By Joseph Shega, MD, Chief Medical Officer, VITAS Healthcare
Throughout the last half of 2021, he US has experienced a dramatic increase in COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths secondary to the delta variant of the COVID virus.
The best tools to overcome any health challenge are evidence-based data and informed guidance from medical professionals.
Both are available in this training presentation from VITAS Healthcare about COVID-19 and the vaccines that combat it.
VITAS is offering this presentation for partner organizations to use for their own in-house or staff training. For your employees, partners and members of the public, the presentation describes:
- How the vaccines were developed
- The safety protocols that are deployed for all vaccines
- How vaccines work to trigger antibodies
- Common side effects of vaccines
- Information to combat vaccine misconceptions
- Who should and should not receive the vaccine, and the various reasons why
- The vaccine’s ability to reduce the likelihood of hospitalization and death from a “breakthrough” infection in a vaccinated individual
- CDC vaccination recommendations for pregnant women and those thinking about becoming pregnant
- CDC guidance on now-recommended “booster” shots for vaccinated individuals 8 months after their initial vaccination series
- Vaccine recommendations for people who have already contracted COVID-19
Millions of people in the United States—more than 50% of the population—have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in US history. The vaccine protects you, your patients, friends, families, and others.
Moreover, COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against the delta variant: 88% effective against symptomatic disease and up to 96% effective against hospitalization. As such, vaccines remain our best defense against COVID including symptomatic disease, hospitalizations, and death.
As vaccines roll out across the US and the rest of the world, they have become increasingly required for employees in key positions and professions, including healthcare and patient-facing roles. Likewise, vaccines are now required for some other common activities, including international travel, cruises, indoor concerts, in-person college attendance, a growing number of workplaces, and other events where large numbers of people gather.
Most importantly, the best, quickest, and safest path back to a normal life is for everyone to do their part and get vaccinated.
