COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

We’ve compiled the following comprehensive list of common questions. It is not intended to be individual medical advice. If you have questions specific to your situation, contact your health care provider.

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For shorter overviews about COVID-19 vaccination, read our fact sheet in English and Spanish. Have a general question not addressed here? Email it to us at webmaster@interactforhealth.org.  

Last updated:  Oct. 7, 2022

Safety/Side Effects

• What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine?

  Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859

  COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications and lead to death in some people. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. If you get COVID-19, you could spread the disease to family, friends and others around you. 

  Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body without your having to become sick with COVID-19.

  A COVID-19 vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19. Or, if you get COVID-19, the vaccine might keep you from becoming seriously ill or from developing serious complications.

  Getting vaccinated also might help protect people around you from COVID-19, particularly people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.

• How do we know a COVID-19 vaccine is safe?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/

  The U.S. has a long history of assuring vaccines are safe through the use of specific, detailed and time-tested protocols. Before any new vaccine is brought to market, it has been given to thousands of people under stringent monitoring for safety. Sometimes, very rare side effects are recognized only after the vaccine is licensed because they occur so infrequently, but such side effects are very rare and must be weighed against the good the vaccine will do.

• How did the process for approving a vaccine move so quickly?

  Source: https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/vaccines/vaccines-faq

  Traditionally, it has taken many years to develop a vaccine, confirm its safety and efficacy, and manufacture the vaccine in sufficient quantities for public use. This timeline was substantially shortened for COVID-19 vaccines. There are several ways this was possible. First, some clinical trials combined phases 1 and 2 to assess safety and the immune responses. Second, because of the high number of new cases of COVID-19 in many places, differences in disease risk between those who received the vaccine and those who received the placebo or comparison vaccine were measured more quickly than in the absence of a pandemic. Third, the United States government and others heavily invested in building the manufacturing capacity to produce large numbers of vaccine doses before the findings of the phase 3 trials are available. Typically, vaccine manufacturers wait until the phase 3 trial is completed and shows safety and efficacy before making such a large investment in manufacturing capacity. None of these factors that contribute to the accelerated development of a vaccine for COVID-19 imply that safety, scientific or ethical integrity were compromised, or that short-cuts were made.

• What kind of reaction will I have to the vaccine?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/

  Severe side effects for the COVID-19 vaccine are extremely rare. When minor side effects occur, they are a normal sign your body is building protection to the virus, and most go away within a few days. These include soreness in the arm, fatigue, headache or a slight fever that lasts a day or two. If you have questions about whether the vaccine is safe for you, you should talk to your health care provider.

• What is the risk of having an adverse reaction to the vaccine?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html

  The risk of a medically significant adverse reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine is extremely low and the CDC and FDA are closely monitoring the safety of all approved vaccines. It’s important to distinguish between mild and expected reactions, like some soreness in the arm, fatigue, headache or a slight fever that lasts a day or two, and medically significant reactions, which are very rare. Cases of anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction) were occurring between 2 and 5 times for every 1 million COVID-19 vaccine doses. Cases of myocarditis have also been reported in some instances, particularly for teen and young adult men. Risks of contracting COVID-19 are still greater than myocarditis, experts note. 

  If you have a question about whether the vaccine is safe for you, talk to your health care provider.

• How long after I get vaccinated will I experience side effects?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html

  Allergic reactions, which can be severe, typically happen within 15 minutes of vaccinations. Feelings of light-headedness and/or fainting, which are possible, also typically occur within 15 minutes of vaccination. For this reason, the CDC recommends that people be observed by health care personnel for 15 minutes after getting vaccinated. Side effects like sore arm, fatigue and headache are most common the day after vaccination, but most often occur 1 to 3 days after vaccination.

• Can people who have had allergic reactions to vaccines in the past get the COVID-19 vaccine?

  Source: https://acaai.org/news/acaai-updates-guidance-risk-allergic-reactions-covid-19-vaccines

  The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends the following:

  • Anyone receiving the vaccine should be asked if he/she has a history of a severe allergic reaction to any prior vaccine. If the answer is yes, individuals should be referred to an allergist/immunologist for further evaluation prior to COVID-19 vaccination.
  • According to the CDC, if you have had a severe or an immediate allergic reaction of any severity within 4 hours after getting the first COVID-19 shot, you should not additional doses of that vaccine. Talk with your healthcare provider to see if additional doses of another type of vaccine may be given.
  • Additionally, patients who experience a severe or an immediate allergic reaction of any severity (hives, swelling, wheezing) or who have questions related to risk of an allergic reaction, may be referred to an allergist/immunologist to provide more care or advice.
  • People who have had allergic reactions should receive the COVID-19 vaccine in a health care setting where anaphylaxis can be treated and be observed for at least 15-30 minutes after injection to monitor for any adverse reaction.
  • The mRNA (Pfizer, Moderna) and adenovirus vector (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines should not be administered to individuals with a known history of a severe allergic reaction to any component of a particular vaccine.

