Covid-19 turned the world upside down in many ways. Right from lockdowns that kept people home to businesses shutting down because of the economic turmoil, the pandemic proved to be a hard time. Every individual regardless of their age, income, ethnicity, and health conditions, suffered from the Covid-19 virus in one way or another. Retirees, in particular, had to bear the brunt of limited savings and income sources in a struggling economy. With old age knocking on the door and the repercussions of the pandemic, inhibitions and anxieties have been at their peak for quite some time now. Fortunately, the Covid-19 vaccine is expected to change things in the times to come.

Here are 8 important facts a retiree should know about the Covid-19 vaccine:

1. The vaccine is safe to use

The vaccine has come out after a lot of research being carried out in labs all over the world. After many rounds of successful trials, the vaccine is now available for the common people. It is safe to use and is expected to be successful in putting an end to the pandemic.

2. The CDC has launched a v-safe app for better monitoring

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched a smartphone application to ensure proper administration of the Covid-19 vaccine. When you get your vaccine, the health care provider will provide you with a document that has a link to the v-safe website, along with information on the vaccine that was given to you. You can use this to register on the app.

This app has been designed to monitor any safety issues that may come with the use of the vaccine. You can download the app on your phone and use its surveys and text messaging service to avail after-health checkups, post receiving the vaccination. In case of any side effects, you can report to the CDC through v-safe. If there are any problems, the CDC will get in touch with you to inquire more about your health. They may recommend seeing a doctor, if need be. The mobile app also sets reminders about your next dose of vaccination so that you can be fully secure.

3. There are two doses of the vaccine

In order to be entirely safeguarded from the coronavirus, you need two shots of the vaccine. The two shots are given within a gap of approximately 3 to 4 weeks. The precise period may differ based on your age, present health conditions, and the area you live in. You can ask your health provider at the time of the first round and schedule an appointment for the next dose. You can also use your v-safe app to check the time for your next dose. Make sure to make a note of this and not miss your second dose. The vaccine is not effective with only one dose.

4. The vaccine will be given out in phases as per your age, health condition, and profession

With a large population at hand, the administration and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine is a challenging task. However, some retirees may be at an advantage due to their age. As per the guidelines from the CDC, the vaccine will be given out in phases – phase 1a, followed by phase 1b and phase 1c.

• Phase 1a will include healthcare personnel and residents of long-term care facilities. So, retirees living in such facilities can be the first recipients.
• Phase 1b, which will be the next group to get vaccinated, will include people over the age of 75 as they are at a higher risk of developing illnesses and requiring hospitalization. This age group includes all retirees. Phase 1b will also include frontline essential workers like police officers, fire fighters, United States Postal Service workers, people working in grocery stores, food and agricultural workers, public transit workers, etc. Lastly, teachers, day care workers, and others working in the educational sector are also a part of phase 1b.
• Phase 1c will include people between the ages of 65 and 74. So, most other retirees will fall into this group. People between the ages of 16 and 64 with any underlying medical conditions will also be a part of phase 1c, along with essential workers like employees of public health and safety, transportation, housing construction, information technology, finance, law, media, energy, communications, etc.

5. Retirees with certain illnesses can use the vaccine

If you have suffered from ailments, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), Guillain-Barre syndrome, Bell’s palsy, and autoimmune conditions, in the past, you can still use the vaccine. However, the safety data is limited on the effects of the vaccine in such patients.

6. There could be side effects of the vaccine

The Covid-19 vaccine may be here to ward off coronavirus, but it can have some similar symptoms as side effects. Some reported side effects include flu-like symptoms. This is no cause for worry, but you may consult a doctor or report on the v-safe app if your symptoms worsen or you experience any discomfort.

7. The vaccine is free

The vaccination can be taken at no cost by all U.S. citizens. However, some health providers may charge an administration fee. Your health insurance plan can reimburse these costs. If you do not have a health insurance plan, you can use the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund. You can discuss this with your doctor or local authority.

8. The vaccine is for everyone

The vaccine is important for all citizens of the U.S. Hence, even if you have suffered from Covid-19 in the past, you still need the vaccination to protect you from getting the virus again. There is no solid evidence that verifies the claim that Covid-19 patients have a natural immunity to the virus. Moreover, natural immunity can differ for each individual. Therefore, to be entirely certain, the vaccine is recommended for everyone. This is particularly essential for retirees, as they may be in a vulnerable category because of their age. The costs of hospitalization and treatment can also be harder to cover in retirement as there are limited financial resources at hand. So, it may be advisable to get the vaccine proactively.

To sum it up                                                      

With a vaccine in place, Covid-19 seems to be at the end of its journey. However, it is important for all people to follow the guidelines of the CDC to ensure a smooth vaccination drive around the country. In addition to this, you should keep in mind to continue wearing your mask and follow other social distancing and cleanliness protocols until the vaccination drives are over, and there is herd immunity.

If you have suffered financially due to the coronavirus pandemic and need some investment strategy to recoup, you can reach out to a financial advisor in your area.