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Can anyone take the shot or if your too young is it possile that it will be worse.

https://www.connecticutchildrens.org/coronavirus/when-will-the-covid-19-vaccine-be-available-for-kids-and-will-it-be-safe-for-your-family/

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Is the covid 19 vaccine safe to try?

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/is-the-covid19-vaccine-safe

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Featured Experts:

Yes. The two mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are very safe and very good at preventing serious or fatal cases of COVID-19. The risk of serious side effects associated with these vaccines is very small.

Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention, and Gabor Kelen, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, answer questions about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety - What We Know

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are strongly recommended as safe and effective at preventing serious illness or death from COVID-19.

From December 2020 to December 2021, about 470 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in the U.S.

Roughly 12 months of data, including data from tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials, show that the vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious disease or death due to COVID-19.

Additional shots and boosters are also authorized for those who meet the guidelines.

mRNA technology used in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines has been in development for over 15 years.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines received full FDA approval, which means more data show how well that particular vaccine works.

Due to potential blood clots following administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the CDC updated its recommendations in December 2021. The CDC noted that the two mRNA vaccines, from Pfizer and Moderna, are preferred over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Are there risks or safety concerns regarding the COVID vaccines?

To help catch risks or safety concerns, the CDC and FDA monitor possible safety issues with the COVID-19 vaccines. This ongoing work has led to revised recommendations for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and information about rare side effects tied to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Johnson & Johnson/Janssen. In December 2021, the CDC updated its recommendations and stated that either of the two mRNA vaccines is preferred over the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC explained that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are preferred due to a greater risk for developing rare but severe blood clots, called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), following administration of the J&J vaccine. The CDC noted that there are some situations when a J&J vaccine may still be used, if the recipient understands the risks and benefits of the J&J vaccine. Read about side effects related to the rare blood clot.

At Johns Hopkins Medicine, we offer Pfizer and Moderna vaccines throughout our vaccine clinics.

Pfizer and Moderna. After observing rare occurrences of myocarditis following the second injection of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC released information for the public. Most of these myocarditis events happened in teens and young adults, and the majority of the cases were mild and cleared up on their own. Read about side effects related to myocarditis.

This review process continues to monitor vaccine safety. Potential risks of COVID-19 vaccines are reviewed and weighed against the benefits of protection that the vaccines offer as well as the known, serious risk of harm due to COVID-19.

What if I got a J&J vaccine? Should I worry about blood clots?

If you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than three weeks ago, you do not need to watch for side effects related to blood clots.

If you received the J&J vaccine within the last three weeks, you should watch for possible symptoms of TTS and get medical help immediately if you have any of the following:

Severe or persistent headaches or blurred vision

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Leg swelling

Persistent abdominal pain

Easy bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin near the injection site

Is there a risk of an allergic reaction to a COVID vaccine?

According to the CDC, anyone who has a severe allergy (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any of the mRNA vaccine ingredients should not receive this vaccine. The CDC says people with allergies to certain foods, insects, latex and other common allergens can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to injectables or other vaccines should discuss the vaccination with their doctor, who can evaluate and assess their risk.

The COVID-19 Vaccines: What you need to know | Las vacunas anticovid-19: información imprescindible

How was the COVID-19 vaccine developed so quickly?

The relatively quick development of these vaccines does not mean safety measures were skipped. There are several reasons why the COVID-19 vaccines were developed faster than other vaccines:

The technologies used to develop the COVID-19 vaccines have been in development for years to prepare for outbreaks of infectious viruses. The manufacturing processes were ready very early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Countries shared genetic information when it was available about SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, which gave vaccine developers an early start at finding a vaccine.

The testing processes for the vaccines didn't skip any steps, but the vaccine developers conducted some stages of the process simultaneously to gather as much data as quickly as possible.

Governments gave money to vaccine developers in advance, so the companies had resources they needed.

Some types of COVID-19 vaccines were created using messenger RNA (mRNA), a new technology that allows a faster approach than the traditional way vaccines are made.

Social media enabled companies to reach out to and enroll study volunteers, and plenty of people wanted to help, so there were enough research participants to test the COVID-19 vaccines.

Because SARS-CoV-2 is so contagious and widespread, many volunteers who got the vaccines were exposed to the virus, and with so many exposures, it took a shorter time to see if the vaccines worked.

Companies began manufacturing vaccines ahead of their authorization or approval so some supplies would be ready if authorization occurred.

What steps are taken to help make sure the COVID-19 vaccines are safe?

Safety is always a top priority as federal agencies work with vaccine manufacturers and independent scientific organizations to develop, study, authorize and approve new vaccines. Here are some of the steps taken for COVID-19 vaccines, as well as other vaccines:

Careful testing. All vaccines go through clinical trials to test safety and effectiveness. For the COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA set high safety standards for vaccine developers to meet. This graphic from the National Institutes of Health shows the four phases a vaccine goes through before it is released to the public.

Authorization for emergency use. If a vaccine or medicine is needed to address an emergency situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic, once it is shown to be safe and effective, the FDA can grant it an emergency use authorization (EUA). An EUA allows a vaccine, treatment or medication to be used before the formal FDA approval.

Continuous monitoring for problems and side effects. Once a vaccine gets an EUA and is being given to people, the FDA and the CDC continue to watch carefully in case problems arise. Data on the vaccine's safety record accumulates over time, as more and more people who receive it report on their experience and any side effects. One important way to report adverse events after vaccination is through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

Learn more from the CDC about the safety steps for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Demographics of the COVID-19 Vaccine Trials

Do I still have to wear a mask if I get a vaccine?

The CDC continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and makes recommendations for wearing face masks, both for those who are fully vaccinated as well as people who are not fully vaccinated.

The CDC also recommends that masks and physical distancing be required when going to a doctor's office, hospital or long-term care facility, including all Johns Hopkins hospitals, care centers and offices.

Johns Hopkins Medicine's mask safety guidelines have not changed, and we still require everyone to wear masks inside all of our facilities.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

You cannot and will not get COVID-19 from any of the vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccines do not have any virus or other infectious material in them.

What about the safety of COVID-19 vaccination for diverse groups of people?

The FDA and other reviewers closely consider diverse populations and include them in the trials. The clinical trials for the first two COVID-19 vaccines included members of underrepresented minorities and older age groups, and people with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart and respiratory conditions.

Does Johns Hopkins Medicine recommend that I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, we recommend that everyone who is eligible get vaccinated with one of the currently authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer or Moderna. We view both as highly effective in preventing serious disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 (including disease caused by the very contagious delta and omicron variants of the coronavirus), and we believe that their benefits outweigh their risks.

At Johns Hopkins Medicine, we offer Pfizer and Moderna vaccines throughout our vaccine clinics.

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Our experts answer some frequently asked questions about vaccine safety.

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Should we be afraid of contracting COVID-19 after getting the vaccine?

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Should we be afraid of contracting COVID-19 after getting the vaccine?

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https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-comparison

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/afraid-covid-19-after-vaccine_l_6065c15fc5b6555472cf9467

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

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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/adverse-events.html

https://time.com/5946846/unvaccinated-kids-covid-19/

https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/safety-of-covid-19-vaccines

https://apnews.com/article/how-do-we-know-covid-19-vaccines-safe-b688bd470d2eb8a74953dd34d29fd756

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https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/12/health/covid-vaccines-children.html

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2021/03/31/pfizer-biontech-covid-19-vaccine-safe-effective-adolescents-coronavirus/4811287001/

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/pfizer-covid-vaccine-safe-effective-adolescent-12-15-year-olds/

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

What You Need to Know

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness.

Different COVID-19 vaccines may work in our bodies differently but all provide protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.

None of the COVID-19 vaccines can give you COVID-19.

Bringing new vaccines to the public involves various steps, all which must be followed to ensure they are safe and effective before they are made available for use.

How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness.

Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection. But with all types of vaccines, the body is left with a supply of "memory" T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight that virus in the future.

It typically takes a few weeks after vaccination for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. Therefore, it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection.

Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal signs the body is building immunity.

Types of Vaccines: mRNA, Viral Vector, and Protein Subunit

Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

There are different types of vaccines.

All COVID-19 vaccines prompt our bodies to recognize and help protect us from the virus that causes COVID-19.

Currently, there are three types of COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States: mRNA, protein subunit, and viral vector vaccines.
As of May 6, 2023, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, a viral vector vaccine, has expired and is no longer available for use in the United States.

None of these vaccines can give you COVID-19.

Vaccines do not use any live virus.

Vaccines cannot cause infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 or other viruses.

They do not affect or interact with our DNA.

These vaccines do not enter the nucleus of the cell where our DNA (genetic material) is located, so it cannot change or influence our genes.

mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna)

To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines. Instead, mRNA vaccines use mRNA created in a laboratory to teach our cells how to make a protein-or even just a piece of a protein-that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. This immune response, which produces antibodies, is what helps protect us from getting sick from that germ in the future.

About Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna

Research for mRNA technology

Researchers have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades.

In fact, mRNA vaccines have been studied before for flu, Zika, rabies, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Beyond vaccines, cancer research has also used mRNA to trigger the immune system to target specific cancer cells.

First, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle or upper thigh, depending on the age of who is getting vaccinated.

After vaccination, the mRNA will enter the muscle cells. Once inside, they use the cells' machinery to produce a harmless piece of what is called the spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After the protein piece is made, our cells break down the mRNA and remove it, leaving the body as waste.

Next, our cells display the spike protein piece on their surface. Our immune system recognizes that the protein does not belong there. This triggers our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection. This is what your body might do if you got sick with COVID-19.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. The benefit is that people get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Any side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work.

Protein subunit vaccines (Novavax)

Protein subunit vaccines contain pieces (proteins) of the virus that causes COVID-19. These virus pieces are the spike protein. The vaccine also contains another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to that spike protein in the future. Once the immune system knows how to respond to the spike protein, the immune system will be able to respond quickly to the actual virus spike protein and protect you against COVID-19.

About Novavax

Research for protein subunit technology

Protein subunit vaccines have been used for years.

More than 30 years ago, a hepatitis B vaccine became the first protein subunit vaccine to be approved for use in people in the United States.

Another example of other protein subunit vaccines used today include whooping cough vaccines.

Protein subunit COVID-19 vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. After vaccination, nearby cells pick up these proteins.

Next, our immune system recognizes that these proteins do not belong there. Another ingredient in the vaccine, the adjuvant, helps our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection. This is what your body might do if you got sick with COVID-19.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. The benefit is that people get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Many side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how Protein Subunit COVID-19 vaccines work.

