National Immunization Awareness Month is observed every August to raise the importance of routine vaccinations for children, adults, and elders of all ages. During this month, many public health organizations, healthcare professionals, and communities come together to promote vaccines' roles in preventing infections, for safety and public health. By emphasizing the importance of vaccines, National Immunization Awareness Month strives to help communities protect themselves from diseases, disorders and promote a healthier world. 

Are vaccines safe?

Most vaccines are commonly safe because they are put through many months of trials and safety checks before they are approved and released to the public. Every authorized vaccine must be tested and evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and then will be monitored. After monitoring, it is often tested in labs through clinical trials that start with around 50 volunteers depending on the vaccine, this may take several months or even years. After trials are over, each batch that comes out is continued to be tested making sure it is potent, pure, and sterile.  Even after releasing it to the public, many who have received the vaccine are monitored and adjustments are made as needed afterward. 

What are the risks and benefits of vaccines?

Some common risks of a vaccine are mild side effects such as soreness and fever and very low chances of an allergic reaction or serious side effects such as inability to breathe and death. However, the chance of death and major side effects is 2:1 million chance. There are many more benefits such as prevention and protection against many infectious for yourself and your loved ones. Vaccines prevent 2-3 million deaths per year and you can make sure that one of those is your life. 

What are the common side effects of vaccines?

Many side effects are a sign that your body is building immunity to fight against any disease. Some common side effects may include pain and swelling at the injection site, mild fever, chills, and muscle aches.  The risk of a major infection or death is highly unlikely, if 1 million doses of a vaccine are given, there is a chance that only 1-2 people may have a major side effect that includes difficulty breathing, swelling, rashes, or an increased heart rate. If you experience any of the major side effects, please dial 911. 

Why are multiple doses needed for each vaccine?

Receiving multiple doses of a vaccine is often for your own safety to maximize your ability to receive full immunity from the vaccine. Having one dose may not guarantee the full protection as two doses would. Many viruses are constantly changing as well so it is important to stay up to date with new vaccines. 

Should I get the flu vaccine?

It is very important for you and your loved one to get the flu vaccine every year. The flu is a contagious respiratory disease that leads to severe illness, hospitalization, and sometimes even death. With the flu vaccine, you can protect yourself from the flu, decreasing your chances of getting sick and any likelihood of hospitalization. The flu vaccine has also been connected to preventing or lowering the chances of heart disease. Flu viruses are always changing and adapting to humans so it is important to get the flu shot every year so that your body has the right resources to fight any illness. Flu vaccines are offered in many doctors' offices and clinics, pharmacies, and stores such as Target. Make sure to get your vaccine this flu season. 

More information:

https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/events/niam/index.html

https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/safety/side-effects/index.html

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/general/strong-defense-against-flu.pdf

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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Throughout the pandemic, the masking guidelines have changed multiple times. Here are the most up-to-date masking guidelines as of March 2023:

• Effective April 03, 2023, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) released updates masking guidance. Note: UCR Health is required to follow both the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Riverside County Department of Public Health requirements to ensure minimal infection risk. Until further notice, masking is required for all individuals entering UCR Health Clinics.

• Currently, masks are required for individuals regardless of vaccination status in Healthcare Settings. UCR Health's Executive Leadership Team will continue to monitor the Riverside County Department of Public Health masking requirements. If the Riverside Department of Public Health masking requirement changes, UCR Health will adjust our protocol to align with the County and/or State and send this communication no later than April 02.  

Source links:

• Guidance for Face Coverings: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/COVID-19/Guidance-for-Face-Coverings.aspx
• CDC COVID Data Tracker: https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=California&data-type=CommunityLevels&list_select_county=6065

About UCR Health

UCR Health is comprised of a team of physicians, specialists, and healthcare professionals dedicated to improving people’s health. With five medical offices located throughout Inland Empire and Coachella Valley, UCR Health is growing to meet the healthcare needs of the region, bringing innovative, culturally sensitive medical care to the community. Established alongside the School of Medicine at the University of California, Riverside, UCR Health’s patient-centered primary care and specialty services deliver university-based healthcare excellence and innovation to all communities.

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What Is An Immunization?

Immunization is the process of protecting yourself against a virus or illness, hence becoming immune to an extent. Immunizations have helped us with many illnesses and viruses such as COVID-19, Hepatitis, and others. 

Why Is It Important to Receive An Immunization?

Receiving an immunization is strongly recommended, regardless of age. It can help prevent you from getting infected with many different types of viruses. Many healthcare providers strongly recommend getting specific immunizations to ensure you live a healthy life without getting a certain virus.

