3 Reasons Why You Should Get the COVID-19 Vaccine

By TRICARE Communications

FALLS CHURCH, Va., – Last month, every adult in the U.S. became eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine. We’ve missed special moments of togetherness during the national response to COVID-19. But vaccination and other precautions offers the best path towards safely returning to normal life.

In the recent “Get to Know TRICARE” podcast episode on COVID-19, Air Force Col. Jennifer Garrison, who is the Department of Defense (DoD) Operation Planning Team Lead for the DoD COVID-19 Vaccine Program, discussed the benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine and the critical role each of us play in ending the pandemic.

“Vaccines are the best way to reduce the risk of hospitalization or death due to the virus,” said Garrison. “Everyone should get vaccinated or it could be the difference in saving a life.”

If you haven’t gotten your COVID-19 vaccine yet, there are many reasons why you should do so. Here are a few of the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

1. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and the most vulnerable in the community.
Vaccination is an effective way to lower your risk of contracting COVID-19. And it will also help keep you from getting seriously ill if you do catch the virus that causes COVID-19. Getting vaccinated can also protect the health of the people around you, including those at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

2. COVID-19 vaccination is a safe way to build immunity.
All approved COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the U.S. are safe and effective at preventing COVID-19 based on clinical testing. Although getting COVID-19 may offer some natural immunity, the CDC states, “The risk or severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity.” The COVID-19 vaccines will help your body develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without you having to get sick. And you can’t get sick with COVID-19 from a COVID-19 vaccine.

Take the time to learn more about the safety of the vaccines and facts about them. If you have medical concerns about the vaccines, consult with your doctor.

3. A COVID-19 vaccine is an important tool in helping to stop the pandemic.
While wearing masks, staying 6 feet apart from others, avoiding crowds, and washing hands frequently help reduce your chance of being exposed to COVID-19 or spreading the virus to others, these precautions aren’t enough. Vaccines are a key tool to help stop the pandemic. They’ll work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you’re exposed. According to the CDC, you should continue to use all the tools available to protect yourself and others until you’re fully vaccinated.

If you’re fully vaccinated, you can start doing more. The CDC website includes guidance on what you can start to do. If you still need to get the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the TRICARE website for ways you can make your COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

Take command of your health, and get a vaccine as soon as you can to protect yourself and others. You can learn more about COVID-19 vaccines and options for finding a vaccine near you on the TRICARE website. If you missed the latest TRICARE podcast episode on COVID-19 or “Got Your 6” video, be sure to check them out for important vaccine information and updates.

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