COVID-19 is a respiratory virus that has transformed from a deadly, worldwide pandemic to a common respiratory illness with seasonal patterns. Although it does not pose the same threat that it did in 2020, it is still important to protect yourself from its effects.

Besides good hygiene, such as washing your hands and avoiding touching surfaces, then touching your face, you can also get vaccinated. There are a few options for vaccination, and they offer great protection from COVID-19. In this article, we will talk about what the vaccine is and what are some ways you can increase its effectiveness and boost your immunity. 

COVID-19 Background Information 

COVID-19 is an illness caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, which is a type of coronavirus that was detected in Wuhan, China in 2019. It is transmitted through respiratory droplets like coughing, sneezing, talking, or breathing in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. 

Symptoms of COVID-19  can vary significantly among people infected with the virus. Some people are asymptomatic, meaning they do not experience any symptoms. However, others have major symptoms like a loss of taste and/or smell, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nasal congestion, and body aches, to name a few. 

In very severe cases, the virus can cause chest pain, pressure in the chest, inability to stay awake, low oxygen saturation levels, which are all medical emergencies, and if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, you should seek help immediately. 

There have been various variants of the disease due to its ability to replicate in those who are not vaccinated. Some of the vaccines are effective against some of the variants, while others are not. 

COVID-19 Vaccine Information 

Three major vaccines have been approved for use: Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty), Moderna, and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson). 

Pfizer is an mRNA vaccine, meaning that just a template of the virus's DNA is used, but not the actual DNA itself. It is essentially the blueprint for the body to make immune cells against it, so if it does see the real virus, it already has immune defenses ready to go. It is two shots given 21 days apart, with full protection reached 2 weeks after the second shot. The FDA has also authorized booster shots for anyone 16 and over. 

Moderna is very similar to Pfizer in that it is an mRNA vaccine, but those 2 shots are given 4 weeks apart instead of 3. Single booster and the vaccine is authorized for individuals 18 and older. 

Johnson & Johnson is a viral vector, which means that it takes a part of the virus (inactive and nonreplicating), which can also trigger an immune response from your body, so it can make defenses that are ready to go if you encounter the real virus. It is a single-shot approved for those 18 years and older. 

All three vaccines are injected through the muscular part of the upper arm. The vaccines have been approved as safe, and those who receive them complain of flu-like symptoms. This is normal as your body is building an immune defense that is ready to combat the actual virus, should it encounter it. These symptoms should last no longer than a couple of days. 

How to get a COVID-19 Vaccine 

COVID-19 vaccines are available nationwide to all approved age groups. You can find information on your state and local websites about where to get vaccines, and most are free. The CDC website may also have information on where to get vaccinated. They are offered in a variety of settings like health clinics, medical offices, hospitals, and pharmacies. If you are unsure about the different vaccines and which may be the better choice for you, then please consult your doctor. 

Staying Safe After Vaccination 

Vaccines do not offer immediate protection against coronavirus. It takes time for your body's immune system to develop a response, and during that time, you can still be susceptible. People who are vaccinated have strong protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19. They also have some protection against infection. Vaccinated people can still contract COVID-19 and can spread the virus to others. For these reasons, it's important to maintain basic precautions against COVID-19 after vaccination. These precautions include: 

• Avoiding large gatherings if you are feeling ill 
• Keeping physical distance of at least 6 feet if you are feeling ill 
• Avoiding being in enclosed and/or poorly ventilated spaces with others during peak illness seasons 
• Wearing a mask or other face covering when indoors if you are feeling ill 
• Frequently washing hands at all times 
• Staying home and avoiding contact with others if you feel sick or have symptoms of COVID-19

Sleep and Immunity 

Getting a sufficient amount of quality sleep is very important for your immune system. Research about sleep and vaccines is not yet available, but studies of other types of vaccines have found that sleep deprivation can reduce their effectiveness. 

Sleep affects many different immune factors, and adequate sleep is associated with a reduced risk of infection, improved infection outcome, and better vaccine response. On the other hand, sleep deprivation can impair how the body protects itself because white blood cells traveling to affected sites in the body can be diminished. 

Another way sleep loss reduces immune response is through T cells, which are active in immune responses. Lack of sleep increases levels of stress hormones, which reduce levels of integrin, a molecule that helps T cells stick to virus-infected cells. Less sleep means less integrin and less-effective T cells. 

Sleep deficiency also affects immune response to vaccines, including the flu shot. Patients who are sleep deprived have a reduced immune system response and are more likely to remain unprotected despite vaccination. 

Those with a sleep disorder may be worried that the vaccination may worsen it, but that seems not to be the case. There is no evidence that vaccines are likely to worsen an existing sleep disorder, and all patients are encouraged to receive yearly vaccinations before peak season. Those with sleep apnea are especially encouraged to be vaccinated, as there are associations with worse outcomes in that group. 

If you are having trouble sleeping, it's important that you speak with a sleep professional quickly to make sure that you are getting the most out of vaccines and strengthening your immune system. Please click the orange button below to talk with sleep professionals as soon as possible.