You can help stop the pandemic by getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
To stop this pandemic, we need to use all our prevention tools. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect your health and prevent disease. Vaccines work with your body’s natural defenses so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed (also called “immunity”).
In most cases, front-line health care workers are receiving the first vaccinations. Residents and staff in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are also among the first vaccinated. Groups such as teachers, bus drivers, essential infrastructure manufacturing workers and other people who keep our society open and economy moving are recognized within the next immunization sequencing groups. Countries, states, cities, and counties are working to prioritize people who are most at risk and hardest hit.
In the coming months, doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics will offer COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor’s office or local pharmacy may have contacted you with information about their vaccine plans. If not, you are encouraged to contact your state or local health department or organization to find out when and where vaccines will be available in your community.
To learn more about vaccine eligibility, access and next steps always use trusted sources for accurate information.
U.S. Veterans can sign up to receive updates from VA: https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/stay-informed
U.S. residents can find information about local health department vaccination plans on the CDC website: cdc.gov/coronavirus/vaccines
Canadian residents can learn more here on the Government of Canada website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/prevention-risks/covid-19-vaccine-treatment/vaccine-rollout.html
The EU Vaccination Strategy is available on the European Vaccination Information Portal: https://ec.europa.eu/info/live-work-travel-eu/coronavirus-response/public-health/coronavirus-vaccines-strategy_en#possible-priority-groups
Vaccination gives us hope that the pandemic will end, but in the meantime, we need to continue safety measures to keep the virus from spreading: wear a mask, physically distance from others, wash your hands, avoid gatherings and stay home when you’re sick.
