It seems like every day there is evolving information about the COVID-19 vaccines.

The state of the pandemic changes daily and recommendations from government officials fluctuate as well, so it’s understandable to feel hesitant about the vaccine. With humans being creatures of habit, that can lead to confusion, anxiety and longing for comfort and answers.

While waiting for the vaccine, or waiting for more answers, it’s important to manage your stress and anxiety.

• Do your research. The more we don’t know, the more we tend to fear. Whether it’s the safety of the vaccine or the immediate side effects, be aware of what gives you the most anxiety. Turn to resources that give accurate information like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Stay up to date. Keep yourself in the loop by regularly checking credible news and decisions made about vaccines. President Biden has proposed a new rollout plan for the vaccine to be administered, but we’re still waiting to see what it will actually look like. For more information on President Biden’s rollout plan, listen to our latest podcast about the vaccine rollout plan. Try not to turn to social media or what your neighbor heard as the truth.
• Look towards officials you trust. Talk with your physician or join our COVID-19 Vaccinations webinar You’ll be able to get your medical and legal questions about the vaccines answered by doctors, a pharmacist, a nurse and a legal representative. Hearing information from credible sources (like doctors and nurses) will help ease the anxiety around the vaccine.
• Focus on the benefits. We might not know the long-term side effects yet, but so far, all the clinical trials have proven the vaccines to be safe. The vaccine will help your body form immunity against the virus, which could keep you from getting very sick with the virus if exposed.

This has been a particularly difficult year and finding ways to cope with stress because even more difficult in the colder months. If you’re finding it difficult to cope with the stress of the vaccine rollout plan, please explore your organization’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or call the National Suicide Prevention Line.

Organizations are in a constant state of change and the Kinetiq Health team supports them every step of the way. A unique formula of people, processes and technologies enables our team to keep an educated eye on the financial and clinical implications of data to move organizations toward improved financial health and employee wellbeing.