Is the Johnson & Johnson vaccine also effective? Yes! It is 72% effective in preventing you from getting moderate to severe disease, AND is 100% protective against hospitalizations and death. This vaccine only needs one shot instead of two and does not require super cold refrigeration temperatures, which provides greater access to folks who need it, such as those who live in rural areas. The J&J vaccine will help us fight COVID-19. All available vaccines are CDC authorized, safe and effective. What’s available to you is what will get us one step closer! 🙌 https://www.cdc.gov/.../different-vaccines/janssen.html https://www.instagram.com/tv/CL4W7sjgptN/

When looking at data of folks who are most impacted by COVID-19 and comparing it with data of folks who are receiving vaccinations, we can see huge racial disparities throughout. There is still racism in the medical system and there’s no doubting that. There is distrust, and no one should force Black, Hispanic, Indigenous, Asian, and POC folks to get vaccinations. If they choose to get vaccinated - white people, please do not sign yourself up to get vaccinated in neighborhoods where you do not live. Vaccination clinics only get a limited number of doses and they are strategically placed in areas to be accessible to more people, so BIPOC folks can have the opportunity to get vaccinated. Vaccines are safe and effective. To get vaccinated, you’ll need to feel comfortable about it - it’s your journey. Ask questions and talk about it, there are no wrong or stupid questions. Everyone should feel confident with their decision. We’re here with you! 💕 More info is available here: http://www.kff.org/.../latest-data-on-covid-19.../ cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

Vaccine research update! After getting your first dose of Pfizer or Moderna, the effectiveness rate is about 50%. This is why it’s important to get that second dose for a 95% effectiveness rate of protection against COVID-19. Also, can you guess how many vaccine doses have been administered so far? 👀 Check with your state government for your state’s vaccine distribution plan! For more information about vaccinations, visit CDC.gov/2019-ncov/vaccines. To track COVID-19 data, visit covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations.

If you already had COVID-19 and recovered, you still can get a vaccine! Having COVID-19 builds some immunity for a bit, we still don’t know how long of a protection that may give you. Getting vaccinated will help prevent you from getting #COVID-19 again. Check with your state government for your state’s #vaccine distribution plan! For more information about #vaccinations, visit CDC.gov/2019-ncov/vaccines.

Have you signed up for a COVID-19 vaccine yet? Thinking about getting vaccinated when it’s ready for you? 💪 Both Pfizer and Moderna require two vaccinations with 21/28 day intervals. Be aware that within a day or two after getting the vaccine, you may experience some mild side effects. Drink plenty of water! **It takes about one or two weeks for the vaccine to build protection in your body after receiving the second shot** If your symptoms persist and you get severe allergies, contact your doctor. Check with your state government for your state’s vaccine distribution plan! For more information about vaccinations, visit cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines.

The US has passed 15 million #COVID19 cases and 285K deaths... although it may feel out of our control, it is still our responsibility to continue practicing safety and preventive measures to slow the spread. A little step goes a long way! How will you celebrate your holidays this year? Doing anything special at home to make it memorable? Let’s make this one a Happy Healthy Holiday! 🕎🎄☃️💕

Deaf Senior Citizens Ruth and Win discuss strategies they have used for reducing stress, getting exercise and socializing during the COVID-19 pandemic. How do YOU self care during COVID-19? Post your strategies and tag us! #SelfCareASL Video transcript and description: youtu.be/SoYhWtoM0qc

What do you want to get back to, Massachusetts (and all of you in other states)?! When we wear a mask, keep our distance, and get tested, we can #GetBackMass! www.Mass.gov/GetBack Video description & transcript: youtu.be/b1M4K-f19j4