• I heard the vaccine can cause paralysis. Is that true?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/

  Severe side effects for the COVID-19 vaccine are extremely rare. 

  On July 12, 2021, the Food and Drug Administration announced it is adding a warning label to the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, noting increased risk of a rare neurological syndrome called Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can cause paralysis. The new warning label is based on preliminary data, after about 100 reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome were detected in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, out of more than 12.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine administered.

  The CDC continues to advise that everyone 5 years of age and older receive a COVID-19 vaccine. The risk of severe adverse events after any COVID-19 vaccination remains rare, far lower than adverse health outcomes associated with contracting COVID-19.

  The CDC and FDA will continue to provide monitoring and treatment information to health care providers and vaccine recipients. 

  If you have questions about whether the vaccine is safe for you, you should talk to your health care provider.

• How much testing of the vaccine was there on people of color?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/ and https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/resources/general-resources/frequently-asked-questions+covid-19-vaccine

  Everyone is susceptible to infection by the coronavirus. Therefore, it’s important to have diversity among participants in clinical trials that measure a potential vaccine’s safety and effectiveness. Safety and effectiveness for all groups of people is particularly important for a COVID-19 vaccine because of the virus’s disproportionate impact on people of color, people with underlying medical conditions and the elderly. A vaccine that is not sufficiently tested in a diverse clinical trial pool could lead to unexpected effects that didn’t appear in a trial with a more general population.

  Approximately 42% of participants in Pfizer BioNTech’s worldwide clinical trials, and 37% of the Moderna study population were from communities of color, which is similar to the diversity of the U.S. at large.

• What is the difference between emergency use authorization and ‘normal’ authorization?

  Source: https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/public_health/COVID19-Vaccine-FAQs.pdf

  Emergency use authorization is a process by which the FDA can authorize use of a medication or vaccine with less data if the benefit of the vaccine has been shown to outweigh the risk. EUAs can be issued only during a declared emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccines issued an EUA will continue to be studied and have additional safety monitoring and informed consent and education associated with them.

• How were the vaccines approved without meeting the minimum FDA testing period requirements?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/vaccine-benefits.html

  COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly, but routine processes and procedures remained in place to ensure safety. The Pfizer vaccine was granted full FDA approval in August 2021 and the Moderna vaccine in February 2022. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the Novavax vaccine are still licensed under an Emergency Use Authorization. 

• I’m suspicious of the technology used to make the vaccine. It’s like something from science fiction.

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html

  The COVID-19 vaccines were rigorously tested for safety before being authorized for use in the U.S. While the technology in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, mRNA, is new, it is not unknown and has been studied for more than a decade.

• Are there any pre-existing conditions that would prevent someone from receiving the vaccine?

  Source: https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/public_health/COVID19-Vaccine-FAQs.pdf

  • Anyone who has a fever or other symptoms may not be able to get the vaccine until their symptoms resolve. This includes those who have symptoms or are positive for COVID-19.
  • People with documented anaphylactic reactions to vaccines and individuals with a known allergy to any of the vaccine components should not be immunized.

• Are there any conditions that would cause someone to delay receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/downloads/pre-vaccination-screening-form.pdf

  In some instances, a person may need to wait to be vaccinated for COVID-19. These include:

  • People who are moderately or acutely ill with something other than COVID-19. People who have mild respiratory symptoms (I.e. head cold, diarrhea) can still be vaccinated. People who are taking antibiotics but are not currently feeling ill can be vaccinated, too.
  • More specific circumstances should be discussed with your health care provider.

• If someone has a severe reaction to COVID-19 vaccine, does it show that they had the virus in the past?

  Source: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/should-i-get-the-vaccine-if-ive-already-had-covid-19-and-would-my-side-effects-be-worse/

  There’s currently no evidence that having had COVID-19 would make you more or less likely to experience side effects from the vaccine.

• Are women more likely to experience side effects from the vaccine?

  Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/02/well/live/covid-vaccine-side-effects-faq.html

  An analysis from the first 13.7 million COVID-19 vaccine doses given to Americans found that side effects were more common in women. And while severe reactions to the COVID-19 vaccine are rare, nearly all the cases of anaphylaxis, or life-threatening allergic reactions, occurred in women.

  The finding that women are more likely to report and experience unpleasant side effects to the COVID-19 vaccine is consistent with other vaccines as well.

• If I get a fever after getting vaccinated for COVID-19, should I stay home?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/post-vaccine-considerations-healthcare-personnel.html

  While fever is a common side effect of COVID-19 vaccination, it can be a sign of another illness. Therefore, people with fever are encouraged to stay home if they can.

• I have a rash where I got vaccinated. Should I be concerned?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html

  Some people have experienced a red, itchy, swollen or painful rash in the arm where they got the COVID-19 vaccine. These rashes can start a few days to more than a week after the first shot and are sometimes quite large. These rashes are also known as “COVID arm.” If you experience a rash after getting the first shot and you are getting a two-dose vaccine, you should still get the second shot at the recommended interval, but you may want to get the second shot in the opposite arm. If the rash is itchy, you can take an antihistamine. If it is painful, you can take a pain medication like acetaminophen or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

• I’ve heard that some people have swollen lymph nodes after vaccination. Should I be concerned about that?

  Source: https://newsroom.clevelandclinic.org/2021/03/03/why-lymph-nodes-may-swell-after-covid-19-vaccine/ and https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/01/health/covid-vaccine-lymph-nodes.html

  A small number of people have reported swollen lymph nodes about two to four days after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. The swelling is almost always on the side of the body in which the person was vaccinated and goes away within a couple of weeks. The swelling may show up on imaging scans, including mammograms. Some experts suggest waiting a few weeks after COVID-19 vaccination to schedule imaging, including mammograms. Others recommend telling the provider about your recent COVID-19 vaccination and working with him/her to follow up as needed if swollen lymph nodes are detected.

• Can I drink alcohol after getting the vaccine?

  Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/04/27/well/eat/alcohol-covid-vaccine.html?campaign_id=9&emc=edit_nn_20210427&instance_id=29789&nl=the-morning&regi_id=85745616&segment_id=56580&te=1&user_id=61a25962e6fb1ae7031f727218e642ef

  Experts believe that having an alcoholic drink or two after getting the COVID-19 vaccine will not impact your immune response; however, moderate or heavy drinking (more than 2 drinks) could interfere with the immune response.

• How long does someone shed the vaccine?

  Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/04/27/fact-check-exposure-vaccinated-person-wont-cause-miscarriage/7303796002/

  There is no evidence that the COVID-19 vaccine affects other individuals. Only the person who received the vaccine is affected by it.

• I haven’t had any side effects after the vaccine. Does that mean it's not working?

  Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/well/covid-vaccine-questions.html

  Just as some people experience side effects from medications and some don’t, people have varied reactions to vaccines. While we tend to hear only about the unpleasant reactions after the vaccine, a lot of people experience only mild discomfort or no symptoms at all after getting the shot.

• I heard a nurse say she would not get the vaccine. If health care workers are not getting, why should I?

  Source: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2020/12/08/health-care-workers-can-decline-a-covid-19-shot-for-now and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

  Some health care workers are skeptical about the vaccine. They have concerns about the technology and the speed at which it was developed—the same issues that many in the community wonder about. It’s important to note that all the COVID-19 vaccines being used have gone through rigorous studies to ensure they are as safe as possible. Systems that allow CDC to watch for safety issues are in place across the entire country.

• Are there any side effects that are different between races?

  Source: https://www.fda.gov/media/144434/download

  Clinical trial data for the vaccines did not find specific safety concerns by age, race, ethnicity, chronic health conditions or prior coronavirus infection.

• There have been reports that the vaccine may be related to cases of Bell's Palsey--are there any other long lasting side effects related to the vaccine?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/

  Severe side effects for the COVID-19 vaccine are extremely rare. When minor side effects occur, they are a normal sign your body is building protection to the virus, and most go away within a few days. There is no definitive link between the vaccine and paralysis, a symptom of Bell’s Palsey. If you have questions about whether the vaccine is safe for you, you should talk to your health care provider.

• If I or someone in my family has a severe reaction to the COVID-19 vaccine, what should we do?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html and https://www.hrsa.gov/cicp/faq#covid

  If someone has a severe allergic reaction after getting vaccinated, their provider will send a report to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, the national system that collects reports from health care professionals, vaccine manufacturers and the public about adverse events that happen after vaccination. Reports of adverse events that are unexpected, appear to happen more often than expected or have unusual patterns are followed up with specific studies.

