Your general health depends on your oral health. Your dentist has been taking extra precautions to stop the spread of COVID-19 in the dental office throughout the pandemic in an effort to prioritize your health and safety.
1. COVID-19 Vaccines Are Effective and Safe
As oral health professionals, we consider trustworthy scientific data when making treatment recommendations for our patients. Even though these vaccines were created more quickly than some others, it’s crucial to understand that the science underlying them was not hurried. Thousands of people tested these vaccines to ensure their efficacy and patient safety. After evaluating the test results, the Food and Drug Administration decided they were safe and effective for the general public and approved their use in emergency situations.
As an extra precaution, the CDC has installed broader safety monitoring systems, such as the V-Safe smartphone tool, to track vaccinations in real-time.
2. There are some adverse effects of the vaccine.
You cannot contract COVID-19 from a COVID-19 vaccine. Nevertheless, they may have some adverse effects that cause temporary discomfort.
According to the CDC, vaccinations teach your body how to identify and combat a COVID-19 infection, so you may experience some of the same symptoms as if your body were fending off the actual virus, like a fever. Despite being uncomfortable, this indicates that the vaccine is having an effect on your body.
3. Even if you have had COVID-19, you should still get the vaccination.
Although some people re-infect, those who have recovered from COVID-19 may be protected from re-infection by some natural immunity. Natural immunity to COVID-19 can differ from person to person and its duration is unknown. Those who have had COVID-19 are still advised to get the vaccine by the CDC.
4. Obtain All Suggested Doses
To achieve the same level of efficacy observed in clinical trials, you will require two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. Three weeks following the first dose, the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine is advised. Four weeks following the first dose, the second dose of the Moderna vaccine is advised. Additionally, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine only requires one dose.
5. The Supply of Vaccines Is Growing
You are probably eligible now because the federal government has mandated that the vaccines be made available to all U.S. adults by April 19. However, the first doses of the vaccine were reserved for healthcare workers and other essential workers. To find out where it’s being administered, contact your local health department.
6. A mask will still be required.
It’s not yet time to take off your mask indoors because vaccinations are only one line of defense against this pandemic. The reason is that while a vaccine will shield you from contracting the virus, it is currently unknown whether it will stop you from infecting others. For this reason, even after receiving a vaccination, the CDC still advises people to wear masks, wash their hands often, and stay away from crowds. Additionally, masks will still be needed for your visit with your dentist. But according to the CDC, those who have received all recommended vaccinations can now engage in more activities, such as traveling and spending time with friends and family in a private or domestic setting.
7. If you intend to become pregnant, you can receive the vaccination.
When the vaccine is available to you, you should get it regardless of whether you intend to become pregnant soon or later. According to the CDC, there is no proof that antibodies produced by COVID-19 vaccinations will interfere with a pregnancy. Additionally, according to the CDC, there is no proof that the COVID-19 or any other vaccine causes problems with fertility.