Sky Lakes Medical Center | Live Smart | Late Spring 2021

SkyLakes.org | LIVE smart 5 Millions of people in the U.S. and thousands in Klamath County have been vaccinated against COVID-19. But we still have a long way to go, and it’s important that those who can get a vaccine do so as soon as possible. Some people are not eager to be among the first to get the new vaccines. But taking a “wait and see” approach is a big gamble. COVID-19 has already killed millions of people around the world, including more than 500,000 in the United States. Plus, there are good reasons you can be confident in getting the vaccines now. They’re safe and they work The COVID-19 vaccines now in use have been studied in tens of thousands of people. Those studies showed that the vaccines are safe, effective and cause few side effects. And even if you do get sick, your illness may be less severe if you’ve had your shots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also continue to keep a close watch for SECURE YOUR SHOT Learn more about COVID-19 vaccines—and schedule yours—at SkyLakes.org/GetVaccinatedPlease . COVID-19 vaccines: Why you shouldn’t wait any problems in those who have been vaccinated, just as they do for all vaccines. While we still have things to learn about the long-term effects of the vaccines, there’s no reason to think they’re any less safe than other vaccines that have cleared the clinical trial process. On the other hand, the dangers of getting COVID-19 are very real. 3 more reasons to roll up your sleeve Besides reducing your own risk of getting COVID-19, there are other reasons to get a vaccine now. For starters, you’ll be helping to: 1 Bring an end to the pandemic. When enough people are immunized against COVID-19, the virus will be less able to spread. We don’t know the exact percentage needed to reach widespread community immunity, but striving for 85% would provide some assurance, experts say. 2 Protect the health care system. You’ve heard about the strain COVID-19 has placed on hospitals, and Sky Lakes Medical Center is no exception. When infections surge or if nurses and doctors get sick, we may have less capacity to care for the very ill. Staying healthy helps ensure that care will be available for those who need it. 3 Safeguard those around you. Getting your shots as soon as you can may make it less likely that you will spread COVID-19 to your inner circle. This could include your loved ones who may not be able to get the vaccine yet. It’s worth doing—for yourself and your community.