  Benefits for those who have serious physical injury as a direct result of the COVID-19 vaccine may be available through the federal Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program within one year. Individuals or their family members must make a claim within one year and provide proof that a qualified injury was directly caused by the vaccine.

• How do we know the vaccine is safe long-term?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/safety-of-vaccines.html

  Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely unlikely following any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccination.

Supply/Demand

• How are the vaccines being distributed?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/

  The federal government allocates doses of approved vaccines to states for distribution.

• Can any pharmacy, clinic or hospital offer the COVID-19 vaccine?

  Source: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/vaccine

  To receive and administer the COVID-19 vaccine and supplies, providers must enroll in a federal vaccine distribution program, coordinated through the state immunization program (unless they are part of a national chain that registered directly with the CDC). The federal government will procure and distribute the vaccine at no cost to enrolled providers. Note that some providers, i.e. pharmacists, may not be able to vaccinate young children. Please check in advance. 

• If I’ve already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I need vaccine?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html and https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html

  Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection.  If you were treated for COVID-19 symptoms with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should also wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your health care provider if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

• If I receive a first vaccine dose, how will I know when to get the second dose?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/ and https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html

  Most providers will notify you when it’s time to schedule your second dose. If you don’t hear, check with the provider who gave you your first dose.

• Do I need a booster shot?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/

  On Sept. 1, 2022, the CDC issued new recommendations for COVID-19 boosters, after the FDA authorized updated booster formulas from both Pfizer and Moderna. The CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible stay up-to-date on vaccinations by getting an updated booster dose at least 2 months after their last COVID-19 shot—either since their last booster dose, or since completing their primary series. Pfizer’s updated booster shot is recommended for individuals 12 and older, and Moderna’s updated booster shot is recommended for adults 18 and older. 

  These new boosters contain an updated bivalent formula that both boosts immunity against the original coronavirus strain and also protects against the newer Omicron variants that account for most of the current cases. Updated boosters are intended to provide optimal protection against the virus and address waning vaccine effectiveness over time.

  Eligible individuals can get either the Pfizer or Moderna updated booster, regardless of whether their primary series or most recent dose was with Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, or the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

  As per the CDC’s recommendations, the new bivalent booster replaces the existing monovalent vaccine booster, therefore that vaccine will no longer be authorized for use as booster doses in people age 12 and up. 

  The emergence of the Omicron variant and subvariant underscores the importance of vaccination, boosters, and preventive efforts to protect against COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. CDC recommendations on booster doses are based on the latest data, which show that booster doses significantly increase protection from the Omicron variant, with the goal of ensuring that people have optimal protection against COVID-19 infection, severe illness, and death.

  The vaccines work. The COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. CDC data show that in August 2021, the risk of dying from COVID-19 in the U.S. was more than 21 times greater for unvaccinated people than for fully vaccinated people. However, scientists are starting to see reduced protection against mild and moderate disease, especially among certain populations. CDC’s latest guidance is in response to this waning of the efficacy and the recent emergence of the Omicron variant.

• Could you discuss the differences between the vaccines?

  Source: https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/public_health/COVID19-Vaccine-FAQs.pdf and https://khn.org/news/article/when-your-chance-for-a-covid-shot-comes-dont-worry-about-the-numbers/ and https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2021/02/28/johnson-and-johnson-covid-vaccine/ and https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html

  Three vaccines are currently licensed: One developed by Pfizer/BioNTech, one by Moderna and one by Johnson & Johnson. Having different types of vaccines available for use, especially ones with different storage and handling requirements and dosing recommendations, can offer more options and flexibility for jurisdictions and vaccine providers. 

  The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines that have a piece of mRNA specific for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein. They have similar efficacy and safety profiles.  

  The main differences between the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines include the ages of individuals eligible to get the vaccines, the length of time between doses, the requirements for storage and the preparation of the vaccine. The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have also received full approval from the FDA.

  Johnson & Johnson is an adenovirus vector vaccine.  

  In clinical trials, people reported fewer and milder side effects from the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. 

  The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is easier to administer as well—it only requires one dose and can be stored in regular refrigerators. Unused doses have a longer shelf life as well. Use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was paused in April 2021 while federal health officials investigated a small number of blood clots reported after vaccination. A panel of experts decided that the benefits of the vaccine outweighed the risks and cleared it for use again.   
  
