Questions about COVID-19 vaccines? Get information to make a decision that is right for you.
Vaccine safety
How do we know that COVID-19 vaccines are safe?
These vaccines have undergone the most intense safety surveillance in US history. The vaccines are licensed by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which sets strict guidelines for clinical trials. The FDA continues to monitor vaccine safety very closely.
How is the safety of vaccines tested?
Every vaccine must go through rigorous testing and inspection to ensure it is safe. Vaccines for COVID-19 followed a 3-phase process, where there are several required stages before the FDA authorizes them. After a vaccine is cleared by the FDA and made available to the public, the FDA continues to monitor its safety very closely.
How were vaccines made so fast?
The science behind the discovery had a head start. Researchers had already made progress in developing vaccines for other types of coronavirus. The rapid spread of COVID-19 made the development of these vaccines an international priority, unlocking billions of dollars in funding to ensure safety, while continuing the urgency to save lives.
Do vaccines affect fertility?
There is currently no evidence that any vaccines, including COVID-19 vaccines, cause fertility problems. If you are trying to get pregnant now or if you want to get pregnant in the future, you can get a COVID-19 vaccine.
Should I be concerned about long-term side effects?
Serious side effects that would cause a long-term health problem are highly unlikely. There has never been a “long-term” side effect of a vaccine that occurred more than a few months after giving a vaccine. Thousands of people were initially vaccinated more than a year ago and no new long-term side effects have been detected. Serious side effects that would cause a long-term health problem are highly unlikely.
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Vaccine efficacy
How do I know that COVID-19 vaccines protect me?
When they give us a vaccine, it activates our immune response. The vaccine helps our bodies learn to fight the virus. COVID-19 vaccines provide significant protection against serious illness and hospitalization.
What are the benefits of getting vaccinated?
Vaccines against COVID-19 protect against getting sick from COVID-19. They provide significant protection against serious illness and death. Studies show that vaccines protect against variants, such as the Delta variant.
If I already had COVID-19, should I get a vaccine?
Yes. Health experts recommend getting vaccinated regardless of whether you’ve already had COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible (although rare) that you could become infected again with the virus that causes COVID-19. If you’ve already had COVID-19 in the past 90 days, talk to your doctor about when you should get vaccinated.
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Wearing a mask
Once I’m vaccinated, do I still need to wear a mask?
If you are already fully vaccinated, you can safely begin to resume many activities. However, with the more contagious Delta variant circulating throughout the United States, health experts are urging everyone to wear a mask in public, indoors. This will maximize protection against the Delta variant and prevent spread.
I am not fully vaccinated yet. Should I wear a mask?
Yes. It is best to take all precautions until you are fully vaccinated, which occurs 2 weeks after your final dose of the vaccine. This includes continuing to wear a mask, washing your hands frequently with soap and water, and staying 6 feet away from others who do not live with you. Taking these precautions help protect yourself and others.
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Access to the vaccine
How much?
There is no cost to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccines against COVID-19 are administered 100% at no cost to beneficiaries. The federal government gives the vaccine free of charge to all people who live in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
What type of vaccine will I receive?
Three types of vaccines are currently licensed for use in the United States: Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. At this time, children and adolescents 12 years and older are eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine against COVID-19, but those under 12 years of age are not yet. Those who receive the Johnson & Johnson and Moderna vaccines must be 18 years of age or older. Every vaccine recommended by the FDA and CDC has been thoroughly tested and found to be effective and safe.
How old do I need to be to get vaccinated?
In the United States, everyone 12 years of age and older is currently eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines.
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Delta variant
Do vaccines protect against the Delta variant?
The Delta variant has been categorized as a worrying variant. It has led to a rapid increase in cases, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. So far, studies suggest that all vaccines licensed for use in the United States are effective against known variants, including the Delta variant.
How common are cases in which the vaccine is not effective?
Cases are expected in which the vaccine is not effective. Vaccines against COVID-19 are effective and are a vital tool in controlling the pandemic. However, no vaccine is 100% effective in preventing disease in vaccinated people. There will be a small percentage of fully vaccinated people who will get sick, go to the hospital, or die from COVID-19. There is some evidence that the vaccine can make the disease less serious for those who are vaccinated and still get sick.
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Foto por Bryce Richter / UW-Madison
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