Yeah, there’s a lot of information out there right now about the COVID-19 vaccine.
At the moment, Dec 4th, there are eight different vaccines and four of those are in clinical trials, which means they are now being tested by 120,000 volunteers to determine whether it is safe and effective. There are multiple safety measures being taken and participants are being monitored closely for side effects. The most common side effects are similar to the flu shot; tiredness, muscle aches, and headaches.
Some Tribes like the Navajo Nation have chosen to participate in these trials. And, Tribes are working to prioritize who should get the vaccine first when the time comes, like health-care workers, elders, and medically vulnerable people.
The vaccine may be ready by the end of the year for these priority groups.
Everyone else might expect to have the vaccine available to them by this Summer 2021, unless plans change depending on the development of the vaccine and the clinical trials.
The vaccine will be available to the American people for free from the federal government, though some healthcare providers might charge an administration fee.
As always, you can check out trusted sites like the CDC, IHS, or State official websites for more information.
Thanks for writing in and take care.
Auntie Manda