  On July 19, 2022, the CDC updated its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations, approving the Novavax vaccine for emergency use authorization for adults 18 years and older. Novavax is a two-dose, protein-based COVID-19 vaccine that is currently being used in more than 40 countries and has been authorized by the European Union and the World Health Organization.

  Novavax will now be the fourth COVID-19 vaccine available in the U.S., in addition to Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. As a protein-based vaccine, Novavax is another option for people who are allergic to one of the components in a mRNA or viral-vector vaccine. The vaccine is currently authorized as a primary series only, and not as a booster dose.

• Is one manufacturer's vaccine better than another?

  Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/29/health/Covid-vaccine-explainer.html

  The most crucial piece of data about a vaccine is its ability to prevent severe illness and death; and all vaccines approved for use in the U.S. meet similar standards for severe illness/death. Comparing how well vaccines prevent mild illness is more difficult, experts caution, because the vaccine trials were done during different timeframes and in different parts of the world, meaning that the amount of virus circulating and the variants were different. A final factor is distribution of the vaccine, some require only one dose and can be stored at regular temperatures, while other require multiple doses and extreme cold storage.

• Who is at risk for the blood clotting disorder associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/

  Data show an overall rate of 3.23 cases of the blood clotting disorder per 1 million Johnson & Johnson doses administered, and the onset of symptoms for the individuals typically occurred one to two weeks after getting the vaccine. Risk varies by age and gender, but data show that the risk of developing a rare blood clotting disorder after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is highest for women age 30-49. Most people should get a Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, with the use of Johnson & Johnson limited to adults age 18 and older in instances where other vaccines are not accessible or clinically inappropriate.

• If a vaccine requires more than one dose or a booster, can they be from different manufacturers?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html

  Initial doses of the vaccine requiring two doses (Pfizer/BioNTech, Moderna and Novavax) should be from the same manufacturer when possible. The CDC’s clinical guidance advises people to get the same booster as their initial vaccine, but allows people to mix and match (i.e. get a different COVID-19 booster than their initial vaccine) if they have a different preference.

• How can I keep myself safe while getting vaccinated?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/expect.html

  When going to get vaccinated, be sure to take the following precautions:

  • If you think you have COVID-19, notify the health care provider before your visit and follow their instructions.
  • You and your health care provider will both need to wear a mask.
  • Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Stay at least 6 feet away from others while inside and in lines.

• Can I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’ve had another vaccine or am scheduled to get another vaccine soon?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/clinical-considerations/covid-19-vaccines-us.html

  Yes. 

How vaccine works

• How will a COVID-19 vaccine work in my body?

  Source: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/vaccine

  The COVID-19 vaccine teaches your immune system to recognize the coronavirus. When you get the vaccine, your immune system makes antibodies (“fighter cells”) that stay in your blood and protect you in case you are infected with the virus. You get protection against the disease without having to get sick.

  When enough people in the community can fight off the coronavirus, it has nowhere to go.

• Are the current vaccines effective against variants?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/ufaqs/am-i-permanently-immune-after-getting-vaccinated/

  Yes. While COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective, no vaccine provides 100% immunity. Because this is a new virus, scientists and medical experts continue to monitor how long immunity lasts, whether some groups may need additional doses, and how well the vaccines protect against new variants of the virus. Vaccinated people experience breakthrough cases, but they are much more likely to have milder symptoms than unvaccinated people with COVID-19. Unvaccinated people continue to account for the vast majority of severe cases, hospitalizations, and deaths from COVID-19. 

• How do they know the amount of dosage my body needs?

  Source: https://www.chop.edu/centers-programs/vaccine-education-center/vaccine-schedule/other-schedule-issues and https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/covid-19-vaccines-for-kids/art-20513332

  When authorizing vaccines, age is more important than weight. The PfizerBioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 through 11 contains a lower dose (10 micrograms) than the vaccine used for older children and adults (30 micrograms). This dose was shown in clinical trials to provide a sufficient immune response in school-aged kids Smaller needles are being used to deliver the vaccine to children ages 5 through 11.

  Immune cells, called T cells and B cells, must be able to recognize the component of the vaccine, so that if a person comes into contact with that virus or bacteria again, these educated cells can become active and protect the person from an infection. Since these cells are present throughout the body, they are usually educated near where the vaccine is given and then the cells, not the vaccines, travel throughout the body.

• Do you have to have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident to receive the vaccine?

  Source: https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/covid19/Cv19VaccineFAskedQ.pdf

  No, all vaccine sites are open to anyone within the priority groups regardless of country, state or county of residence. 

