To understand how the COVID-19 vaccine provides protection for the body, we can think of it as working in a similar way that a seatbelt protects passengers riding together in a car. This analogy isn’t a new one, but we’d like to consider it in relation to the current discussions about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Quick Questions & Answers:
Do seatbelts prevent you from danger?
No, wearing a seatbelt does not prevent an accident. In the same way, getting vaccinated does not prevent you from getting infected.
If you get into a car accident, does wearing a seatbelt reduce severity?
Yes, if you get in an accident, your seatbelt will decrease the chances of severe injury. Similarly, the COVID-19 vaccine protects you from experiencing more severe symptoms of the virus.
Does wearing a seatbelt mean you should drive recklessly?
No, when you are wearing a seatbelt, you still follow safety precautions to decrease the chances of getting in an accident. Getting vaccinated does not mean that you should stop wearing a mask and social distancing.
Does wearing a seatbelt mean you won’t injure others?
No, when you get in a car accident, others can be affected as well. Sometimes an accident can affect the other person more severely than it affected you. Even after receiving the vaccine, you can still infect others – and others may be affected more severely by the virus than you.
Can you have seatbelt marks when you get in an accident?
Yes, seatbelt injuries are possible. The COVID-19 vaccine may have initial minimal side effects while your body uses the vaccine to build immunity to the virus.
Should you still wear a seatbelt?
Yes, you should always wear a seatbelt to protect yourself. In the same way, get vaccinated to protect yourself and others!
Key takeaways:
We hope you always wear a seatbelt while you’re in a vehicle, and we hope you will get the shot to protect yourself from COVID-19. We should all continue to take the appropriate precautions like wearing a mask, social distancing and using good hand hygiene until enough of our community are protected. If we take those measures together, we can be hopeful that we will get through this pandemic safely and be protected from COVID-19.
Want more information?
For more information about the vaccine and to find a vaccine near you, visit our COVID-19 Vaccine Updates page.