A Covid-19 vaccine is an essential tool that will help eradicate the coronavirus. The first vaccine in the US was given on December 14, 2020. The FDA has granted emergency use authorization for two Covid-19 vaccines developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. State and local health departments determine eligibility by prioritizing high-risk populations, including healthcare workers and residents of long-term care facilities. 

The vaccine works by helping the body develop immunity to the virus that causes Covid-19, without us getting the illness. It works with the body to supply a memory of T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight the virus in the future. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes after vaccination. This vaccination requires two shots given a few weeks apart to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer.

In the state of Missouri, there are four phases of Covid-19 vaccine availability. Phase 1A is a distribution to long term care facility residents and staff, as well as healthcare workers that are patient-facing. Phase 1B is distributed to first responders, high-risk individuals aged 18-64, and people over 65 years of age, as well as essential workers. Phase 2 is sent to populations at increased risk, like people with diabetes or chronic diseases. Phase 3 is sent to all Missouri residents. 

Getting vaccinated is one of many steps a person can take to protect themselves and others from Covid-19. This will take the risk of getting Covid much lower than if a person didn’t get the vaccine at all. It will also help to finally eliminate Covid and get rid of masks.