Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe? The FDA has authorized two COVID-19 vaccines, the Moderna and Pfizer -BioNTech vaccine, which have been shown to be safe and effective as determined by data from the manufacturers and findings from large clinical trials. These data demonstrate that the known and potential benefits of this vaccine outweigh the known and potential harms of becoming infected with COVID-19.
Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
No. You cannot get the virus from the vaccine. None of the vaccines can cause COVID-19.
Will the vaccine keep me from getting COVID-19?
Studies show that the vaccines are 95% effective at preventing symptoms of COVID-19.
How many doses of a COVID-19 vaccine will I need?
The vaccines require two doses, given one month apart. The second dose (called a booster) must be completed with the same vaccine brand as the first dose. Both doses are important to ensure full protection, and you cannot skip the booster (second vaccine) for it to be effective.
How long will it take for the vaccine to begin protecting me?
It normally takes about two to three weeks for the vaccine to take effect in protecting you.
If I have already had COVID-19 should I still get the vaccine?
Yes. Getting the vaccine may offer you additional protection because there are cases of COVID-19 reinfection several months AFTER contracting COVID-19.
Do I have to continue wearing a mask after I get the vaccine?
Yes. We should continue wearing masks. Dr. Fauci reminds us there’s not enough data to prove COVID-19 vaccines can prevent a person from being infected. Once infection occurs, that person could infect others even if the vaccine protects against severe COVID-19 complications and death. Wearing masks, washing hands and social distancing should be continued until scientists say ok to stop.
What are the side effects or issues we might experience from the vaccine?
The shots may cause mild flu-like side effects, including sore arms, muscle aches, and fever. These symptoms may be more common after the booster dose of the vaccine. Keep in mind: Side effects are normal and very short-term, usually lasting only a few hours. This means your immune system and the vaccine are working.
Some of the side effects that have been reported with the vaccine include:
injection site pain
injection site swelling
injection site redness
tiredness
headache
muscle pain
chills
joint pain
fever lasting more than 24 hours after receiving the vaccine
dry cough
nausea
feeling unwell
swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
Of note, more people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first dose, so it is important for vaccination providers and recipients to expect that there may be some side effects after either dose, but even more so after the second dose.
Will getting the flu vaccine protect me from COVID-19?
A flu vaccine will not protect you from getting COVID-19, but it can prevent you from getting influenza (flu) at the same time as COVID-19. This can keep you from having a more severe illness.
Are there any reasons why I should not get the vaccine?
Yes. If you have had severe allergic reactions to vaccines in the past, you should not get the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have experienced any of the following, you should talk with your primary care physician before vaccinating:
You are pregnant or may become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
You are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your
immune system.
You have a bleeding disorder or are on blood thinners.
Will I have to pay for my vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine is no cost with insurance or through a federal program for the uninsured.
When will the pharmacy get in the vaccine?
We have applied weekly to get the Texas Department of State Health Services. At the moment they do not have any updated information on which facilities will be shipped first doses. First dose requests are not guaranteed due the State of Texas awaiting for more vaccine allocation from the CDC. If you are interested in receiving the vaccine, sign up by contacting us on our website and we will let you know as soon as we know our shipment is coming.
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