How Does a Covid Vaccine Work?
Covid-19 vaccines work by helping your body recognize and fight the virus that causes the disease. Vaccines contain a harmless version of the virus or a piece of it that helps your body recognize it and fight it off. The vaccine triggers your immune system to produce antibodies, which are special proteins that recognize and attack the virus. Over time, your body builds up immunity to the virus, which can protect you from getting sick with Covid-19 in the future.
Antibodies are proteins produced by your body’s immune system that recognize and fight off foreign substances, such as viruses. When a virus enters your body, your immune system produces antibodies that bind to the virus and help your body recognize and destroy it. Vaccines help your body create antibodies without you having to actually get infected with the virus, helping you to build up immunity to the virus without having to get sick.
Types of Covid Vaccines
There are two types of Covid-19 vaccines available: mRNA vaccines and vector vaccines. mRNA vaccines are made from a molecule of genetic material that contains instructions for your body to create the spike protein found on the surface of the virus that causes Covid-19. Vector vaccines use a harmless virus (called a vector) to deliver the instructions to your body. Both types of vaccines help your body recognize and fight off the virus that causes Covid-19.
Both types of Covid-19 vaccines are effective at preventing infection and helping your body create immunity to the virus. However, the type of vaccine you receive will depend on your age, medical history, and other factors. It is important to talk to your doctor about which vaccine is right for you.
Side Effects of Covid Vaccines
Like any other vaccine, Covid-19 vaccines can cause side effects. Common side effects include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, fever, chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, and nausea. Most side effects are mild and go away within a few days. Serious side effects, such as allergic reactions, are rare.
It is important to talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have about the side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine. Your doctor can help you determine if the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks.