I Got My COVID-19 Vaccine!: Amanda Atwill, DENSO Manufacturing Arkansas
As DENSO associates become eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, some of them are gracious enough to share their stories. We are kicking off this series with Amanda, Advanced Occupational Nurse at DENSO Manufacturing Arkansas.
What would you tell others about getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
Do your homework on the mRNA vaccine. I spoke to several peers in the medical field to gain the knowledge I needed to make an informed decision about taking the vaccine. I encourage everyone considering the vaccine to do the same. It offers peace of mind and gives you the knowledge to offer reassurance to others. No matter what you decide, we are all in this together. We have to work hard to beat COVID-19 with whatever tools we have access to. Be a mask wearer, practice social distancing, wash those hands and get in line for your vaccine!
How was your vaccination experience?
No problems at all after my first vaccine in late January. My arm was not even sore! After my second dose I had a dull headache at bedtime. The next day I was just a little achy; like the ache after a good workout. The day after that, I was good to go!
Why did you choose to get the vaccine?
My mother is in her 70’s, I have three beautiful grandbabies and our family is large. We get together often. As a health care provider I felt led to protect my family from risk due to the potential exposure I have on a daily basis. And not just that, I am ready for this mess to be over! I miss seeing people smile!
DENSO North America
Weekly COVID-19 Case Update
This week, 41 positive COVID-19 diagnoses were reported at DENSO affiliates in North America. This brings our total to 2,801 positive diagnoses throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States (U.S.).
Following local investigations into cases at DENSO facilities this week, most were classified as community spread (household, gatherings, travel, etc.). In Mexico, one case was designated as “unable to determine.”
Country | This Week’s Cases | Total Positive Diagnosis | Number of Deaths | Exposed in Community | Exposed at DENSO | Unable to Determine | Under Investigation |
US | 24 | 1543 | 4 | 1521 | 14 | 8 | 0 |
MX | 17 | 1253 | 4 | 1182 | 44 | 27 | 0 |
CN | 0 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
NA TOTALS | 41 | 2801 | 8 | 2708 | 58 | 35 | 0 |
Exposed in Community – transmission attributed to community or home
Exposed at DENSO – transmission attributed to DENSO site contact
Unable to Determine – cannot confidently determine the source of exposure after thorough investigation (may have been exposed outside or inside of work)
Under Investigation – investigation is on-going both internally as well as with county health departments
COVID-19 Vaccine: If I had COVID-19 do I need to get vaccinated?
Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, vaccine should be offered to you regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection. Current evidence suggests that reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is uncommon in the 90 days, but experts don’t know for sure how long this protection lasts.
Let’s Learn Together: How long does natural immunity last?
At this time, experts do not know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. The immunity someone gains from having an infection, called natural immunity, varies from person to person. Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long.
We won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines work.
Both natural immunity and vaccine-induced immunity are important aspects of COVID-19 that experts are trying to learn more about, and CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.