• Do I need to get tested for COVID-19 before receiving either dose of vaccine?

  Source: https://health.ri.gov/publications/frequentlyaskedquestions/COVID19-Vaccine.pdf

  No, you do not need to get tested for COVID-19 prior to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. If you are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 or have known current COVID-19 infection, you should not get vaccine until after you have completed your isolation requirements. This recommendation applies to persons who develop COVID-19 infection before receiving any vaccine doses as well as those who develop COVID-19 infection after the first dose but before the second dose.

• Can I take my routine medications (I.e. blood pressure, cholesterol) the day I’m scheduled to get my COVID-19 vaccination?

  Source: https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2021/covid-vaccine-medication-interaction.html

  Medical experts say the vast majority of prescription drugs will work just as well after you get a COVID-19 vaccine, and they won't diminish the effectiveness of the shot you're getting to ward off the coronavirus. For specific questions, please consult your health care provider.

• Who can’t get the vaccine?

  Source: https://www.aafp.org/dam/AAFP/documents/patient_care/public_health/COVID19-Vaccine-FAQs.pdf and https://publichealthcollaborative.org/resources/graphics-children-and-covid-19-vaccination/

  • Infants under 6 months of age. 
  • As with other vaccines, anyone who has a fever or other symptoms may not be able to get the vaccine until their symptoms resolve. This includes those who have symptoms or are positive for COVID-19.
  • There is also caution for people with documented anaphylactic reactions to vaccines. Individuals with a known allergy to any of the vaccine components should not be immunized.

• If I live with someone who has a health concern (I.e. pregnant woman, someone with cancer), can I still get vaccinated?

  Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/26/health/covid-vaccine-health-workers-families.html

  None of the COVID-19 vaccines available in the U.S. can cause you to test positive on COVID-19 viral tests, which are used to see if you have a current infection. However, people who are vaccinated should still take precautions when around those who are not vaccinated. 

Cost

• Who is paying for the COVID-19 vaccines?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html

  Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers can charge an administration fee for giving someone the shot. Vaccination providers can be reimbursed for this by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund. No one can be denied a vaccine if they are unable to pay the vaccine administration fee.

• What is a vaccine administration fee?

  Source: https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/vaccine

  The vaccine administration fee is the fee a health care provider charges to give you the vaccine. This is separate from the cost of the vaccine itself, which the federal government will cover.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and Fertility

• Can pregnant or breastfeeding women get the vaccine?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/ufaqs/should-i-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-if-i-am-pregnant-or-breastfeeding/

  Yes. Based on data on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy, CDC recommends COVID-19 vaccination for all people who are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant now or in the future. Data show that pregnant and recently pregnant people are more likely to get severely ill if infected with COVID-19 compared with non-pregnant people, and the highly contagious delta variant makes it even more important for eligible people to get vaccinated. In addition, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and other leading maternal health and public health organizations are “strongly urging” all pregnant individuals, and anyone planning to become pregnant, be vaccinated against COVID-19.

• Does the COVID-19 vaccine cause infertility?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html?s_cid=11351:covid%20vaccine%20and%20fertility:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY21

  No. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you may get a COVID-19 vaccine.

  There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence that female or male fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines.

• Should I wait to conceive until after I get the vaccine?

  Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/well/covid-vaccine-questions.html?referringSource=articleShare

  Obstetricians recommend being up-to-date on all vaccines before pregnancy. COVID-19 poses an especially high risk to pregnant women, so ideally you should get vaccinated before you become pregnant. 

Children

• Is it safe for kids and teens to get the COVID vaccines?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/

  Yes. Keeping children safe and healthy is top of mind for parents, and scientists have worked to ensure the vaccine is safe for children. Before being authorized for children, scientists and medical experts completed their review of safety and effectiveness data from clinical trials of thousands of children.  As with all vaccines, there will be ongoing monitoring among people who are vaccinated.

• What if my child has asthma?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/asthma.html

  People with asthma are more likely to be hospitalized with complications from COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is one step to prevent severe illness and hospitalization.

• Can children under 5 get the vaccine safely?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/resources/graphics-children-and-covid-19-vaccination/

  Yes. Vaccines were authorized for children age 6 months to 5 years in June 2022.

• Children are much less likely than adults to have severe disease from COVID-19, so why do they need to be vaccinated?

