Going about our daily lives during 2020 proved challenging. Now, in 2021, new vaccines to protect against COVID-19 are here. You may be feeling hopeful — but you may also be feeling unsure about what to expect. Here are some key facts to help you plan ahead.

Why Do I Need a Covid-19 Vaccine?
Getting vaccinated helps protect you against a disease that can have serious or even life-threatening complications. That’s a lot of benefit packed into just one or two shots.

A COVID-19 vaccine is only OK’d for use when the research shows that it substantially lowers the risk of getting the disease. If you’re in the small group of people who still get COVID-19 after being vaccinated, experts believe that the vaccine may help prevent serious illness. That could save you from having to be hospitalized, needing intensive care or requiring a ventilator to help you breathe. It might even save your life.

Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will also help protect your family, close contacts and community. If you are less likely to get COVID-19, you’ll be less likely to pass it on to others.

How Can I Feel Confident About a Vaccine That Was Developed So Fast?
COVID-19 vaccines must meet the same strict standards for safety and effectiveness as earlier vaccines that took longer to hit the market.

Operation Warp Speed helped accelerate the process. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Defense led this program. It focused on getting safe, effective COVID-19 vaccines out to the public as soon as possible.

Won’t the Virus Go Away on Its Own Eventually?
Because COVID-19 is so new, no one knows for sure exactly how many people would have to become immune for the virus to go away. But scientists agree it’s a huge number — some estimate that at least 200 million Americans would need to be infected or vaccinated to reach herd immunity. We still have a long way to go. And vaccination is by far the safest, surest way to get there.

Once I Get Vaccinated, Can I Stop Wearing a Mask and Social Distancing?
Not yet. The CDC says it still needs to learn more before deciding to change its safety recommendations. The number of people vaccinated will factor into the decision. That’s another good reason to get vaccinated when your turn comes up — the more we all do to protect ourselves, the sooner our lives can start returning to normal.

CRH Has the Latest
Log on to crh.org/vaccine for the most up-to-date information about the COVID-19 vaccine and more.