COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities
With the continued need for social distancing to stop the spread, you may be asking yourself, "How can I contribute without putting myself or my loved ones at risk?". Below is a list of both virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities, some directly supporting COVID-19 relief efforts. In this time of turmoil, it is now more important than ever to support your community.
NPREMA
COVID-19 Response
In these unprecedented times, it is necessary now more than ever for us to support our communities and first responders. It may seem overwhelming to know where to start, so we here at the National Pre-Medical Association have compiled resources to effectively educate ways to combat the spread of the virus, volunteer opportunities, as well as free mental health outlets for those struggling with the challenges presented by this pandemic.
NPREMA
COVID-19 Response
Vaccine
The Three COVID-19 Vaccines:
1. Pfizer-BioNTech | mRNA | 2 shots, 21 days apart (fully protected two weeks after 2nd dose)
2. Moderna | mRNA | 2 shots, 28 days apart (fully protected two weeks after 2nd dose)
3. Johnson & Johnson/ Janssen | viral vector | 1 shot (fully protected two weeks after first dose)
What’s the difference between the mRNA and viral vector?
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The mRNA (Pfizer and Moderna) is a new type of vaccine that triggers an immune response. It teaches our cells how to make the harmless part of the spike protein— the surface protein found on the virus that causes COVID-19. This then triggers our immune response.
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The viral vector is a modified version of a virus (not COVID-19) that uses our cell’s machinery to create a harmless part of the virus that causes COVID-19. Our cells then present the surface spike protein, which results in our immune system kicking in (antibodies being created and other immune cells being activated.)
What’s the similarities between the vaccines?
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All three vaccines work by training our immune systems to recognize and then fight off the virus when it is sensed in the body. After receiving the vaccine it takes about two weeks for the body to build up immunity against the virus, thus the person is not fully protected until the immunity has been built, and can potentially develop COVID-19 before or just after getting the vaccination.
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Studies have shown that these three vaccines are effective in protecting yourself from developing COVID-19 and aids in reducing the symptoms and severity if one were to develop the virus.
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The common side effects of all three vaccines are pain, redness, or potential swelling at injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pains, chills, fever or nausea.
Availability:
Supply is currently limited and only available to a specific group of individuals, but will soon be available to everyone to sign up on May 1
Those eligible:
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healthcare workers
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residents and workers of long-term care and high-risk congregate care facilities
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first responders
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individuals over 65
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individuals aged 16-64 with certain health conditions that increase the risk of severe illness from COVID-19
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Pre-K- 12 educators and staff childcare workers in licensed and registered settings
COVID-19
Stop the Spread
Hand Hygiene
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Wash hands regularly:
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before eating or preparing foods
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before touching face
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after using restrooms
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after leaving public facilities
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after coughing, sneezing, blowing nose
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after caring for a sick person
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Face Coverings
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Cloth face covering should be worn in public settings by everyone over the age of 2 yrs
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N95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers
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The face covering, when worn properly, should cover both the nose and mouth completely
Contact with Others
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Practice social distancing, keeping a distance from others, especially those you may suspect to be sick
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Keep 6 feet of distance between yourself and others
Clean and Disinfect
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Be sure to clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces such as:
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door knobs
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light switches
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railings
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To properly disinfect, you must:
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Clean with soap and water
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Wipe with disinfectant
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COVID-19
Volunteer Opportunities
With the continued need for social distancing to stop the spread, you may be asking yourself, "How can I contribute without putting myself or my loved ones at risk?" Below is a list of both virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities, some directly supporting COVID-19 relief efforts. In this time of turmoil, it is now more important than ever to support your community.
Hope for New York
A non-profit organization who's mission statement states "to mobilize volunteer and financial resources to support non-profit organizations serving the poor and marginalized in New York City." This organization compiles various volunteer opportunities all over New York City, and has put together a COVID focused volunteer page, detailing both in-person and virtual opportunities.
America Red Cross
The sudden onset of COVID-19 has not changed the need for blood donations. American Red Cross is running their usual blood drives nationwide, and is offering free COVID-19 antibody tests with each donation. They also offer opportunities to volunteer with the group directly.
NYC Sevice
NYC Service is a city government run organization that compiles various volunteer opportunities in the NYC metro area. They have put together a COVID-19 specific page, and offer email newsletters to keep you up to date on the most recent opportunities.
VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch is a "Indeed-like" web service, except instead of finding jobs, finds you volunteer opportunities in your local community. They offer both onsite and online opportunities.
Californians for All
A state government run service compiling various COVID-19 related volunteer opportunities all across the state.
National & Community Service
National & Community Service is a federal program run by the Americorps and Senior Corps programs to inform the public of ways to give back to their community. They have compiled 10 ways to easily and safely contribute.
Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance
The Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance has a mission of ending homelessness through outcome based programs and education. A pandemic will not halt their efforts, and they need volunteers and donations to continue their efforts.
COVID-19 Volunteer Opportunities
New York Cares
New York Cares is a non-profit organization partnering with over 1,350 nonprofits and schools across all five boroughs. They have put together volunteer opportunities specific to aiding in COVID-19 relief.
New York Cares COVID-19 Response
Food Bank NYC
Food Bank NYC has been working to end food poverty in the five boroughs for the last 35 years. This pandemic has made it harder than ever for those in need to access food and resources. Help them continue the fight against hunger.
Boston Cares
Much like New York Cares, Boston Cares is a Boston based organization that has been partnering with schools and nonprofits for the past 29 years. Serving over 70,000 hours per year, they need your help now more than ever to serve those most impacted by COVID-19.