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Elderly Home Care Blog

In addition to helping families and their loved ones, we are happy to share our expert knowledge on senior care. Check out our blog to stay on top of the latest industry news, tips, and insight!

Is it Safe to Give the COVID-19 Vaccine to Senior Citizens?

New Jersey is rolling out COVID-19 vaccines that are safe, effective, and free. All people over the age of 65 are eligible to be inoculated in the State. It’s essential to give the COVID-19 vaccine to Senior Citizens as soon as possible because older adults are at an increased risk for complications, hospitalization, and death from the coronavirus. The FDA has approved several different vaccines for emergency use. Early trials have shown all of the vaccines to be safe and effective for adults.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe for Senior Citizens?

Yes!  According to the CDC, studies have shown that COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective in preventing several illness from the virus as well as keeping you from getting COVID-19.  The CDC recommends that adults 65 years and older get the vaccine.  It is an important step to help prevent getting sick from the virus.   

1.            FACT: COVID-19 vaccines will not give you COVID-19: 

None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development or in use in the United States, contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. The goal for each of the vaccines is to teach our immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause minor to moderate symptoms, such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity. 

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.        

2.            FACT: COVID-19 vaccines will not cause you to test positive on viral tests.

None of the recommended COVID-19 vaccines used in the United States cause you to test positive on viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection.​

If your body develops an immune response, which is the goal of vaccination, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus. 

3.            FACT: Receiving an mRNA vaccine will not alter your DNA

Both Pfizer and Moderna are an mRNA vaccine.  mRNA stands for messenger ribonucleic acid and can most easily be described as instructions for how to make a protein or even just a piece of a protein. mRNA is not able to alter or modify a person’s genetic makeup (DNA). The mRNA from a COVID-19 vaccine never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept. This means the mRNA does not affect or interact with our DNA in any way. Instead, COVID-19 vaccines that use mRNA work with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop protection (immunity) to disease.

The Johnson &  Johnson vaccine is made by taking a piece of DNA from the COVID-19 spike protein and combining it with an adenovirus, a type of virus typically involved in a common cold. (source-CDC) This adenovirus is just a way to carry instructions to your immune system – it is genetically modified so that it cannot give you a cold. The piece of COVID-19 DNA also does not give you an infection. This vaccine helps your immune system recognize the COVID-19 virus, and develop antibodies to protect you from future infection. 

While the vaccines are safe, people may still experience mild to moderate side effects such as:

  • Soreness or swelling at the injection site
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Muscle pain
  • Chills
  • Joint pain
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Generally feeling unwell

How Effective is the COVID-19 Vaccine for Senior Citizens?

All approved vaccines are highly effective at stopping COVID-19. They are especially good at preventing severe cases that can lead to hospitalization and death. 

In clinical trials, the Pfizer shot was 95% effective at preventing COVID-19.  Moderna had similar results with 94.1% effective.  Both vaccines require two doses spaced several weeks apart.   Clinical trials showed the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to be 85% and is available as a single injection rather than two.   

Consult your healthcare provider to see if giving the COVID-19 vaccine to senior citizens is right for your loved one.   

Giving COVID-19 Vaccine to Senior Citizens in New Jersey

The health and safety of our aging population are a huge concern when it comes to the coronavirus. That’s why it’s crucial to get the COVID-19 vaccine to Seniors as soon as possible. Register by using the NJ Vaccine Scheduling System.  You will be asked various questions which takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete.  By doing so, it puts you on a waiting list for the vaccine.  You will be notified when the vaccine becomes available and able to make an appointment. 

COVID-19 Vaccine for Caregivers in New Jersey

Anita’s Angels, Inc. takes the health of our staff and clients very seriously.  We continue to strongly encourage each of our aides to get vaccinated.  We are dedicated to doing our best to limit the spread of this coronavirus and protect the most vulnerable among us.  At Anita’s Angels, Inc., we are Families Helping Families.  To learn how our family can help yours, call us at 908-788-9390.

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