by James Goodman
The COVID-19 vaccine is now available for those 16 and older, according to Governor Kay Ivey at an April 2 press conference. There are a few ways students can get the vaccine at UAB.
The COVID-19 vaccine is roughly 90% effective against COVID-19 (depending on vaccine manufacturer) and further massively prevents hospitalizations and virtually eliminates the risk of death from the virus.
UAB Medicine
If you are a UAB student or faculty member, you can apply to get a vaccine by filling out the form found at this link that has been sent to every UAB student and employee. Upon completing it, you will join a pool of people waiting to get the vaccine. UAB will contact you with instructions about where to get it and what to do once you are chosen.
Other Locations
Various locations off campus, including CVS, local pharmacies, and grocery stores like Walmart, are offering the COVID vaccine. To find an eligible location, there’s no better way than to use VaccineFinder. All you have to do enter your zip code and it will bring up multiple locations near you where you can get the vaccine.
What to Expect
The process of getting vaccinated is simple. When applying for the vaccine, confirm you are eligible and go and get the shot. It is likely you will be receiving either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, which means you will have to go and get a second dose at a later date in order to be completely covered. Be sure to schedule a time to do so.
Upon receiving the vaccine, you will receive a card that proves you are vaccinated with the date of the vaccination and which vaccine you received. This is what proves you have gotten the vaccine. Keep it safe. The document contains sensitive personal information, so do not share it with anyone or post photos of it online.
Shortly after getting the vaccine, you may feel some side effects ranging from redness around the area where the vaccine was administered as well as fatigue, fever, or muscle pains. This is not guaranteed, as many people have experienced no side effects. According to the CDC, “Side effects after your second shot may be more intense than the ones you experienced after your first shot.” Do not be alarmed if you do feel side effects; they will go away within a day or two as your body adapts to and accepts the vaccine. If side effects become severe and intolerable, consult a medical provider.
Two weeks after your final shot you will be considered fully vaccinated. You are now much safer from COVID-19 and have contributed to getting us through the remainder of the pandemic.
