The highly contagious Delta COVID variant is spreading throughout Texas, meaning that it is more important than ever to get vaccinated.
“Cases are rising throughout the state and more people are being admitted to the hospital with severe COVID symptoms,” said Lonnie L. Vickers, MD, Fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians at Brady Medical Clinic, a service of Heart of Texas Healthcare System. “Our community can take comfort knowing that the vaccines available are safe and effective. Don’t put your life or your loved one’s life at risk.”
After months of declines, cases of COVID-19 have risen in recent weeks as the new and dangerous Delta variant spreads. Experts say this new variant is more transmissible and poses a higher risk to those who have not been vaccinated.
“COVID-19 is highly contagious, and this new variant is even more contagious than variants that we have seen previously,” Dr. Vickers said. “Please get vaccinated so that you can reduce your risk of this serious and dangerous disease. Don’t just do it for yourself – do it for your family.”
According to health officials, the vast majority of people who have become seriously ill or died from COVID-19 in recent weeks have been unvaccinated. Getting vaccinated dramatically reduces the risk of serious illness and death from the virus. So-called “breakthrough” cases, instances of vaccinated individuals who become ill with COVID-19, are rare. Those who have been vaccinated and contract COVID-19 typically experience only mild illness.
According to Dr. Vickers, the number of McCulloch County residents who have been vaccinated remains below the national average, meaning that there is a high risk of transmission in our community.
Dr. Vickers emphasized that a lot of misinformation about the vaccines has been spreading. None of the vaccines approved for use contains a live virus, meaning you cannot become infected with the illness by getting vaccinated. Contrary to some claims on social media, the development of vaccines approved for use in our country was not rushed and all vaccines have undergone rigorous testing to ensure both their efficacy and safety for use.
Companies began making a vaccine early during the pandemic, and because they used previously proven methods of development, they were able to quickly produce safe and effective vaccines.
Those who get vaccinated can experience mild flu-like side effects, which typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. These symptoms do not pose a serious risk to a person’s health. The virus, however, can be deadly.
“Any potential mild and short-lived side effects are absolutely worth it every time,” Dr. Vickers said. “Gambling by not getting vaccinated and potentially contracting COVID-19 is simply not worth the risk to your health or the health of those around you. The vaccines are safe. The effects of the virus can be deadly.”
Health officials say that getting vaccinated provides a more robust immune response than recovering from COVID-19. Plus, the health risks are dramatically lower. Those who receive the Moderna of Pfizer vaccine will require a second dose, typically given three weeks after the first dose. This is to ensure that you develop an optimal immune response to prevent illness from COVID-19. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine does not require a second dose.
Vaccines are currently available for Texans ages 12 and up. Vaccines are available in the community through the Brady Medical Clinic, a service of Heart of Texas Healthcare System. To learn how you can get yours, call 325-597-2114.
Visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org to learn more about local healthcare services.
About Heart of Texas Healthcare System
Heart of Texas Healthcare System provides healthcare for residents of McCulloch County and the surrounding area. Founded in 2011, the system offers a wealth of medical services, including 24-hour emergency care, advanced radiology services, a clinical laboratory, physical therapy, surgical services, patient education, sleep studies, and more. The system also owns and operates Brady Medical Clinic, which provides family medicine, preventive care, and acute care for minor emergencies. For additional information, please visit www.heartoftexashealthcare.org.