I'm at low risk for COVID. Should I get the vaccine?

All U.S. adults are now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC has listed several benefits of getting vaccinated for otherwise low risk adults.

Low risk is not the same as no risk!

Even if you’re low risk, receiving the vaccine can help keep you even safer. Although individuals who previously had COVID-19 do develop antibodies that reduce COVID-19 risk, getting vaccinated will amplify your protection. Getting vaccinated gives you the lowest possible risk for COVID-19 infection and hospitalization. Even if you always wear masks and socially distance, receiving a vaccine will help give your immune system the necessary boost in the event that exposure to COVID-19 does occur.

Vaccines protect you AND your friends and family

Second, receiving the vaccine not only lowers your risk for COVID-19, but it also lowers the risk for everyone around you. Fully vaccinated people are less likely to spread the COVID-19 virus. 

Newfound freedom! 

The vaccines work really well, and guidelines are changing to reflect that. Getting fully vaccinated allows you to gather indoors without masks with other fully-vaccinated individuals and may also allow for travel upon presenting one’s vaccination card in the near future.

To lower risk for you and your community as well as resume certain pre-pandemic activities, low-risk individuals would strongly benefit from receiving a vaccination.

Last update: May 6, 2021, 08:20pm ET

Science review: ERS, JAB