There are a number of factors that determine how serious a disease is:  

• R0 Number:  an estimate of how many people will be infected by a person with the disease 

• Incubation Time: the time from when a person was exposed to the disease and when they first show symptoms.  People can still transmit the disease to others during this time without even knowing they are sick. 

• Hospitalization Rate: the percentage of people with the disease who will have severe illness that requires hospitalization.  

• Case Fatality Rate: the percent of people with the disease who will die of it.  

To understand how serious COVID-19 is, it can be helpful to compare it to seasonal flu based on what we currently know about COVID-19:  

Sources:  CDC, WHO, NCBI 

Information and Assistance - for older adults, persons with disabilities, and family caregivers: 415-473-INFO (415-473-4636). 

INDOORS:  Yes, since they are currently ineligible for vaccines and are therefore "unvaccinated." This requirement is subject to forthcoming CDC guidance addressing schools and youth settings. "Youth settings" include K-12 schools and child care, and also cover day camps for youth, youth sports and other youth activities, including theater and music performances and band. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is closely monitoring anticipated updates from the CDC regarding K-12 and other youth settings and will update recommendations at that time.

OUTDOORS: In general, unvaccinated children and youth do not need to wear a mask outdoors, even if they cannot maintain physical distancing. However, per CDC recommendations, in areas of substantial to high transmission, people who are not fully vaccinated are encouraged to wear a mask in crowded outdoor settings or during activities that involve sustained close contact (including high-risk contact sports) with other people who are not fully vaccinated.

Marin County issued a Public Health Order for the wearing of face coverings in workplaces and public settings on August 2, 2021. Additional information around masking and limited exemptions can be found within the Order. 

The focus of COVID-19 vaccine development has been on adults. Currently, Pfizer is approved for use for those age 12 and above. Additional COVID-19 vaccines may not be available for children and teens until more studies are completed. 

Such studies are underway in older children and are planned in younger children. COVID-19 is generally less severe in children than adults; nevertheless, the risk of severe disease in children with underlying medical conditions, and the general desire to prevent COVID-19 in children remain compelling reasons for vaccine studies in children.

Learn more about the COVID-19 Vaccine in Marin County on our vaccine information webpage.

Most people do not have serious problems after being vaccinated. This type of vaccine (i.e. mRNA vaccine) has a unique modality making it safer than many.  However, your arm may be sore, red, or warm to the touch. These symptoms usually go away on their own <72 hours. Some people report getting a headache or fever when getting a vaccine. These side effects are a sign that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do. It is working and building up protection for the disease.