Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine vs. Catching COVID-19

If you're looking to weigh the pros and cons of getting the COVID-19 vaccine vs. catching the COVID-19 virus, we're here to help. If you or any of your friends are still hesitant about getting the vaccine, this information should help you make a decision.

Title Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine Catching COVID-19

Side Effects &
Complications
In most cases, side effects are minor, like head and body aches, fever and chills—flu-like symptoms. The long-term effects of COVID-19 are unknown, but many who catch the virus experience trouble breathing, fatigue, loss of taste and smell and much more for months after their infection.

Your Friends &
Family
The COVID-19 vaccines protect you from the coronavirus, and early research suggests that vaccinated people are potentially less likely to transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is highly contagious, and since many people with COVID-19 are asymptomatic, you run the risk of passing the virus on to vulnerable friends and family members.

Getting Back to
Normal
The best way back to normal is through widespread vaccine adoption. Reaching herd immunity is critical to reopening society as we knew it. Without widespread vaccine adoption, COVID-19 will continue to spread and impact the way we live.

Fertility &
Pregnancy
There is currently no evidence that any of the authorized COVID-19 vaccines cause fertility problems. Pregnant people are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccination (CDC). The COVID-19 virus may cause inflammation in men that can affect fertility (NIH).

Severity of
Illness
Greatly reduces chance of severe illness, hospitalization or death. Nearly 3 million people world-wide have died from COVID-19, including more than 500,000 here in the U.S. (NYT).