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If I’m young and healthy, why do I need the COVID vaccine?

Health care workers answer questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

Shaquita Bell, MD explains that anyone, at any age, can get sick from COVID and vaccines offer your best defense to staying healthy.

I say the coronavirus does not care whether you’re healthy or not. We are all susceptible to being infected by the coronavirus. The best way to stay healthy is to prevent getting an infection. And that’s why we recommend COVID vaccine and all vaccines to prevent infection.

I think it’s great that you haven’t been sick. I really am thankful and I am thankful that I haven’t gotten sick either. Part of the reason why I haven’t gotten sick despite seeing patients every day, 20, 40 patients a day, and many of whom have coronavirus is because I’ve been vaccinated.

As the world begins to open back up and people start taking their masks off and returning to their day-to-day activities, coronavirus will continue to spread in people who are unvaccinated until we are able to get rid of the infection and the only way we can get rid of the infection is if we’re all vaccinated.

This information is shared for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. The views expressed are those of the featured medical professional and reflect information available to that professional at time of filming. Always consult a health care provider for any personal health decisions. Click here for vaccine FAQs from the CDC.

Stay up to date with your COVID vaccine, including boosters!

COVID vaccines are safe and effective for everyone ages 6 months and older.

Immunity wanes over time. Keep up your protection against COVID by getting boosted when eligible.

Updated boosters are available for adults and children 6 months and older. 

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