to help protect you, your loved ones and other Mississippians.

Combined with other preventive measures such as social distancing, hand washing, and wearing masks, getting the COVID-19 vaccine can protect you from severe illness or death due to the coronavirus.

WHO SHOULD RECEIVE THE COVID-19 VACCINE IN MISSISSIPPI?

On November 2, 2021, vaccine eligibility expanded to everyone in the United States ages 5 and older.

HOW DO COVID-19 VACCINES WORK?

To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines. Instead, mRNA vaccines use mRNA created in a laboratory to teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.

First, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. The mRNA will enter the muscle cells and instruct the cells’ machinery to produce a harmless piece of what is called the spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After the protein piece is made, our cells break down the mRNA and remove it.

Next, our cells display the spike protein piece on their surface. Our immune system recognizes that the protein doesn’t belong there. This triggers our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection. This is what your body might do to fight off the infection if you got sick with COVID-19.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. The benefit of COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, is that those vaccinated gain this protection without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Any temporary discomfort or symptoms experienced after getting the vaccine is a natural part of the process and an indication that the vaccine is working.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF THE COVID-19 VACCINATION

COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Some people have no side effects.

- On the arm where you received the shot
            - pain
            - redness
            - swelling

- Throughout the rest of your body
            - tiredness
            - headache
            - muscle pain
            - chills
            - fever
            - nausea

TO COMBAT SIDE EFFECTS
            - use or exercise the arm where you received the shot
            - apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the insertion area
            - drink plenty of fluids
            - dress lightly

WHO SHOULD GET A BOOSTER

Everyone 5 years and older should get a booster after completing their primary series in order to stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines. Booster shots enhance or restore protection against COVID-19 which may have decreased over time.

Get more information and answers about COVID-19 vaccines at www.theMSway.com. PROTECT MISSISSIPPI – GET VACCINATED.