Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
As Canada starts to roll out COVID-19 vaccines into the community, you may be wondering if you should get vaccinated. You might question why you need the vaccine, but considering how sick you can become if you get infected with COVID-19, getting vaccinated is a good idea. Read more to learn the benefits of getting vaccinated and find out if you are eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Why should I get a COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in Canada and worldwide. It has resulted in significant economic and social disruption, and changed daily life as we know it. 1 The availability of the new COVID-19 vaccines will bring all of us one step closer to ending the pandemic and returning to our usual lives. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 will help to protect both yourself and others from getting sick with COVID-19.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will also help build herd immunity. 2 Herd immunity occurs when a population becomes indirectly protected against an infectious disease after most of the population becomes immune (either by vaccination or by previous infection). As more people in the community get vaccinated, less people will be able to spread the COVID-19 virus, which can help indirectly protect those who are unable to get the vaccine as well.
