4 Reasons for Gen Z to Roll up Their Sleeves

COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free. And virtually anyone 12 and older who wants one can now get a shot. That’s good news in America’s fight against the pandemic. But not everyone is seizing this opportunity.

That may be particularly true of young, healthy people. Some in Gen Z are hesitant when it comes to the vaccine, polls suggest.

A vaccine for all generations

COVID-19 vaccines help protect old and young alike. Whether to get one is a personal decision. But if you’re hesitant, maybe you just haven’t found your reasons yet.

If so, you might want to consider these:

• Colleges may require it. Many colleges and universities have already said that they will require students to get the COVID-19 vaccine before they head back to campus. Getting a shot now could head off any potential issues this fall.

• It could be good for your social life. When you’re fully vaccinated, you can enjoy more activities safely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For instance, you can meet up indoors unmasked with vaccinated friends, be unmasked for small outdoor gatherings, and you can travel safely within the U.S.

In the big picture, each time someone gets vaccinated, we all move a little closer to doing normal things again, like going to concerts or sporting events.

• The side effects are generally mild. Some people don’t have any side effects at all. According to the CDC, those who do often have mild symptoms, like a sore arm, headache, chills, tiredness, or fever. These symptoms should only last a few days. They’re normal signs your body is building immunity.

Also important to know: you can’t get COVID-19 from any of the vaccines. Serious allergic reactions or complications are rare, and long-term side effects are unlikely.

• You may help protect your community. If you’re healthy and young, you may not be at high risk for contracting a severe case of COVID-19. But if you get infected, you could spread the illness to someone who is. That could be a friend, a loved one, or someone you’ve never met. Last summer, many parts of the country saw a surge of COVID-19 infections; and researchers linked it in part to infections spreading from young people to older people. Getting vaccinated is a good way to show your community you care.

Additional resources for COVID-19

• For information specific to New York State’s vaccine distribution plan, visit health.ny.gov.
• For information on the COVID-19 vaccines, visit cdc.gov.
• CDPHP members can find details about coronavirus coverage on our COVID-19 information and resources page.