OMAHA, Neb. — The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has released a smartphone-based tool for individuals to track any symptoms related to COVID-19 vaccinations. The app is called "V-Safe" and the CDC wants as many people as possible to report their symptoms to track patterns and collect data.
However, many of the people in group 1B of vaccinations, that's those over the age of 65, don't have smartphones and are finding it difficult to use.
The application requires individuals to go online on their smartphones. Individuals then provide a phone number and receive text messages with further instructions on reporting symptoms.
"It only works for smartphones...some people just don't have that," Senior Epidemiologist with the Douglas County Health Department Anne O'Keefe said.
The Douglas County Health Department recommends using the Federal Food and Drug Administration's Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) for those without access to a smartphone wanting to report symptoms. Healthcare providers can also report your symptoms to the CDC.
Minor symptoms after getting the COVID-19 vaccine include a sore arm, fatigue and a slight fever for 24 hours.