Viral vector vaccines (Johnson & Johnson's Janssen)
As of May 6, 2023, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine has expired and is no longer available for use in the United States.
Viral vector COVID-19 vaccines use a modified version of a different virus (a vector virus) to deliver important instructions to our cells.

About Johnson & Johnson's Janssen

Research for viral vector technology

For decades, hundreds of scientific studies of viral vector vaccines have been done and published around the world.

Some vaccines recently used for Ebola outbreaks have used viral vector technology.

Several studies have focused on viral vector vaccines against other diseases such as Zika, flu, and HIV.

Besides being used in vaccines, viral vectors have also been studied for gene therapy, to treat cancer, and for molecular biology research.

Viral vector COVID-19 vaccines are given in a muscle in the upper arm. The vector virus in the vaccine is not the virus that causes COVID-19, but a different, harmless virus. It enters the muscle cells and uses the cells' machinery to produce a harmless piece of what is called a spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After the spike protein piece is made, our cells break down the vector virus and remove it.

Next, our cells display the spike protein on their surface. Our immune system recognizes that the spike protein does not belong there. This triggers our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it is an infection. This response is similar to what your body does if you get sick with COVID-19, but is temporary.

At the end of the immune building process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. People get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Any side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how Viral Vector COVID-19 vaccines work.

Developing COVID-19 Vaccines

While COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly, all steps have been taken to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Bringing a new vaccine to the public involves many steps including:

vaccine development,

clinical trials,

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization or approval,

and development and approval of vaccine recommendations through the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC.

As vaccines are distributed outside of clinical trials, monitoring systems are used to make sure that COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

When FDA authorizes or approves a COVID-19 vaccine, ACIP reviews all available data about that vaccine to determine whether to recommend it and who should receive it. These vaccine recommendations then go through an approval process that involves both ACIP and CDC.

Learn About Getting Your Vaccine

Do you need to wait to get vaccinated after getting COVID-19 or getting treatment for COVID-19?

How can you prepare for vaccination?

What can you expect during and after your vaccination?

Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine

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Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

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Learn about how COVID-19 vaccines will work with your body's natural defenses to safely develop protection (immunity) to this serious disease.

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

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know

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Can all ages get the Covid 19 vaccine?

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All three vaccines available in the U.S. have been approved for individuals 18 and older, but only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for those as young as 16.

HOUSTON - Monday, March 29, marks a big day in Texas in the fight against COVID-19.

The state is opening up eligibility requirements for those wanting to join waitlists and get the coronavirus vaccine.

How old do you have to be to get the COVID vaccine?

In Texas, as of March 29, everyone age 16 and older is now eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in Texas. But note that while all vaccines are authorized for people 18 and older, only the Pfizer vaccine is authorized for people 16 and older. Keep that in mind if you are making a vaccine appointment for a 16 or 17 year old. Also, note that vaccine distributors/clinics require that parent or legal guardian must be present for any minor (age 16 and 17) receiving a COVID vaccine.

How to get a COVID vaccine in the Houston area

People can also continue to find providers though the DSHS Vaccine Information page at dshs.texas.gov/covidvaccine.

TIP: If you want a vaccine sooner than later, you are encouraged to sign up for multiple waitlists and take the first appointment that is offered to you. You do not have to live in the county where you sign up to receive the vaccine.

Here's a helpful list of waitlists and places to sign up in the Houston area - keep checking these links as more doses/appointments become available:

Available to all, but older adults still get priority

The Texas Department of State Health Services expects vaccine supplies to increase this week, which is why they are opening the vaccine to all. However, the DSHS has still directed vaccine providers to prioritize people 80 years old or older when scheduling appointments and accommodate anyone in that age group who is present for vaccination - whether or not they have an appointment - by immediately moving them to the front of the line.

About the three vaccines approved in the U.S.:

Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine: This vaccine is authorized for emergency use in persons aged 16 years and older. This vaccines requires two doses given 21 days apart. Clinical trial data shows that the vaccine is 95 percent effective at preventing COVID-19 infection starting seven days after the second dose. Individuals will not be considered fully protected until one to two weeks after they receive the second dose.

Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: This vaccine is authorized for emergency use in persons aged 18 years and older. This vaccine requires two doses given 28 days apart. Clinical trial data shows the vaccine is about 94 percent effective after the second dose.

Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine: The vaccine was FDA-approved for emergency use authorization on Feb. 28. In clinical trials, the vaccine worked especially well in protecting recipients from severe disease and hospitalizations, but its efficacy rate of 72 percent in U.S. trials is less than its competitors.

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Everyone ages 16 and up can now get the COVID-19 vaccine in Texas: How to sign up

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All three vaccines available in the U.S. have been approved for individuals 18 and older, but only the Pfizer vaccine is approved for those as young as 16. HOUSTON - Monday, March 29, marks a big day in Texas in the fight against COVID-19.

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How long do side effects last after 2nd covid vaccine???
https://www.healthline.com/health-news/heres-why-your-second-dose-of-covid-19-vaccine-will-likely-have-stronger-side-effects
https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/arizona-health/2021/03/16/covid-19-vaccine-safety-and-side-effects/6947718002/

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What are some side effect of the Covid 19 vaccine?

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https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2021/01/14/covid-vaccine-distribution-by-state-how-many-covid-vaccines-have-been-given-in-us-how-many-people/6599531002/

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COVID-19 continues to cause illness, hospitalizations, and deaths around the world. But there's some good news: Two vaccines are close to authorization in the United States (follow our live updates here).

