COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 is a very contagious viral disease. COVID-19’s symptoms strongly resemble influenza and may cause complications such as pneumonia, severe respiratory distress, and even death.
Individuals aged 65 and over, who are at a higher risk group for COVID-19 complications, must get vaccinated against the disease.
The COVID-19 vaccines that have been administered have demonstrated both safety and effectiveness in preventing severe illness and death.
The potential side effects following vaccination are generally mild and temporary, and the inconvenience they may cause is insignificant when compared to the risks posed by the disease itself.
You can get vaccinated against COVID-19 along with the flu vaccine. Additionally, as COVID-19 outbreaks do not occur annually, the Ministry of Health periodically issues guidelines for receiving an additional dose of the vaccine.
You can get vaccinated at all the HMOs.
What is COVID-19
COVID-19 is a very contagious viral disease.
Individuals who have had COVID-19 report a wide range of symptoms: from mild symptoms to severe diseases.
Symptoms may appear 2–14 days after exposure to the virus, and individuals can experience mild to severe symptoms. Therefore, vaccination is strongly advised to mitigate the risk of transmission.
COVID-19 symptoms
COVID-19 symptoms are very similar to those of the flu and include:
- Fever
- Shivering
- Coughing
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulties or respiratory distress
- Headache
- Muscle pain or pains in various body parts
- Cold or runny nose congestion
- Throat ache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of taste and/or smell
Attention
Attention
This list does not encompass all potential symptoms, and it is crucial to acknowledge that symptoms may vary depending on the emergence of different COVID-19 strains. Covid-19 is a relatively new disease that is still being continuously studied, and updates are published periodically. Based on the data collected thus far, older adults and individuals with chronic conditions like heart disease or diabetes, face an elevated risk of experiencing severe complications as a result of the disease.
COVID-19 complications
COVID-19 complications include pneumonia, severe respiratory distress, and even death.
Older adults aged 65 and over are at higher risk for COVID-19 complications due to underlying conditions and a relatively weak immune system compared to the general population.
Why should we get vaccinated against COVID-19
The COVID-19 vaccines have demonstrated safety and effectiveness in reducing the risk of severe illness and death associated with them.
Typically, any potential side effects following vaccination are mild and transient. The discomfort caused by these side effects is minimal when compared to the potential complications of the disease.
Furthermore, COVID-19 outbreaks do not occur on an annual basis, and the level of protection provided by the vaccine decreases over time.
Therefore, once every several months, the Ministry of Health advertises guidelines recommending the administration of an additional vaccine dose every few months.
Adverse events occurring shortly after receiving the vaccine
Adverse events occurring shortly after receiving the vaccine can differ from individual to individual. Some vaccinated people will not experience any adverse events whatsoever, whereas others will feel only mild discomfort and continue their routine as usual. Other vaccinated people may experience mild symptoms that affect their daily routines. These symptoms usually pass within several days.
Potential side effects:
- Injection-site pain, redness, or swelling
- Fever
- Shivering
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Sleepiness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
In exceptional instances, adverse events can result in severe conditions. There is a very rare risk of myocarditis and pericarditis, associated with the mRNA vaccine for COVID-19, mainly among men aged 12–39. This risk can be reduced by extending the time interval between the first and second dose.
Extremely rare cases of myocarditis and pericarditis were reported among women who received the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine.
Very seldom severe allergic reactions may occur (anaphylactic) after vaccination. After receiving the vaccine, you may have to wait in the clinic for at least 15 minutes, as the vaccination clinics have an appropriate medical equipment for treating such conditions. People who have developed any severe allergic reaction in the past will be requested to wait for half an hour.
Further information regarding medical care following vaccination
COVID-19 vaccine types
Israel has authorized only vaccines that have been deemed safe and effective by the FDA: Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, and Novavax.
Starting in September 2022, Israel offers a vaccine specifically targeting the omicron variant, known as Pfizer's bivalent vaccine. The intention of this vaccine is to offer enhanced and comprehensive protection against the current variant. It is recommended to receive a single dose of this vaccine. This vaccine is designed for the general population: those who have been vaccinated and those who have not been vaccinated.
It is important to note that it is possible to receive both the COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine simultaneously. This is particularly recommended at the beginning of winter. To accommodate the high demand for vaccines, it is recommended to receive vaccinations at the start of the vaccination campaign conducted by your HMOs, which typically occurs in October each year.
The COVID-19 vaccines are available through all HMOs.
Instances when COVID-19 vaccination is not recommended
During illness
If you are currently experiencing an acute fever illness, it is advisable to postpone receiving the COVID-19 vaccination until after you have recovered
Sensitivity or allergy
If you have a known sensitivity or allergy to any of the components present in the vaccine
Severe allergic reaction
If you have experienced a severe allergic reaction following a previous vaccination