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/#ChildrenVaccinations

  COVID-19 can cause significant illness in children. In children for whom COVID-19 caused serious illness, half had an underlying condition, and half did not. This is similar to influenza. We need to vaccinate children because we do not know which children may be at higher risk of serious, possibly life-threatening illness. Children can also transmit the virus, including to more vulnerable adults who are in their family or in their school, so it is important that children be included in the vaccine distribution in order to reduce community spread.

After You're Vaccinated

• If I get vaccinated, can I stop wearing my mask in public places?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

  In areas where there is high transmission of COVID-19, it is recommended that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors to maximize protection and prevent possibly spreading it to others. Masks should also be considered in crowded outdoor settings and when there are unvaccinated people around. 

• Does getting sick with COVID-19 provide better protection than the vaccine gives?

  Source: https://www.jhsph.edu/covid-19/articles/why-covid-19-vaccines-offer-better-protection-than-infection.html 

  Infection with COVID-19 does provide some protection against future infection; but current evidence shows that the vaccines available provide stronger and longer immunity. 

• Which lasts longer, immunity from vaccine or from getting COVID-19 virus?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html and https://www.jhsph.edu/covid-19/articles/why-covid-19-vaccines-offer-better-protection-than-infection.html

  The protection someone gains from having an infection (called “natural immunity”) varies depending on the disease, and it varies from person to person.

  Current data show that COVID-19 vaccination provides stronger and longer immunity; but more research is needed to understand how long immunity from vaccination lasts and the need for booster doses for certain groups. 

• If the vaccine is a two-dose vaccine, how will I know when to get the second dose or a booster?

  Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/COVID-19_Vaccine_FAQ.pdf and https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/info-by-product/clinical-considerations.html

  When you receive the vaccine, you will receive a card with the date of your first dose, the name/manufacturer of the vaccine received and the date on which you should receive your second dose. Your second dose of COVID-19 vaccine should be from the same product name/manufacturer as the first dose. Most providers will notify you when it’s time to schedule your second dose. If you don’t hear, check with the provider who gave you your first dose.

• What happens if you don't take the second dose or a booster?

  Source: https://apnews.com/article/europe-coronavirus-pandemic-coronavirus-vaccine-lifestyle-health-fa48c375262dea98faff00c97964eefa

  Protection is assumed to be less. 

• If I have not gotten a booster, am I still fully vaccinated?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/stay-up-to-date.html?s_cid=11747:cdc%20up%20to%20date%20vaccine:sem.ga:p:RG:GM:gen:PTN:FY22

  With the use of boosters, the CDC is now classifying people as being up-to-date on vaccines. A person who has received the recommended booster doses based on his/her age is considered up-to-date. 

• After the initial doses, how long until it takes effect and provides protection?

  Source: https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20201216/covid-19-vaccines-101-faq

  Immunity happens about two weeks after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine or the dose of a single-dose vaccine. 

• What should I do with my vaccination card?

  Source: https://www.nytimes.com/article/covid-vaccine-card.html

  • Keep the card in a safe place. If you lose it, contact the provider who vaccinated you to see about obtaining a replacement.
  • Protect your card. It includes personal information, like your birthdate, that could be used to steal your identity. 
  • If you plan to travel, find out if the card (or other proof of vaccination) is needed

• Do I need to quarantine after exposure to a case after I’ve been fully vaccinated?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/quarantine-isolation.html

  Guidelines vary based on a person's situation. The CDC's online tool provides advice on quarantine and isolation.   

  I am planning a trip outside of the U.S. What should I do?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/travel-during-covid19.html

  The CDC currently recommends that people who are not fully vaccinated take several steps prior to traveling. Those are outlined at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html#footnote

• If I get symptoms shortly after I’ve been vaccinated, should I get tested?

  Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/COVID-19_Vaccine_FAQ.pdf

  If you have symptoms shortly after receiving the vaccine, these symptoms do not mean you have developed COVID-19 from the vaccine. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may feel like flu and may even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.

• If I get sick with COVID-19 after the first dose of the vaccine that requires two doses but before getting the second dose of the vaccine, what do I do about the second dose?

  Source: https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/health/documents/cedep/novel-coronavirus/COVID-19_Vaccine_FAQ.pdf

  You should still plan to receive the second dose after you recover from your COVID-19 illness and after you finish your isolation period for COVID-19 infection (for most people, this will be 10 days after symptoms started or positive COVID-19 test, and no fever for 24 hours). Note that the second dose of vaccine should still be no sooner than the recommended waiting period for the second dose (21 days for the Pfizer vaccine, 28 days for the Moderna vaccine).

