Since COVID‑19 vaccines became available, hundreds of millions of people in the U.S. have gotten vaccinated. But there are still many questions about the vaccines, such as how do they work, if they are safe and who should get vaccinated.
We've addressed some common questions and myths about COVID‑19 vaccines to help you and your family. For the most up-to-date information about the COVID‑19 vaccines, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
When did the COVID‑19 vaccine become available?
COVID‑19 vaccines first became available for adults in December 2020. Since then, more and more people have become eligible to get vaccinated. As of June 2022, COVID‑19 vaccines are authorized for everyone ages 6 months and older.
How does the COVID‑19 vaccine work?
Vaccines work by helping our bodies develop immunity to a virus. Many vaccines, such as the flu vaccine, do this by putting weakened or inactivated virus particles into the body to trigger an immune response. The COVID‑19 vaccines work differently.
Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID‑19 vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. This is a type of vaccine that uses mRNA to teach our cells how to make a protein (called a spike protein) that is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID‑19. This protein triggers an immune response that produces antibodies. These antibodies protect us if we are exposed to the actual virus. While the COVID‑19 vaccines are the first approved vaccines to use mRNA technology, mRNA vaccines have been researched for decades. They have also been tested to ensure safety. Learn more about how mRNA vaccines work.
COVID‑19 Vaccine Myths & Facts
Myth: The COVID‑19 vaccine can alter my DNA.
Fact: mRNA does not affect or change a person's DNA or genetic makeup in any way. The mRNA from the COVID‑19 vaccine does not enter the nucleus of the cell, which means it cannot interact with DNA.
How many doses of the COVID‑19 vaccine do you need?
When you first get the COVID‑19 vaccine, most people need two doses for the vaccine to be effective. The Pfizer vaccine requires a second shot 21 days after the first. The Moderna vaccine requires a second shot 28 days later. People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may need an extra dose in their primary vaccination series (refer to CDC recommendations). Children under age 5 need three doses of the Pfizer vaccine for maximum immune response against COVID‑19. This includes children ages 5 to 11, who can receive a COVID‑19 booster five months after their initial vaccination.
In addition, the CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older should get the COVID‑19 vaccine on a routine basis. Staying up to date on your COVID‑19 vaccines is the best way to prevent COVID‑19 illness. Learn more about the COVID‑19 vaccine and booster shots and the recommended vaccination schedule based on age.
Is the COVID‑19 vaccine safe?
Safety is a top priority for the COVID‑19 vaccines. The COVID‑19 vaccines went through rigorous clinical trials and approvals to determine that they are safe and effective. In addition, it's been shown that the benefits of receiving a COVID‑19 vaccine far outweigh any potential risk. The COVID‑19 vaccines protect you and others from the potential dangers of serious COVID‑19 illness.
Experts are closely monitoring the safety of the vaccines as more people get vaccinated. Since they've been approved, hundreds of millions of people have safely received a COVID‑19 vaccine. There have been some reports of immediate allergic reaction to the vaccine, but these reactions are quite rare.
You may have heard about rare COVID‑19 vaccine side effects called myocarditis and pericarditis, or heart inflammation. Experts who are closely monitoring safety of the COVID‑19 vaccine recommend that anyone who is eligible can and should continue to get vaccinated. Learn more about the COVID‑19 vaccine and your heart.
The CDC and FDA also reviewed cases of blood clots that developed in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. These adverse events appear to be extremely rare. Nonetheless, on May 5, 2022, the FDA limited the use of this vaccine type, and it should only be used as a last resort for adults ages 18 and up. See more details from the CDC.
If any other unanticipated side effects are detected, there will be updates to vaccine recommendations to continue to ensure your safety.
COVID‑19 Vaccine Myths & Facts
Myth: The COVID‑19 vaccine can't be safe because it was developed so quickly.
Fact: Before receiving approval for use, manufacturers had to show data from large clinical trials to ensure the vaccines were safe and effective. The emergency nature of the pandemic required a quick response, but thorough safety standards were still required and met.
Is there anyone who should not receive the COVID‑19 vaccine?
