We believe the vaccines are quite safe, with nearly 100,000 individuals participating in clinical trials thus far. Scientists throughout the world have been working nonstop, and in many cases collaboratively, to develop effective vaccines to protect people from COVID-19’s devastating effects.

As is the case with any vaccine or injection, like influenza and tetanus, some people may experience a sore arm or body aches with chills as a potential side effect. Still, if they occur, they typically last a day or so.

We do not believe individuals will have a choice in the initial, prioritized distribution of this vaccine; however, we are continuing to monitor the recommended allocation of the different vaccines.

Yes, until we have more information, masking and following the proven protocols we have been following will still be necessary after vaccination. Reliable scientific evidence has shown that immunization keeps people from getting sick from COVID-19, but we do not know if vaccinated individuals still might acquire and unknowingly infect others around them. 

Yes, the clinical trials showed that people will be protected from getting ill from the virus after completing the full vaccination process.

The vaccine has been shown to have effective short-term protection, but we do not currently know if vaccine booster shots will be needed to maintain long-term protection. Many common vaccines, such as tetanus and the flu, require regular booster applications.

Touchmark is dedicated to bringing residents and families together as soon as safely possible. We know that once a large percentage of the population is vaccinated, everyone’s overall risk is greatly reduced. Just as we have done throughout the pandemic, we will remain in close contact with local and national health and governmental agencies, which will provide guidance on when visitations can resume.

Based on the currently available science, the vaccine’s immune response seems to be stronger than the immune response from a natural infection. For this reason, the vaccine is recommended even for those who have already had the virus.

The amazing rate of development of these vaccines was made possible by advances in vaccine science that were already in place before the pandemic, in addition to the urgency and significant monetary investments made when the pandemic started. Because close to 100,000 individuals of varying ages participated in the clinical trials, we believe they are safe, and, as with all new drugs and vaccines, we will learn more with time and usage.

People of all ages and backgrounds have experienced long-lasting health effects after contracting COVID-19, and far too many have passed away. We also know that older adults are 600% more likely to pass away from this virus.