• Is it possible to get COVID-19 after I am fully vaccinated? 

  Source: https://publichealthcollaborative.org/faq/

  It’s possible to be infected with COVID-19 once you’re vaccinated. Evidence suggests that in the case that someone is infected after being fully vaccinated, they experience a milder course of illness than they would have otherwise and are less likely to be hospitalized. Additionally, the first dose of vaccine only gives a partial amount of protection; and protect for those who have their initial two-shot series has been shown to decrease over time, which is why boosters are recommended for certain people. 

• Once I am fully vaccinated, is possible to still spread COVID-19 to others?

  Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/wellness/mask-distance-vaccine-safety-covid/2021/01/20/f80eeab6-55ce-11eb-a08b-f1381ef3d207_story.html and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

  People who are fully vaccinated may still be able to transmit COVID-19, even if the vaccinated person doesn’t have symptoms. Further, the vaccines currently available take time to reach their full efficacy (up to 2 weeks after the last shot is received). 

• I’ve heard that taking a pain reliever after getting a COVID-19 vaccine could blunt its effectiveness. Is that true?

  Source: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2021/well/covid-vaccine-questions.html?referringSource=articleShare

  Most experts agree it’s safe to take a pain reliever or fever reducer like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort after you get vaccinated. However, you shouldn’t try to stave off discomfort by taking a pain reliever before getting the shot, as some experts think it may lessen your immune response.

Miscellaneous

• Does either vaccination contain blood products or stem cells?

  Source: https://health.ri.gov/publications/frequentlyaskedquestions/COVID19-Vaccine.pdf

  The use of stem cells is a concern for many people of the Catholic faith. None of the vaccines contain cells from aborted fetuses. Fetal cell lines were used in development and testing of the vaccines, but the Vatican stated that while the vaccines have some connection to cell lines that came from tissue taken from fetal cells, the cell lines have been modified so much that it is not immoral to receive a vaccine developed with human cells. Further, Catholic leaders consider vaccination coverage a moral obligation; vaccines protect health and save lives. By getting vaccinated, you can protect those who cannot be vaccinated due to underlying conditions.

• I refuse blood transfusions or other products with blood fractions to be used in my own body, it was of great concern to me if the vaccines contained any of those?

  Source: https://www.nebraskamed.com/COVID/vaccine/safety

  The vaccines do not include blood products, like red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma or platelets.

• Should people with HIV infections or who have other immunocompromising conditions, or who take immunosuppressive medications get vaccinated?

  Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/interactive/2020/covid-vaccines-what-you-need-to-know/ and https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html

  People who are immunocompromised should talk to their providers beforehand because their immune systems may not respond optimally. A third dose of the Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines was recently recommended for immunocompromised patients because they are more likely to have severe illness if infected with COVID-19. 

• Do I need to be vaccinated for work?

  Source: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/essentialworker/workplace-vaccination-program.html

  An employer can require an employee to be vaccinated for work. 

• Can I donate blood after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

  Source: https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/news/article/covid-19-vaccination-guide-blood-donation.html

  Yes. People who have received the COVID-19 vaccines currently authorized in the U.S. from Pfizer, Modern and Johnson & Johnson will not be deferred from donating blood. However, donors must be symptom-free and feeling well at the time of donation. If an individual is experiencing any side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine, they should postpone their donation until they are feeling better.

• Why is there such a focus on minority populations, especially Black communities, when it comes to the vaccine?

  Source: https://www.kff.org/racial-equity-and-health-policy/issue-brief/how-are-states-addressing-racial-equity-in-covid-19-vaccine-efforts/ and research report from Cohear

  Black rates of death and serious illness as a result of COVID-19 are higher than those of some other demographics, in large part due to existing health inequities. Public health officials have placed a focus throughout the pandemic on protecting those who are at highest risk of serious illness--that would include Black Americans, based on the statistics we have seen so far. Additionally, the national focus on racial justice which has arisen over the past year has called attention to the ways in which Black communities have been mistreated by the health care system.

• I have an appointment for vaccination, but don’t have transportation. What should I do?

  Source: https://www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org/covid19/ and https://www.uwgc.org/about-us/frequently-asked-questions

  In Southwest Ohio: Call United Way 211. The Council on Aging’s Home52 program can book transportation to vaccine appointments. Details are available at https://www.hamiltoncountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/home52-Transportation-COVID-19.pdf. Ohio residents who are enrolled with a Medicaid Managed Care Organization may be eligible for transportation via the MCO. 

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