COVID-19 Vaccine: The “Wait and See Approach” is not the Best Approach

Veterans Health Administration sent this bulletin at 04/25/2021 09:30 AM EDT

The “Wait and See Approach” is not the Best Approach

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about the COVID-19 vaccine and may cause you to take the “wait and see” approach. All vaccines including those that protect against COVID-19 have gone through careful testing and have met rigorous standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). We want you to “see” the facts about the COVID-19 vaccine.

MYTH: “Current COVID-19 vaccines will not work against the new variants.”

FACT: False. Experts believe – and some research shows – that current vaccines offer some protection against new COVID-19 variants. Vaccine boosters are being developed to further enhance this protection.

MYTH: “COVID-19 vaccination is similar to the abuses of the Tuskegee Study.”

FACT: No, these are not similar. After the Tuskegee Study, the government changed its research practices to prevent a repeat of mistakes made in Tuskegee. A major issue in Tuskegee was a lack of transparency and consent. By contrast, the highest ethical standards were used in the COVID-19 trials. VA is committed to transparency and is making every effort to give Veterans all the information on COVID-19 Vaccines so you can make an informed choice.

MYTH: “I can’t spread COVID-19 after I get the vaccine.”

FACT: Scientists don’t know yet. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine prevents you from getting severely ill and dying. However, it’s uncertain whether people who have been vaccinated can still carry and transmit the virus.

Before saying no to the COVID-19 vaccine or taking the “wait and see” approach, Veterans are encouraged to get informed and discuss their options with their VA health care provider. Ready to say YES? Call us today at calling 352-548-6000, ext. 103755 to schedule a COVID-19 vaccine appointment. If you’re still uncertain, call your VA health care provider or visit VA’s COVID-19 Vaccine web page: https://www.va.gov/health-care/covid-19-vaccine/ or the NF/SGVHS COVID-19 Vaccine page for local information at https://www.northflorida.va.gov/services/covid-19-vaccines.asp

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