COVID-19 has claimed the lives of over 500,000 Americans since it made its appearance in 2019. Unfortunately, the public has become complacent in regard to the virus as it has become the norm. Along with this, the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines has begun in every state in the US, meaning the most vulnerable populations have been eligible to receive vaccination. Does this public lack of fear, and aid of the vaccine shipments becoming available mean that virus cases are on the decline? Or are COVID-19 cases still rising?

COVID-19 Cases Are On the Rise

Unfortunately, cases of COVID019 are still rising in the United States despite the rollout of vaccine distribution. It is hypothesized that this likely stems from Americans traveling and visiting family and friends during the holiday season. This, in addition to the lack of public accordance with the guidelines set forth by the CDC, means that many people were exposed and became symptomatic as a result of the holiday travel.

What Does the Public Need to Do?

In order for the number of COVID-19 cases to decrease, the public must educate themselves and continue to practice the guidelines set forth by the Center for Disease Control. This includes continuing to wear masks, social distancing, and handwashing. We should practice these guidelines even in the company of relatives in order to keep them safe. These guidelines must still be followed even after the COVID-19 vaccine is available to the general public, as we do not know whether the vaccine prevents the transmission from asymptomatic virus cases.

For Up-to-Date Information Regarding COVID-19

Visit your state’s health department website for the latest information on COVID-19 vaccination in your area. Each state’s had a distribution plan in place to administer the vaccines in designated phases, starting with the most vulnerable populations. There is hope that by late spring or early summer the COVID-19 vaccine will be made available to the general public.

Get Vaccinated

There is public fear and loads of misinformation surrounding the vaccine for COVID-19. Intensive testing, the most thorough in history, has been performed on the vaccine. Research and testing has proven the two vaccines approved in the United States are both safe and 90% effective against symptomatic COVID-19.

When the vaccine does become available for each demographic. it is vital that every American take advantage of vaccine distribution. Doing so will protect not only the vaccinated individual, but those around them. Do not forget to continue to wear a mask as a precautionary guideline.