Already Had COVID? Why You Still Need The COVID-19 Vaccine

By now, millions of Americans have already tested positive for COVID-19. As the COVID vaccine becomes more readily available, many of these men and women wonder whether they still need to get vaccinated. The dedicated team of board-certified physicians and medical professionals at Health Services of North Texas (HSNT) understands why you may have questions about getting the COVID vaccine if you have already had COVID-19. Use this helpful information to better understand the importance of protecting yourself with the COVID vaccine in Denton or Collin County and why you still need the vaccination whether you have had COVID-19 or not.

Do I qualify for the COVID vaccine in Texas?

As the COVID vaccine becomes more readily available, the government continues to expand the eligibility guidelines for getting vaccinated. At the time of this writing (March 2021), the following individuals are eligible to get the COVID vaccine in Denton, Plano, and Wylie:

• Phase 1A: front-line healthcare workers and long-term care facility residents
• Phase 1B: people 65+, and people 16+ with certain health conditions, including (but not limited to) cancer, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy, heart conditions, and more
• Education/school and childcare workers

If you do not fall into any of these classifications but think you may qualify for the COVID vaccination, your HSNT provider can help to determine and confirm your eligibility. Please note that at this time, HSNT is not administering the COVID-19 vaccine. If you are searching for a “COVID vaccine near me,” use these helpful links based on your county of residence. If you are in need of COVID testing in Denton or Collin County, HSNT is currently providing COVID tests for symptomatic patients during sick visits only with appointments required.

Should I get the COVID vaccine if I already had COVID?

Yes. Patients who have previously tested positive for COVID and/or have COVID antibodies are still strongly encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccination as soon as they are eligible to do so. Although having had COVID does provide some level of immunity against the virus, scientists do not have information on how long that immunity may last or how reliable the immunity may be. To boost your protection against COVID and to protect those around you, it is important to receive the COVID vaccine whether you have already had COVID or not.

Is the COVID vaccine safe?

Yes. The FDA has granted emergency use authorization for both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, and both vaccines have gone through testing in large clinical trials. Some patients report mild to moderate side effects after receiving the COVID vaccine, which may be more likely to occur after the patient’s second vaccine dose. Possible COVID vaccine side effects may include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Soreness at injection site
• Sore arm
• Flu-like symptoms
• Fatigue
• Body aches

These symptoms typically resolve after about 24 – 48 hours. It is also possible to experience no side effects or symptoms after the COVID vaccine.

Protect yourself and your community by getting the COVID vaccine in North Texas

As our communities continue to work together to reopen safely, you can do your part by getting the coronavirus vaccine, regardless of whether or not you have already had COVID-19. To learn more about COVID vaccination and COVID testing in Denton, Wylie, or Plano, TX, talk to your trusted provider at Health Services of North Texas today.