COVID-19 Facts and Resources
Understanding COVID-19
COVID-19 is caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. There are different versions of this virus, like Delta and Omicron, which spread more easily and can get past our immune system.
People with COVID-19 can have symptoms like a mild cold or more serious breathing problems that need hospital care. Some people have symptoms for a long time, even after they're not contagious anymore.
This affects some communities more because they may not have the same access to healthcare and may already have health problems.
Long-term symptoms can include feeling tired, having trouble thinking clearly, and breathing problems, and this can be especially hard for people who don't have the same support.
People with COVID-19 can have symptoms like a mild cold or more serious breathing problems that need hospital care. Some people have symptoms for a long time, even after they're not contagious anymore.
This affects some communities more because they may not have the same access to healthcare and may already have health problems.
Long-term symptoms can include feeling tired, having trouble thinking clearly, and breathing problems, and this can be especially hard for people who don't have the same support.
Virus Variants and Ongoing Impact
The virus is changing quickly, like the flu. Scientists are keeping an eye on versions of the virus, like Omicron and Delta, and because the virus keeps changing, we might need new vaccines.
They're watching these versions of the virus to see how easily they spread, whether vaccines work against them, and how sick they can make people.
The best way to protect yourself from these versions of the virus is to get vaccinated and get booster shots. This can help lower the chances of getting very sick or dying from the virus.
They're watching these versions of the virus to see how easily they spread, whether vaccines work against them, and how sick they can make people.
The best way to protect yourself from these versions of the virus is to get vaccinated and get booster shots. This can help lower the chances of getting very sick or dying from the virus.
Vaccines Explained: Facts vs. Myths
Right now, there are two kinds of vaccines for the 2024-25 period.
One type uses mRNA and is made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. The other type is made by Novavax and uses proteins.
Both vaccines have been tested a lot, and they are safe. They have been shown to protect people from getting very sick, going to the hospital, or dying from COVID-19.
One type uses mRNA and is made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. The other type is made by Novavax and uses proteins.
Both vaccines have been tested a lot, and they are safe. They have been shown to protect people from getting very sick, going to the hospital, or dying from COVID-19.
How Vaccines Work
mRNA vaccines teach the body's cells to make a protein that helps the immune system stay strong, without making you sick.
Protein subunit vaccines use tiny pieces of the virus to help the immune system fight it off.
Both types of vaccines are effective against the viruses currently spreading, and mRNA vaccines can be adjusted more easily to target new versions of the virus.
Protein subunit vaccines use tiny pieces of the virus to help the immune system fight it off.
Both types of vaccines are effective against the viruses currently spreading, and mRNA vaccines can be adjusted more easily to target new versions of the virus.
Myth Busting in Diverse Communities
A lot of people have wrong ideas about vaccines, especially in diverse communities because of things that happened in the past, like the Tuskegee Study.
However, the COVID-19 vaccines available now have been carefully tested by lots of different kinds of people.
The side effects, like feeling a little sick, don't last long and are not as dangerous as getting sick with COVID-19. Also, the vaccines were made safely and were based on a lot of research from many years, especially about mRNA technology, which made it possible to develop them quickly but still make sure they were safe.
However, the COVID-19 vaccines available now have been carefully tested by lots of different kinds of people.
The side effects, like feeling a little sick, don't last long and are not as dangerous as getting sick with COVID-19. Also, the vaccines were made safely and were based on a lot of research from many years, especially about mRNA technology, which made it possible to develop them quickly but still make sure they were safe.
Protection
Getting a vaccine is the safest way to protect yourself from getting really sick with COVID-19. It's especially important for older people, those with weak immune systems, and people with long-term health problems like diabetes or heart disease.
Misinformation
Vaccines have saved about 20 million lives worldwide in their first year of use. COVID-19 vaccines are the most tested and monitored in history, and hundreds of millions of doses have been given safely.
How Vaccines Work
mRNA vaccines teach the body's cells to make a protein that helps the immune system stay strong, without making you sick.
Protein subunit vaccines use tiny pieces of the virus to help the immune system fight it off.
Both types of vaccines are effective against the viruses currently spreading, and mRNA vaccines can be adjusted more easily to target new versions of the virus.
Protein subunit vaccines use tiny pieces of the virus to help the immune system fight it off.
Both types of vaccines are effective against the viruses currently spreading, and mRNA vaccines can be adjusted more easily to target new versions of the virus.
Treatments & Boosters
Treatments for COVID-19 have changed over time. Right now, doctors often use antiviral medicines like Paxlovid and special antibodies to help lessen symptoms and the seriousness of the illness. For people who are at higher risk, getting these treatments early can help prevent them from needing to go to the hospital.
Updated Boosters for 2024-25
Everyone aged 6 months and older is eligible for updated COVID-19 vaccines, with the CDC strongly advising that individuals receive their boosters to keep pace with emerging variants. The FDA has approved the following vaccines:
mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna)
For individuals 6 months and older.
Protein subunit vaccines (Novavax)
For people aged 12 and older.
When and How to Receive Boosters
Schedule a booster shot if you haven’t received one in the past 6 months or if you’re in a high-risk category.
Use the CDC's online locator tool to find a nearby vaccination center or pharmacy.
Immunocompromised individuals should discuss with their doctor about extra precautionary measures and the need for multiple booster doses.