Arm Yourself: Dr. Correia’s COVID-19 Story

A message from Dr. Carlos Correia, Southcoast Physicians Group Family Medicine, Fall River, on how to arm yourself against COVID-19.

We have all been affected by this pandemic personally and professionally. As a doctor I have unfortunately seen some of my patients die from it. As a husband and father, I have been concerned for my family’s safety and have had to put off vacationing to my homeland for two years. Fortunately, with our state-of-the-art technology, we have been able to come up with vaccines that are safe and very effective in preventing severe disease and death from COVID.

Yes, if vaccinated, you can still contract the virus; the vaccine is not a force field, but it gets your body ready to fight it. I am happy to say that not only am I vaccinated (for more than 7 months now), but so is my wife, all my children, all my siblings and their spouses, and all their children and grandchildren who are over 12 years old. It is safe, or I would not have highly recommended it – without hesitation – to my family members.

Now with the Delta variant – which is much more contagious and spreading rapidly – it is extremely important that we all (anyone over 12 years old) get vaccinated to protect our youngest children. No one is immune from getting severe disease and dying. COVID-19 is a very unpredictable disease.

Unfortunately, many young unvaccinated people are getting very sick and dying with this new surge. And the saddest thing is that it can be prevented! Unlike most other countries of the world, which have a low supply, we have enough vaccine in this country for everyone.

So, please, pull up your sleeve and get vaccinated. Do it for yourself, your family, your neighbor, your co-workers, and your fellow human beings. We are all in this together.

Arm Yourself

We are at a crucial moment in human history, and our actions today will help shape the future for so many. Arm yourself with the facts to make an informed decision. Visit www.southcoast.org/covid-19-vaccination to find upcoming vaccination opportunities at Southcoast Health, and please speak to your medical provider if you have questions or concerns. You can also find other places to get vaccinated at www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-vaccination-locations. Have a vaccination story to share? Comment or message us.

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READ MORE STORIES FROM PROVIDERS AND THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH COVID-19.