As the COVID-19 vaccines hopefully get closer to rolling out, lots of people still have questions - including whether there will be side effects. Though most people will not have serious problems after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, many people may have mild to moderate side effects for a couple of days.

Read on for more information about what to expect when it's your turn to get vaccinated.

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The Known Side Effects of Coronavirus (COVID-19) Vaccines - GoodRx

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COVID-19 continues to cause illness, hospitalizations, and deaths around the world. But there's some good news: Two vaccines are close to authorization in the United States (follow our live updates here). As the COVID-19 vaccines hopefully get closer to rolling out, lots of people still have questions - including whether there will be side effects.

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https://www.statnews.com/2021/02/02/comparing-the-covid-19-vaccines-developed-by-pfizer-moderna-and-johnson-johnson/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859#:~:text=Pfizer%2DBioNTech%20COVID%2D,dose%2C%20if%20needed.

https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/covid-19-vaccine-comparison

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what are the side effects for the covid-19 vaccine (william sernas)

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what are the side effects for the covid-19 vaccine (william sernas)

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here is a credible source

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Self-Checker

Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

What You Need to Know

Side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine can vary from person to person.

Some people experience a little discomfort and can continue to go about their day. Others have side effects that affect their ability to do daily activities.

Side effects generally go away in a few days.

Even if you don't experience any side effects, your body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.

Adverse events (serious health problems) are rare but can cause long-term health problems. They usually happen within six weeks of getting a vaccine.

Common Side Effects

Side effects after a COVID-19 vaccination tend to be mild, temporary, and like those experienced after routine vaccinations. They can vary across different age groups.

Common side effects can include:

Pain on the leg or arm where the shot was given

Swollen lymph nodes

Irritability or crying

Sleepiness

Loss of appetite

Side effects are more common after the second dose and can include:

Pain, swelling, and redness on the arm where the shot was given

Tiredness

Headache

Muscle or joint pain

Chills

Swollen lymph nodes

On the arm where you got the shot:

Throughout the rest of your body:

Tiredness

Headache

Muscle pain

Chills

Fever

Nausea

After a second shot or booster

Reactions reported after getting a booster shot are similar to those after the two-dose or single-dose primary shots. Most side effects were mild to moderate.

The most commonly reported side effects were:

Fever

Headache

Fatigue (tiredness)

Pain at the injection site

Helpful tips to relieve side effects

Adults

To relieve pain or swelling on the arm where you got the shot:

Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.

Use or keep moving your arm.

Also, if possible, get some rest.

To reduce discomfort from fever:

Drink plenty of fluids,

Dress in comfortable clothes,

Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin (only for people ages 18 years or older), or antihistamines.
It is not recommended to take these medicines before vaccination to try to prevent side effects as it is not known how OTC medicines might affect how well the vaccine works.

Children

Ask your child's healthcare provider for advice on using a non-aspirin pain reliever and learn about other steps you can take at home to comfort your child after vaccination.

Call a doctor or healthcare provider about a side effect if:

Redness or tenderness where the shot was given gets worse after 24 hours

Side effects are worrying or do not seem to be going away after a few days

Adverse Events after COVID-19 Vaccination Are Rare

Adverse events, including severe allergic reactions, after COVID-19 vaccination are rare but can happen. For this reason, everyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine is monitored by their vaccination provider for at least 15 minutes.

After leaving a vaccination provider site, if you think you or your child might be having a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

Learn more about what you can do if you have an allergic reaction.

Reporting Side Effects and Adverse Events

Use v-safe or the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to report your side effects:

V-safe, a smartphone-based tool, provides quick and confidential health check-ins via text messages and web surveys. It does this so you can quickly and easily share with CDC how you or your child feel after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System can be used by you or your healthcare provider to report a side effect, adverse event, or reaction from COVID-19 vaccine.

Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

When do you need to schedule your next shot?

Do you or your child need to get a booster?

Can you get a different vaccine product after your 1st dose?

Stay Up to Date

Resources

What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

Fact sheet for healthcare workers to give after vaccination.

File Details: 199 KB, 1 page
View PDF

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What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

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Self-Checker Important update: Healthcare facilities CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine Side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine can vary from person to person. Some people experience a little discomfort and can continue to go about their day.

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Do we still need to wear masks once we get the vaccine? 

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Do we still need to wear masks once we get the vaccine? 

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https://www.bbc.com/news/health-51205344

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2021/03/11/fact-check-masks-and-vaccines-counter-covid-19-spread/6838222002/

https://www.newsweek.com/cdc-guidelines-fully-vaccinated-people-what-it-means-masks-travel-gatherings-1571362

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What are the latest rules for face coverings and masks?

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Rules around face coverings are easing across the UK but they are still required in some settings.

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What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

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What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

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https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/getting-the-covid-19-vaccine-what-to-expect

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Featured Experts:

As the COVID-19 vaccines are authorized and become more widely available, many are wondering what to expect when they get vaccinated. Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention, and Gabor Kelen, M.D., director of Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, talk about what's involved in getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and answer some of your most common questions.

When can I get the coronavirus vaccine?

Now that the Food and Drug Administration has issued emergency use authorizations for COVID-19 vaccines, initial quantities of the vaccine are being distributed across the United States.

