COVID-19 Virus & Vaccine
Stay informed and protected with trusted guidance on COVID-19 vaccines, testing, symptoms, recovery resources, and how to schedule a vaccination.
Jump to: COVID-19 Vaccine Safety | Who Should Get the COVID-19 Vaccine | How to Get Tested | Common Symptoms | What to Do if You Are Sick | Get Vaccinated
The COVID-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective in helping to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Read below for more information and details, including where you and your family can schedule vaccines at Bassett Healthcare Network.
Let’s Talk About the COVID-19 Vaccine
Read the latest guidance on the COVID-19 from Dr. Brandon Greene, Chief of Pediatrics at Bassett Healthcare Network. You can count on Bassett’s team of primary care practitioners and pediatricians to support you and your family in your health decisions.
Let's talk about itThe COVID-19 Vaccine is Safe
It is important to understand that the COVID-19 vaccine will not give you the virus.
The COVID-19 vaccine uses a small, harmless part of the virus’s genetic material called mRNA. The vaccine teaches our body to create fake virus proteins. Then, our immune systems develop protection (or antibodies) against these proteins so we can fight the real virus that causes COVID-19 if we ever get exposed to it in the future.
Who Should Get the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for:
- All infants and toddlers between 6 and 23 months old
- Children and teens between 2 and 18 years old (especially if they have never been vaccinated before or live with a person who is at high risk of experiencing severe symptoms from COVID-19)
- All adults between 19 and 64 years old
- All adults 65 years and older
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding – the vaccine can be administered safely during any trimester of pregnancy and during breastfeeding
How to Get Tested for COVID-19
If you believe you have symptoms of COVID-19 and need to be tested, contact your primary care practitioner. You can also schedule an on-demand video visit at Bassett Healthcare Network or walk into one of Bassett’s convenient care clinics.
Common Symptoms of COVID-19
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- New loss of taste or smell
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Feeling extremely tired (fatigue)
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention if you or a loved one sick with COVID-19 begins to have trouble breathing, has a feeling of pain or pressure in the chest that won’t go away, becomes confused or has trouble waking up, or has a bluish face or lips.
What to Do if You Are Sick
If you are sick with COVID-19 or any respiratory virus, you can take the following precautions to get well and protect others:
- Stay home and away from other people.
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces.
- Manage fever and aches with over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers (but never give aspirin to children).
- Call your health provider if you are in a higher risk group or are very sick – antiviral treatment may be recommended.
Click here for more resources and information from the New York State Department of Public Health.
Schedule a COVID-19 Vaccine Today
To schedule an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine, please call your primary care practitioner at 1-800-BASSETT.
