But how do you help keep facts and fiction straight in the workplace?
While employers can’t control all conversations, they can control what’s distributed content-wise to their workers. By only sharing COVID-19 vaccine facts from verified and legit sources, it provides an opportunity for employees to self educate.
Below, we share all the facts your team needs to know about the vaccine.
This post offers the newest information about the shot, plus dos and don’ts for COVID chats in the workplace.
With a new vaccine, it’s normal for people to have questions about them.
And, without a doubt, the amount of information out there — both true and false — can be overwhelming to most individuals taking it all in.
For anyone who spends any time on social media, the amount of information one can consume is staggering. Like all news stories and major events, the coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to myths and falsehoods spreading online faster than wildfire.
So, how should employers go about getting employees correct information?
A few tips:
Almost everyone knows the COVID vaccine is now available.
But there’s still a lot of misinformation out there. As an employer, help reduce the spread of incorrect information in your workplace by sharing only the facts. If you’re offering on-site vaccinations, this is especially important in your marketing efforts, too.
Consider using the information below in email blasts and newsletters and sharing it in team meetings. By doing so, you can help your employees make informed decisions about vaccination time.
Here are some facts to distribute to your team:
When the vaccine first rolled out in the United States in December 2020, supply was limited. At first, only healthcare workers were eligible. Then senior citizens were eligible to get the shot. Now, everyone 12 and older can get the vaccine at a variety of locations, including pharmacies and physician offices.
When you get the COVID vaccine, keep in mind you may have post-vaccination side effects. The CDC states side effects like chills or tiredness are normal. After a few days, the symptoms should go away.
Other possible side effects may include:
Always stay hydrated and rest if you feel tired. Dress lightly if you have a fever. Prior to getting your vaccine, over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, or antihistamines aren’t recommended for trying to minimize side effects.
Depending on what’s available in your area, you may have to get one or two shots for full protection. The brands Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna both require two shots for the best protection. Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen only requires one vaccination for full coverage.
Last week, five months after the first COVID-19 vaccine was rolled out, the CDC stated fully vaccinated individuals could return to pre-pandemic activities. You’re considered fully vaccinated if it’s been two weeks since you received the vaccine. Fully vaccinated individuals can resume activities without mask-wearing or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance, according to the CDC.
For those who have been fully vaccinated, you:
Additionally, if you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID-19, you don’t need to quarantine or get tested unless symptoms present.
It’s important for those who have had allergic reactions to vaccines —both severe and/or immediate — to discuss vaccine safety with their physician prior to getting one. If you’ve already had a COVID shot and had a reaction yet require a second dose, talk to your doctor about potentially getting a different type of COVID-19 vaccine. Those who have allergies not related to the vaccine — pet, food, etc. — may still get vaccinated. If you do get a vaccine and believe you’re having a severe allergic reaction — including trouble breathing — call 911 immediately.
It’s important to note that you can’t get all your vaccines, plus a COVID-19 shot done in one appointment. The CDC recommends waiting a minimum of 14 days after your COVID shot before you get any other vaccine, including a flu shot. If you’ve recently been vaccinated for another health condition, wait at least 14 days before getting your COVID shot. If you happen to get a COVID-19 vaccine within 14 days of another vaccine for any reason, you DO NOT need to be revaccinated with either one, according to the CDC.
You can’t go wrong with facts, especially if it’s backed by science and research. This is especially true for anything you send out as an employer about COVID-19.
When in doubt, visit and share these sites for updated insight:
In sharing information directly from a source, your employees will have a better understanding of where it’s coming from. Doing so builds trust and allows them to dive deeper into their own research on legitimate websites.
If you, or others in your life are concerned or reluctant to get the vaccine, check this out report. The team at Kaiser Permanente has done some fascinating work to understand why people are reluctant. They created seven archetypes and developed strategies/messages that can be personalized to resonate with each group.
How do you encourage your staff to learn about COVID-19 vaccine facts? Do you talk about COVID-19 in the workplace? Let us know in the comments below!