Because it will take a while to make and distribute enough of the vaccine for everyone who wishes to be vaccinated against COVID-19, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending groups of people who should get priority. The CDC has been working closely with state health departments and partners to develop these recommendations.

If you are a Johns Hopkins Medicine patient, visit our COVID-19 Vaccine Information and Updates page for current information on getting vaccinated. Your state's health department website can also provide updates on vaccine distribution in your area.

How many shots are in the COVID-19 vaccine?

The first two coronavirus vaccines (Pfizer's and Moderna's) require two doses given several weeks apart (Pfizer's second shot is given three weeks after the first, and Moderna's is four weeks after the first).

A One-Shot Vaccine

Learn about the one-shot COVID-19 vaccine from Johnson & Johnson.

What happens if my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is delayed?

If you have received the first dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the second shot should take place three weeks after the first one.

If your first coronavirus vaccine was from Moderna, the CDC says your second shot should be given to you four weeks after the first one.

If something happens that prevents you from getting the second dose of either COVID-19 vaccine on time, you can still receive it up to six weeks (42 days) after the first dose. We are not advocating for people to delay getting their second dose, but the data from clinical trials support this range. There are currently limited data on the efficacy of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines administered beyond this window. According to the CDC, however, if the second dose is administered beyond these intervals, there is no need to restart the series.

What if I received my second vaccination earlier than recommended?

You should not get the second vaccine dose earlier than the recommended times. But, if you've already received your second shot, and it was early by 4 days, or less than the recommended time window, your vaccinations are OK, and you do not need to repeat the vaccination series.

Is it OK if my two COVID-19 vaccinations are from different manufacturers?

The Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable with each other or with other COVID-19 vaccine products. Each vaccine is manufactured differently - even those that use similar underlying technology, such as Pfizer and Moderna. Once you're given one type of vaccine, the second vaccine dose should be the same type, from the same manufacturer as the first vaccine dose.

Shortly after your first vaccination, your record will show which type you received, so you can schedule your second shot with the same brand and at the proper time interval between doses.

These recommendations may change as further information becomes available or as other vaccine types are authorized for use. In rare cases, such as in the event of an allergic reaction, an exception may be made to allow for the second dose from a different manufacturer.

When will I be protected from catching COVID-19?

The vaccine doesn't work right away. You are not considered appropriately protected after the first shot. It takes up to two weeks after the second shot for your immune system to fully respond to a vaccine and provide protection against an infectious disease.

Do I still have to wear a mask if I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

For now, yes. Even with a vaccine that is 95% effective, a small number of people who get one of the vaccines will not become immune. It is not yet clear if you can carry the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus and pass it along to others after getting the vaccine.

Until enough people become immune (either from being vaccinated or by getting and recovering from COVID-19), everyone should follow precautions such as physical distancing, hand-washing and mask-wearing. Vaccinating as many people as possible is a very big job, and it will take months before we can consider cutting back on these basic safety practices.

What are the coronavirus vaccine side effects?

You may have pain in the arm where you got the shot, and you might run a fever and experience body aches, headaches and tiredness for a day or two. The chance of having noticeable side effects is higher after the second shot.

Experiencing side effects does not mean that you have COVID-19, but signals that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. These side effects are considerably less severe or lasting than COVID-19, but if they persist, call your doctor and ask about taking over-the-counter pain and fever reducers to help you feel better.

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine Safe?

Now that there is an authorized COVID-19 vaccine, our experts answer some frequently asked questions about vaccine safety.

Is it OK to get the COVID-19 vaccine if I have allergies?

While there have been reports of severe allergic-type reactions in a very small number of patients, the CDC says that people with allergies to certain foods, drugs, insects, latex and other common allergens can still get the COVID-19 vaccine.

If you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to injectables or other vaccines, be sure to discuss the COVID-19 vaccination with your doctor, who can evaluate you and assess your risk. The vaccine provider should observe you for 30 minutes rather than the routine 15 minutes after vaccination, and if you have an allergic reaction to the first shot, you may not receive the second.

The CDC says that at this time, anyone who has a severe allergy (such as anaphylaxis) to any of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine ingredients should not get this vaccine.

There is a rumor that taking over-the-counter medications for pain relief before receiving the vaccine lessens its effectiveness. Is this true?

Some studies have suggested that taking medications such as Tylenol or Advil before getting a vaccination might reduce your body's ability to mount an immune response to the vaccine. It's unclear if these findings have any clinical significance, though, and other studies did not find any effect of anti-inflammatory medications on the immune reaction to vaccines.

If you regularly take aspirin or other over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol), ibuprofen (e.g., Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (e.g., Aleve) for other medical conditions, please continue to do so as directed by your physician or as needed. Otherwise, it's probably best to not take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen that reduce fever or inflammation before receiving a vaccine. If you are uncomfortable or have symptoms after vaccination, that is the time to take an over-the-counter medication to help you feel better.

How long am I immune after getting the coronavirus vaccine?

This is a question researchers are eager to answer. People who are infected with the coronavirus show a decline in antibodies within a few months, but their immunity may last significantly longer than that. (A few people appear to have caught COVID-19 twice, but this is unusual). Data from the vaccine trials indicate strong immunity at least months after vaccination, indicating possible long-term immunity.

As the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has begun to change (mutate), studies are exploring how these changes affect the virus's characteristics, including its ability to spread between people. A substantial mutation might have an impact on the effectiveness of the vaccines, and vaccine manufacturers are preparing to make adjustments where necessary.

