Incredibly, less than a year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, several vaccines have been developed and some have been approved for use.
Vaccines save millions of lives each year. Vaccines work by training and preparing the body’s natural defences, the immune system, to recognise and fight off the viruses and bacteria they target. If the body is exposed to those disease-causing germs later, the body is immediately ready to destroy them, preventing illness.
Benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccination
- The approved COVID-19 vaccines have shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19.
- Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
- The more people who are vaccinated, the slower the disease will spread, saving lives.
- The COVID-19 vaccination will be an important tool to help stop the pandemic.
- Vaccines are safe, adverse reactions are rare.
Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed.
For more information about the COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the World Health Organisation.