Anyone with a severe allergy to any of the ingredients in the COVID‑19 vaccines should not receive the vaccine. In addition, anyone with an allergy to polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polysorbate should not receive the vaccine. If you've had an allergic reaction to another vaccine, check with your health care provider before receiving the vaccination.
People with other allergies, including food allergies, can receive the COVID‑19 vaccine. If you are immunocompromised, pregnant or breastfeeding, you can also still receive the COVID‑19 vaccine. There is no evidence that the COVID‑19 vaccine affects fertility, and the vaccine is safe for persons who are trying to get pregnant. Talk with your health care provider if you have specific questions about if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.
COVID‑19 Vaccine Myths & Facts
Myth: I can't get the COVID‑19 vaccine if I have a food allergy or am immunocompromised, pregnant or breastfeeding.
Fact: You can still get vaccinated if you have food allergies, existing health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding. The vaccine can help protect you from the dangers of COVID‑19 infection.
What are the side effects of the COVID‑19 vaccine?
You may experience some side effects after receiving the COVID‑19 vaccination. These side effects are normal signs your body is building protection or immunity against the virus. Common side effects of the COVID‑19 vaccine can include:
- Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Fever
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
For vaccines requiring multiple doses, side effects may be more common after the subsequent doses than the first dose. These side effects should go away within a few days after immunization. You can also ask your doctor about taking ibuprofen and acetaminophen after vaccination to help relieve pain or discomfort.
Can I get COVID‑19 from the vaccine?
You cannot get COVID‑19 from the vaccine. It can take a few weeks to build immunity after you get the vaccine, so it is possible to become infected with COVID‑19 just before or after you get your shot.
COVID‑19 vaccines will not cause you to test positive on a COVID‑19 viral test, which is used to check for a current infection. As your body develops an immune response, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests are designed to tell if you had a previous infection because they indicate some level of protection against the virus. Experts are learning more about how the COVID‑19 vaccine may affect antibody testing.
COVID‑19 Vaccine Myths & Facts
Myth: The COVID‑19 vaccine can give me COVID‑19.
Fact: It is not possible for the COVID‑19 vaccine to give you COVID‑19. You may experience some side effects after the vaccine. These are a normal sign your body is developing protection against the virus. It takes a few weeks for your body to build immunity after vaccination, which means it is possible for you to get COVID‑19 just before or after you get a COVID‑19 vaccine.
If I've had COVID‑19, should I get the vaccine?
Reinfection with COVID‑19 is possible, and you should still receive a vaccine even if you’ve had COVID‑19. Getting vaccinated can help protect you from serious illness in the future.
If you are currently infected with COVID‑19, you should wait until symptoms resolve and you are done isolating to receive the vaccination. Experts are still learning more about natural immunity, as well as how long the vaccine will provide immunity. Recommendations will be updated as they learn more.
COVID‑19 Vaccine Myths & Facts
Myth: If I've had COVID‑19, I don't need to get the COVID‑19 vaccine.
Fact: If you've already had COVID‑19, there are still benefits to receiving the COVID‑19 vaccine. It is not known how long natural immunity lasts, and the vaccine can protect you from reinfection.
Should I still wear a face mask after getting vaccinated?
The CDC recommends that fully vaccinated individuals continue to wear a face mask when in public indoor places in areas with high COVID‑19 community levels. When community levels are low, masks are recommended based on personal preference and level of risk. Learn more about CDC mask recommendations.
Experts will continue to monitor the spread of COVID‑19 variants and will adjust safety recommendations when appropriate.
COVID‑19 Vaccine Myths & Facts
Myth: I can stop wearing my mask once I've received my COVID‑19 vaccine.
Fact: If you are fully vaccinated, wear a mask indoors in public if you are in an area with high COVID‑19 community levels. This can help boost protection against infection when spread is high. No matter the level of COVID‑19 spread, you can always choose to mask based on your personal preference and level of risk.
The COVID‑19 vaccines are an important and exciting step in ending the coronavirus pandemic. The vaccines can help prevent illness and may also protect others around you.
MYTH: COVID-19 vaccines mean we can stop wearing masks. FACT: Masks should be worn in public indoor places in areas with high transmission. @Childrens shares the facts about vaccines here.
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