Covid-19 Vaccinations in Derby, CT
COVID-19 vaccines have become a fierce topic of debate, whether it’s necessary to get one or not. At Medical Walk-In Care, we believe the vaccinations and boosters give people a fighting chance against this virus. If you would like to schedule an appointment at our New Haven or Orange offices, reach out to Medical Walk-In Care for any available appointments. We offer both pre-booked and walk-in appointments!
How does a vaccine work?
A vaccine is essentially a deadened or weaker version of a virus that is injected into the body. It’s a type of immunotherapy, similar to allergy shots (hyperlink). The hope is that, with the combination of reduced symptoms and transmissibility, the virus becomes so mild that it’s not worth worrying about anymore.
Why do I need a COVID-19 Vaccine?
COVID-19 vaccines have three purposes: to reduce symptoms, to lower transmissibility of the virus, and to lower the number of people in hospitals.
Many hospitals are overrun with COVID-19 patients, with the majority of those on ventilators being unvaccinated. With the reduction in symptoms and slowly reducing the spread of COVID-19, we can have fewer people occupying beds that may be necessary for other ailments such as heart attacks or strokes.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
You may feel the following symptoms, sometimes more than one at the same time.
COVID-19 vaccine side effects include:
- Headache
- Sore arm
- Chills
- Mild fever
- Body aches
The COVID-19 vaccine has a small possibility of causing blood clotting disorders. Based on your level of immunocompromisation, it is recommended you consult with your doctor before taking the vaccine.
How often do I need to get my COVID-19 Vaccine?
The scientists around the world are watching this vaccine like a hawk, and its efficacy against newer variants. This may confuse people who may not know, so we summarized it in a few bullet points.
- The first dose can be taken at any time at your local Medical Walk-In Care facility.
- Depending on which vaccine you take, Pfizer or Moderna, you may be asked to take the second dose between 3-4 weeks after your initial dose.
- Finally, any additional booster shots recommended by the CDC typically occur 6-8 months after your last COVID-19 vaccine shot.
The CDC has removed its recommendation for the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and would prefer that people take the multi-dose Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines. In addition, it is recommended that people only take 3 doses at this time, and the possibility of a fourth shot is still in discussion.
I Got Vaccinated but Still Contracted COVID-19, What Should I do?
The most common way of contracting COVID-19 is interacting maskless with someone who is infected with COVID-19. Typically, unvaccinated people are the most likely to spread the disease, but you are able to catch it from a person vaccinated against COVID-19 as well. The quarantining process can also be confusing. You may think that with the vaccine, you are 100% safe from COVID-19. However, the vaccine is disease management, not eradication. The best way to prevent COVID-19 at this time is to wear a mask when in public along with the vaccination.
Per the CDC, you need to quarantine for the following lengths:
- If you are vaccinated and continually showing symptoms, you must stay in quarantine for at least 5 days.
- If you are vaccinated, and symptoms have dissipated quickly or you were an asymptomatic case, you may quarantine for 5 days. Afterward, you can leave quarantine so long as you are wearing a mask at all times.
- If you are not vaccinated, you must stay quarantined for 5 days regardless of symptoms.
Get Your Vaccine!
Help protect yourself and those around you by getting the COVID-19 Vaccine at Medical Walk In Care. We accept both pre-booked and walk in appointments, every week Monday – Saturday.
Visit either of our Connecticut office locations for your vaccine appointment.