Demographics of the COVID-19 Vaccine Trials

Do I need a coronavirus vaccine if I've already had COVID-19?

People who have gotten sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from getting vaccinated. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, people may be advised to get a COVID-19 vaccine even if they have been sick with COVID-19 before.

There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long people are protected from getting COVID-19 after they have had it (natural immunity). Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine interfere with getting a mammogram?

Getting a mammogram too soon after your second dose of the coronavirus vaccine could result in a false positive and a callback due to temporarily swollen lymph nodes.

The Johns Hopkins Division of Breast Imaging supports the recommendation from the Society of Breast Imaging : When possible, and if it does not delay care your doctor recommends, you should schedule screening mammograms before your first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine or four to six weeks after the second dose.

Breast imaging radiologists have noticed that underarm lymph nodes can become temporarily enlarged after a person is vaccinated for COVID-19. This is a normal reaction to the vaccine in some people. Four to six weeks after your vaccine(s), your lymph nodes are expected to return to their normal size.

If you go ahead with getting your mammogram within six weeks of your COVID-19 vaccination and larger-than-usual lymph nodes show up on the test, you will get a callback for more tests.The doctor may follow up with an ultrasound of the lymph nodes under your arm and request that you come in again one to three months after that to be sure the lymph nodes return to their normal size.

If you get a mammogram within the first six weeks after your COVID-19 vaccinations and your mammogram is negative for signs of breast cancer and does not show any enlargement of the lymph nodes, your results would be considered reliable that there are no signs of breast cancer.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What you need to know from Johns Hopkins Medicine.

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Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine: What to Expect

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Featured Experts: As the COVID-19 vaccines are authorized and become more widely available, many are wondering what to expect when they get vaccinated. Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention, and Gabor Kelen, M.D., director of Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, talk about what's involved in getting vaccinated for COVID-19 and answer some of your most common questions.

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

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COVID-19 vaccines: Safety, side effects — and coincidence - Harvard Health

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As the pandemic rages on, rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines is welcome news since widespread vaccination is essential to help contain it. But while many are scrambling to get a vaccine,...

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

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Do we still have to wear our masks after getting the COVID-19 vaccine? - Leslie F.

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Do we still have to wear our masks after getting the COVID-19 vaccine? - Leslie F.

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Seeing people wearing masks in everyday life is now the norm throughout much of the country - something that was uncommon in the United States until the coronavirus pandemic began in March.

Mask-wearing, hand-washing and social distancing remain key to curbing the spread of the virus, but much has changed in the world of COVID-19 prevention. Notably, there is now at least one approved vaccine in several countries, including the U.S., the United Kingdom and Canada. But while a vaccine is a profound scientific development that provides much-needed safety, it is not an immediate cure-all.

Realistically, immunity is not achieved immediately after vaccination and the vaccine won't be available to everyone at the same time. So, even after high-risk individuals and other groups are vaccinated, important mitigation measures like mask-wearing will continue.

Why? Here are the reasons face masks will be necessary as the vaccine rollout continues, according to experts:

While the vaccine is highly effective, it won't result in immunity for everyone

Data from the vaccine trials showed that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are very effective - most people who get the vaccine will receive protection against the coronavirus.

While the efficacy data for the Pfizer vaccine reports that it's 95% effective ― higher than most experts originally expected ― that does mean that there is still a portion of the vaccinated population that won't be protected, Sexton said.

"You have 5% of people, and potentially more in certain groups, who may not be immune despite having gotten vaccinated," she said, adding that it is also unknown how those who are immunocompromised will respond to the vaccine and whether it will be 95% effective among that group, too.

She added that it will take time to achieve herd immunity, especially with a new, two-dose vaccine.

Luis Alvarez via Getty Images

It's unknown whether people who receive the vaccine can still spread the virus

You might read the first point and think: What does it matter as long as I'm vaccinated? I won't be able to spread the disease to someone who isn't protected. That, sadly, is not decidedly known yet, said Michael LeVasseur, assistant professor in epidemiology and biostatistics at Drexel University's Dornsife School of Public Health.

"There are still questions as to whether or not someone who has been vaccinated can get an infection that results in secondary infections," LeVasseur noted. In other words, people who receive the vaccine may still be able to pass the infection to those around them.

He added that people are most infectious before they show any COVID-19 symptoms, so it's not outside the realm of possibility to worry that asymptomatic spread could happen if those who receive the vaccine can still shed the virus.

Dr. Anthony Fauci - the nation's top infectious diseases expert - told the "Today" show on Friday that it appears Moderna's vaccine may prevent someone from spreading the infection. However, more time is needed to study people who receive the vaccine to determine if that's actually the case.

"If you protect against clinical disease, that's very good," Fauci said in the interview. "But if you also even prevent a person from getting actually infected, that would mean that you're preventing someone from passing the infection on to someone else, and that kind of interferes with the chain of transmission."

Sexton added that more questions around spread in vaccinated individuals will be answered as we learn more about the vaccines. Until then, masking will still be important to make sure those who are protected don't spread the virus to those who have not yet been vaccinated.

Immunity won't occur immediately, making masks necessary as your body responds to the vaccine

"You're probably not going to achieve the levels of immunity required to prevent infection for 28 days, depending on the vaccine," LeVasseur said, adding that 28 days is roughly a week after the second vaccine dose.

