Concerns about COVID-19 have decreased since the initial height of the pandemic, but time (and science) has shown that the fight against the virus is not over. COVID-19 is a yearlong concern, with more precautions needed during the general Flu season, due to concerns of falling ill are greater in the Fall and Winter months, and people spend more time inside. 

Getting a flu shot every year is a great way to protect yourself from the flu. Yes, you may still end up getting the flu, but the side effects of the infection will be lessened with the support of the vaccine, and with COVID-19 it’s the same thing. 

Each year, along with your flu shot, you should get a COVID-19 shot. Just like the flu, you can still end up getting COVID-19, but the side effects of getting sick will be severely reduced. The vaccine is your body’s best means of protection. Since COVID-19 effects everyone differently, side effects have truly been a mixed bag. So, taking precautions such as getting the vaccine are suggested to prevent from worsening current health issues and/or developing new ones. 

You may never have gotten COVID-19, or maybe you got it multiple times, either way, you know the negative impact the virus can have on your health. From permanent bodily changes to hospital visits, COVID-19 is not a gamble you want to make, and getting a vaccine every year is the one way to protect yourself. 

The vaccine has changed a lot since 2020. It’s no longer the same as before, because the virus has changed so many times. Every year, the COVID-19 vaccine is updated to protect you with the latest information. This means a vaccine is required annually to protect you from the latest virus. Since the vaccine has changed, there has been lots of misinformation going around. We know that it can be challenging to keep up on the latest vaccine news, so here are a few myths about the newest COVID-19 vaccine that we want to correct. 

Myth 1: The pandemic is over. I don’t need to get vaccinated. 

Fact: Yes, the lockdown and the state's health emergency status has ended, but threat of COVID-19 has not. 

Myth 2: I got a vaccine last year (or the year before), I don’t need another booster 

Fact: The COVID-19 virus continues to evolve. The strand going around now is not the same as the Omicron or any other variant. The newest strand is called JN.1. Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer a booster like the way it was in the past. An annual shot is just like the flu shot and will keep you protected no matter how many ‘boosters’ you have had. 

Myth 3: If I get the COVID-19 vaccine, I will get sick. 

Fact: This is not a guarantee. The vaccine does not contain the live virus, rather a blueprint of it. When this happens, the contents of the vaccine mimic the virus, enters the immune system, and basically trains your body to know how to tackle it, if it ever encounters that virus again. If you do start to feel sick or become tired afterwards, that is just a side effect of your body working hard to protect you. 

Myth 4: Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is difficult and expensive. 

Fact: You can get a COVID-19 vaccine for free! Apicha is hosting a free vaccine clinic in Queens every Thursday. 

How Can Apicha Help Me? 

Apicha is offering a free weekly vaccination clinic until the end of March. Every Thursday our team will be providing Flu and COVID-19 booster shots at no cost. Our vaccination clinic happens every Thursday at our Jackson Heights, Queens location. Clinic hours are 10AM- 12 PM and 2- 4PM. 

Did you know? We’re flexible! So, you can call ahead to make an appointment or just walk in. We’ll treat you either way. However, we do have a few requirements for you to receive the vaccine(s). 

Eligible patients must be both uninsured and over the age of 18. 

If you are visiting one of our facilities and need a mask, free ones are available on all clinic floors. 

If you are unable to travel to our facility, you can find another vaccine provider throughout the city. 

If you feel sick, please stay at home and consult your medical provider. 

If you test positive for COVID-19, please isolate yourself at home for at least 5 days.