Covid-19 Vaccines in Laurel, MD

After receiving a COVID-19 vaccine from our team, it typically takes about two weeks for your body to build up a significant immune response and provide optimal protection against the virus.

When you get vaccinated, the vaccine introduces a harmless piece of the virus—or instructions to create it—to your immune system. Your body needs time to recognize this material, produce specific antibodies, and train memory cells to fight off future infections. Because this biological process is not instantaneous, you are not immediately protected when you leave the clinic. During that 14-day window, it is still possible to contract COVID-19 because the vaccine hasn’t had enough time to establish full defensive coverage.

Whether you are receiving your primary series or an updated seasonal booster, this two-week timeline remains the same. Once passed, your immune system is fully primed to significantly reduce your risk of severe illness.

Many are still hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine; let’s debunk many of the myths and rumors that have been circulating, that may also be making you hesitant about getting vaccinated.
 
While the COVID-19 vaccines were created quickly (thank you science!), they were all carefully tested for their safety with a focus on the public. There were no corners cut when it came to the COVID-19 vaccine. While not only being independently tested, over 100 million people have been safely vaccinated against COVID-19.
 
You may have heard about the side effects that often are associated with the COVID-19 vaccine, the vaccines are not live vaccines, so while some receive side effects, it does not mean you are sick. The symptoms include a mild fever, a sore arm, and/or body aches, which is the body’s natural response to the vaccine as the immune system learns to recognize the agents involved with the COVID-19 vaccine so it can fight COVID-19 if it ever comes into contact with it.
 
The best part about getting the COVID-19 vaccine is it can protect you from getting severely sick to death.
 
Even if you have previously had COVID-19, you can still get the vaccine, and it is highly recommended you do so. Several studies have shown if you have had COVID-19 previously and you have not been vaccinated, you are at a higher risk of re-infection than others who ended up getting vaccinated.
 
Finally, do your research when it comes to the COVID-19 vaccines available, and ask your healthcare provider questions to provide you with all the information necessary to add more peace of mind before getting the vaccine.

To help build immunity and fight off COVID-19, you will need your body to get as much sleep each night that is possible. As a healthy immune system can fight off infections more easily than one that is deprived of sleep. Adults need around six to eight hours of sleep per night, and it needs to be a routine.
 
While sleep is necessary, lowering your stress levels should also be practiced all of the time, as stress levels have a major impact directly on your immune system; to lower them, include exercising, controlled breathing exercises, and meditating.
 
Make sure to eat a balanced diet. If you are eating unhealthily, you are more susceptible to viruses and bacteria, which is why it is important to eat nutritious foods and continue to maintain a healthy immune system.
 
Get vaccinated when possible, and get your booster vaccinations. Vaccinations provide the opportunity for your body’s immune system to learn the genetics of COVID-19 and work to fight it.

At The Wellness NPs, Dr. Bermesola Dyer, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, and the professional team, patients often ask how long their protection lasts after getting vaccinated or recovering from an infection. Research consistently shows that while COVID-19 vaccines and prior infections provide a robust defense against the virus, this immunity naturally decreases over time.

Generally, your immune system’s antibody levels peak in the weeks following a vaccination or infection and begin to gradually wane after a few months. Because the virus continues to evolve and circulate year-round, fading immunity means your body becomes more susceptible to new strains over time.

This is why public health experts strongly recommend receiving the most updated seasonal COVID-19 vaccines. These updated formulas are specifically designed to target the latest circulating variants, refreshing your immune memory and significantly reducing the risk of severe illness or hospitalization.
If you have questions about when you should get your next updated dose, our team at The Wellness NPs is here to help you navigate your options.

For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 9658 Baltimore Ave, Suite 420 College Park, MD 20740. We serve patients from Laurel MD, Maryland City MD, South Laurel MD, Ammendale MD, Savage MD, and surrounding areas.