Many residents of Los Angeles County are lining up for the updated COVID-19 vaccine this fall. They aim to safeguard themselves against severe illness, hospitalization, and possible transmission of the virus. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) urges the public to rely on credible sources for information regarding the vaccine's safety and efficacy, as per their recent statement.
People often inquire if there is a necessity for the updated COVID-19 vaccine if they had contracted the virus earlier or received previous iterations of the vaccine successfully without any complications. Research cited by the Public Health announcement illustrates that the body's immunity against the virus wanes in time. As such, a recommendation is to postpone one's vaccine dose by three months from the date of a positive test result or onset of symptoms. For the rest, sooner vaccine updates are advised.
The 2020 COVID-19 vaccines, including their bivalent variants, are found to not be as potent against newly emerging strains. The updated vaccination is tailored to counter the Omicron XBB descendants, which comprise 99 percent of sequenced samples in Los Angeles County, according to Public Health. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to remain current with vaccination schedules, inclusive of the updated version released last month.
More than 8.3 million individuals in Los Angeles County have taken a COVID-19 vaccine since pandemic inception, with most experiencing only mild side effects, indicative of the immune system forging protection. Severe side effects are extremely rare, lower in risk compared to severe COVID-19-related illness, says Public Health. In fact, unvaccinated individuals were three times more prone to hospitalization and four times more likely to succumb to the virus over the last 30 days in Los Angeles County.
Regardless of mounting proof supporting the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccines, numerous misconceptions impede vaccination rates. Unsubstantiated fears centering on infertility, delayed puberty in children, or DNA alteration continue to circulate. Such false notions must be challenged with concrete scientific facts. The mRNA vaccines do not alter DNA as the mRNA cannot infiltrate the cell nucleus, the DNA's residence, per Public Health.
Both the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 page and Public Health's vaccine page serve as valuable references.
For those seeking supplemental aid and information on COVID-19 and the vaccine, the Public Health Call Center is accessible all week at 1-833-540-0473 source: Public Health. In addition, homebound individuals or those facing challenges safely leaving their homes to receive vaccinations can opt for complimentary in-home vaccination services by visiting ph.lacounty.gov/vaxathome.
