Attention Academic Magnet Raptors! For all students ages 16 and up, you are able to receive the Pfitzer vaccine. It is so important to take this opportunity not only for yourself, but for the safety of everyone else around you. The best way for you the get vaccinated to to either call Roper or MUSC to book a drive through appointment. Before you get the vaccine, or make assumptions of what you can do after being vaccinated, here is what you need to know:

1. There will be side effects. With Pfitzer, the most common side effect after the first dose is a sore arm. For most people, that only lasts about 24-48 hours. The second dose is when the more severe side effects occur. This commonly includes fever, chills, headaches, and overall body fatigue. Because of this, I would recommend trying to get your second dose on either a Friday or before a school break in order for you to have time to recover.
2. Eat and drink water before your vaccine. If you are someone that gets nervous with needles and shots in general, it helps to have a snack and water beforehand.
3. Exercise your arm after getting vaccinated. This movement will help with the soreness.
4. This vaccine will not prevent you from catching COVID-19. The purpose of any vaccine is to help you build immunity to a virus. In this case, this vaccine is an mRNA vaccine, which contains genetic material from the corona virus.When you are building immunity to the virus, it means that the symptoms will either not affect or you will not die from them. Many people believe that this vaccine will prevent from catching the virus. However, it does not, and it id important to understand the basic idea of how the vaccine works.
5. Once you have received both doses, it does not mean everything goes back to normal for you. You can still carry the COVID-19 disease. The purpose of this vaccine is not to eliminate the virus, but to ensure that you do not die from the symptoms. However, you can still carry it and infect others who are still vulnerable. You can hang out with others who are vaccinated without a mask. But when you go out in public, please make sure you have one on.
6. Krispy Kreme donuts! Krispy Kreme has announced that they would give one free glazed donut everyday to those who are vaccinated. Once you have received your vaccination card, show up to your local Krispy Kreme and snag yourself a glazed treat.

So now that you know more about the COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine, it is time for you to call and make your appointment. It is extremely important for this step to be taken so that we can slowly get closer to life returning back to normal.