Masks will be necessary to protect yourself and others against the spread of COVID-19 as your body responds to the vaccine.

And while some people will get the vaccine soon, many won't be able to get the vaccine well into 2021. This makes wearing masks in public spaces and enclosed areas crucial to keeping everyone healthy as they wait for their turn to get vaccinated.

Halfpoint Images via Getty Images

The amount of time we'll have to wear masks depends on how much of the population gets vaccinated

Sexton stressed that it's crucial that people pay attention to the science coming out of the trials, which shows that the vaccine works well and has good safety data.

People's willingness or unwillingness to get the vaccine directly affects how long we will have to wear masks and wait for a return to "normal," Sexton said. It's impossible to achieve any sort of public immunity if people are not willing to get the vaccine.

Experts are still learning about COVID-19. The information in this story is what was known or available as of publication, but guidance can change as scientists discover more about the virus. Please check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for the most updated recommendations.

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Do We Still Have To Wear Face Masks After Getting The COVID-19 Vaccine?

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Seeing people wearing masks in everyday life is now the norm throughout much of the country - something that was uncommon in the United States until the coronavirus pandemic began in March. Mask-wearing, hand-washing and social distancing remain key to curbing the spread of the virus, but much has changed in the world of COVID-19 prevention.

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https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-vaccines-and-how-they-work-11611759029

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Seven coronavirus vaccines are rolling out across six continents to slow the global pandemic, and more are in late-stage testing. The shots use different technologies to help people mount the molecular defenses that can fend off Covid-19.

Vaccines from Moderna Inc. and Pfizer Inc. and its German partner BioNTech SE mobilize immune defenses using genetic molecules known as messenger RNA packaged in fat envelopes, while AstraZeneca Inc.'s vaccine and Russia's Sputnik V shot deliver immune prompts with the help of common, harmless viruses. A Beijing-based drug-development unit of China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., known more commonly as Sinopharm, relies on the traditional vaccine approach: prompting immune defenses against a dangerous virus by injecting a defanged version of the pathogen. Another vaccine, now in late-stage testing from U.S.-based Novavax Inc., relies on a fourth technology.

The vaccines appeared to have different levels of effectiveness during testing, and different side effect risks. The following explains how each of these vaccines works.

Genetic-Code

The mRNA technology behind the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines-the two currently in use in the U.S.-had never been approved before the pandemic. Messenger RNA carries to cells the genetic instructions for making proteins. The mRNA vaccines ferry orders, engineered in a lab, for making a harmless version of the protein from the novel coronavirus, prompting cells to make the protein and the immune system to mobilize molecular defenses that can spring into action if exposed to the real coronavirus.

Among the Covid-19 vaccines currently in use, mRNA vaccines have had the highest efficacy rates during late-stage testing.

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Seven coronavirus vaccines are rolling out across six continents to slow the global pandemic, and more are in late-stage testing. The shots use different technologies to help people mount the molecular defenses that can fend off Covid-19. Vaccines from Moderna Inc. and Pfizer Inc.

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Is the vaccine compatible with everyone?

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Is the vaccine compatible with everyone?

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sources for information--
*https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/in-depth/coronavirus-vaccine/art-20484859

*https://www.sutterhealth.org/for-patients/health-alerts/covid-19-vaccine

*https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/coronavirus-information/covid-vaccine

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Does the COVID19 Vaccine have any deadly side affects?

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Does the COVID19 Vaccine have any deadly side affects?

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Self-Checker

Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

What You Need to Know

Side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine can vary from person to person.

Some people experience a little discomfort and can continue to go about their day. Others have side effects that affect their ability to do daily activities.

Side effects generally go away in a few days.

Even if you don't experience any side effects, your body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.

Adverse events (serious health problems) are rare but can cause long-term health problems. They usually happen within six weeks of getting a vaccine.

Common Side Effects

Side effects after a COVID-19 vaccination tend to be mild, temporary, and like those experienced after routine vaccinations. They can vary across different age groups.

Common side effects can include:

Pain on the leg or arm where the shot was given

Swollen lymph nodes

Irritability or crying

Sleepiness

Loss of appetite

Side effects are more common after the second dose and can include:

Pain, swelling, and redness on the arm where the shot was given

Tiredness

Headache

Muscle or joint pain

Chills

Swollen lymph nodes

On the arm where you got the shot:

Throughout the rest of your body:

Tiredness

Headache

Muscle pain

Chills

Fever

Nausea

After a second shot or booster

Reactions reported after getting a booster shot are similar to those after the two-dose or single-dose primary shots. Most side effects were mild to moderate.

The most commonly reported side effects were:

Fever

Headache

Fatigue (tiredness)

Pain at the injection site

Helpful tips to relieve side effects

Adults

To relieve pain or swelling on the arm where you got the shot:

Apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth over the area.

Use or keep moving your arm.

Also, if possible, get some rest.

To reduce discomfort from fever:

Drink plenty of fluids,

Dress in comfortable clothes,

Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin (only for people ages 18 years or older), or antihistamines.
It is not recommended to take these medicines before vaccination to try to prevent side effects as it is not known how OTC medicines might affect how well the vaccine works.

Children

Ask your child's healthcare provider for advice on using a non-aspirin pain reliever and learn about other steps you can take at home to comfort your child after vaccination.