To speak with a physician about your immunizations and how they can benefit you, visit https://www.ucrhealth.org/make-an-appointment/.

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Here’s what you need to know about the booster: 

• There are three types of boosters: Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen. According to the CDC, individuals over 18 years old, regardless of their primaryCOVID-19 vaccination type,  can receive the Pfizer or Moderna booster.  Although the Janssen booster is approved, it is not preferred over the other two vaccine types.   
• Those who received a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should get their booster at least 6 months after their second dose. Those who received a Janssen vaccine should get their booster at least 2 months after their primary covid vaccine. 
• Although the first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccines have proved to be effective, data suggests there is reduced protection from the virus over time. However, recent studies show that the booster increases immune response and improves protection to account for the reduction. 
• Just like the first two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, the booster can cause side effects such as muscle pain, headaches, fever, etc. These are normal signs that your body is working to build immunity against the virus.

COVID-19 Booster Communication:

Please visit myturn.ca.gov to find a walk-in clinic or to schedule an appointment for a booster vaccine.

Written by: Karina Wadhwa

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If you are interested in receiving your COVID-19 vaccination through UCR Health, Citrus Towers is offering vaccinations by appointment. Individuals 18 and older can schedule an appointment while in office or by calling 1-844-827-6827 (select option #4 then select option #2)  

If you are interested in receiving your COVID-19 vaccination through your county, visit myturn.ca.gov to find a vaccination site near you or visit your local pharmacy. 

According to the Center for Disease Control, the COVID-19 vaccines have proved to be effective in protecting individuals from getting ill from the virus. Individuals who have been fully vaccinated can start resuming activities that were previously restricted due to the pandemic however, all guidelines such as hand hygiene, wearing masks, and social distancing should still be practiced in public areas. For more information visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html 

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Through our ongoing educational events and partnerships with the UCR School of Medicine, we hope to take community health education to new heights. The onset of new research and education has helped us address the need for medical resources for our local communities.  

UCR Health continues to vaccinate our patients and the general public against COVID-19. I highly encourage you to receive your vaccination as soon as possible.  

We have come a long way and hope to continue moving forward, together. Thank you for your support and understanding as we navigate these unprecedented times. As always, your ideas, feedback, and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Take care and stay safe.  

Sincerely,  

Donald W. Larsen, M.D., M.B.A., M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E. 

Chief Executive Officer, UCR Health 

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On January 11th, UC President Michael V. Drake and the 10 UC Chancellors announced their decision for a systemwide return to in-person instruction for fall 2021. The announcement was made with the hope that Covid-19 vaccines would be administered widely and most students will be vaccinated by fall.  

For the past few months, UCR Health and Riverside County have been working hard to accommodate UCR employees working on campus with the vaccine. As of now, UCR is in phase 2 of a 4-phase plan to return to campus at normal capacity. At this rate, officials are still hopeful that we will achieve the goal to reopen campus by fall 2021. 

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What are the benefits of getting the vaccine?

1. The Covid-19 vaccine will help prevent you from getting Covid-19 - according to the CDC, all Covid-19 vaccines in the United States have shown to be highly effective at preventing Covid-19.
2. The vaccination is a safer way to build protection against the virus - Covid-19 affects everyone in different ways, some people may experience serious, life-threatening complications.
3. Covid-19 vaccinations are an important tool to help stop the pandemic - wearing masks and social distancing have been a way to reduce exposure to the virus however, the vaccination will aid in fighting against the virus if you are exposed.

If you are interested in making an appointment through UCR Health please complete this brief APPOINTMENT SURVEY  to start the process.

Please note that while we’re inviting more patients to schedule their vaccination appointment every day, you may be able to get a vaccine appointment more quickly through your local public health department. For more information about the Covid-19 vaccination series, please visit our COVID Vaccine FAQs page.

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I HAVE TO KNOW

SHOULD I GET THE VACCINE IF...

VACCINE Q+A

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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Each vehicle was greeted at the entrance by a UCR Health medical assistant to check-in, then directed to a testing station. Next, a new UCR Health medical assistant approached the vehicle and handed the patient an information sheet about the test and a pipette to self-collect the saliva sample. Afterward, the pipette was sealed in a plastic bag and returned to the MA who then labeled it with their information. 

The collection process took an estimated 10 minutes per patient. The test is completely free of charge, requires no insurance, has a drive-through feature, and is appointment only for UCR staff and faculty.

WRITTEN BY: Darshi Vadher | CAP Marketing Intern

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