Call a doctor or healthcare provider about a side effect if:

Redness or tenderness where the shot was given gets worse after 24 hours

Side effects are worrying or do not seem to be going away after a few days

Adverse Events after COVID-19 Vaccination Are Rare

Adverse events, including severe allergic reactions, after COVID-19 vaccination are rare but can happen. For this reason, everyone who receives a COVID-19 vaccine is monitored by their vaccination provider for at least 15 minutes.

After leaving a vaccination provider site, if you think you or your child might be having a severe allergic reaction, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

Learn more about what you can do if you have an allergic reaction.

Reporting Side Effects and Adverse Events

Use v-safe or the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) to report your side effects:

V-safe, a smartphone-based tool, provides quick and confidential health check-ins via text messages and web surveys. It does this so you can quickly and easily share with CDC how you or your child feel after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System can be used by you or your healthcare provider to report a side effect, adverse event, or reaction from COVID-19 vaccine.

Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

When do you need to schedule your next shot?

Do you or your child need to get a booster?

Can you get a different vaccine product after your 1st dose?

Stay Up to Date

Resources

What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

Fact sheet for healthcare workers to give after vaccination.

File Details: 199 KB, 1 page
View PDF

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What to Expect after Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine

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Self-Checker Important update: Healthcare facilities CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more Possible Side Effects After Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine Side effects after getting a COVID-19 vaccine can vary from person to person. Some people experience a little discomfort and can continue to go about their day.

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

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Should anyone who can get the vaccine take the vaccine?

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Should anyone who can get the vaccine take the vaccine?

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https://www.cnn.com/2021/03/29/health/us-coronavirus-monday/index.html

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

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Emergencies/COVID19/VaccineInformation/HowVaccinesWork

https://health.ucdavis.edu/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccine/how-covid-19-vaccines-work.html

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

What You Need to Know

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness.

Different COVID-19 vaccines may work in our bodies differently but all provide protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.

None of the COVID-19 vaccines can give you COVID-19.

Bringing new vaccines to the public involves various steps, all which must be followed to ensure they are safe and effective before they are made available for use.

How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness.

Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection. But with all types of vaccines, the body is left with a supply of "memory" T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight that virus in the future.

It typically takes a few weeks after vaccination for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. Therefore, it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection.

Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal signs the body is building immunity.

Types of Vaccines: mRNA, Viral Vector, and Protein Subunit

Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

There are different types of vaccines.

All COVID-19 vaccines prompt our bodies to recognize and help protect us from the virus that causes COVID-19.

Currently, there are three types of COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States: mRNA, protein subunit, and viral vector vaccines.
As of May 6, 2023, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, a viral vector vaccine, has expired and is no longer available for use in the United States.

None of these vaccines can give you COVID-19.

Vaccines do not use any live virus.

Vaccines cannot cause infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 or other viruses.

They do not affect or interact with our DNA.

These vaccines do not enter the nucleus of the cell where our DNA (genetic material) is located, so it cannot change or influence our genes.

mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna)

To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines. Instead, mRNA vaccines use mRNA created in a laboratory to teach our cells how to make a protein-or even just a piece of a protein-that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. This immune response, which produces antibodies, is what helps protect us from getting sick from that germ in the future.

About Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna

Research for mRNA technology

Researchers have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades.

In fact, mRNA vaccines have been studied before for flu, Zika, rabies, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Beyond vaccines, cancer research has also used mRNA to trigger the immune system to target specific cancer cells.

First, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle or upper thigh, depending on the age of who is getting vaccinated.

After vaccination, the mRNA will enter the muscle cells. Once inside, they use the cells' machinery to produce a harmless piece of what is called the spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After the protein piece is made, our cells break down the mRNA and remove it, leaving the body as waste.

Next, our cells display the spike protein piece on their surface. Our immune system recognizes that the protein does not belong there. This triggers our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection. This is what your body might do if you got sick with COVID-19.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. The benefit is that people get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Any side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work.

Protein subunit vaccines (Novavax)

Protein subunit vaccines contain pieces (proteins) of the virus that causes COVID-19. These virus pieces are the spike protein. The vaccine also contains another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to that spike protein in the future. Once the immune system knows how to respond to the spike protein, the immune system will be able to respond quickly to the actual virus spike protein and protect you against COVID-19.

About Novavax

Research for protein subunit technology

Protein subunit vaccines have been used for years.

More than 30 years ago, a hepatitis B vaccine became the first protein subunit vaccine to be approved for use in people in the United States.

Another example of other protein subunit vaccines used today include whooping cough vaccines.

Protein subunit COVID-19 vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. After vaccination, nearby cells pick up these proteins.

Next, our immune system recognizes that these proteins do not belong there. Another ingredient in the vaccine, the adjuvant, helps our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection. This is what your body might do if you got sick with COVID-19.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. The benefit is that people get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Many side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how Protein Subunit COVID-19 vaccines work.

Viral vector vaccines (Johnson & Johnson's Janssen)
As of May 6, 2023, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine has expired and is no longer available for use in the United States.
Viral vector COVID-19 vaccines use a modified version of a different virus (a vector virus) to deliver important instructions to our cells.

About Johnson & Johnson's Janssen

Research for viral vector technology

For decades, hundreds of scientific studies of viral vector vaccines have been done and published around the world.

Some vaccines recently used for Ebola outbreaks have used viral vector technology.

Several studies have focused on viral vector vaccines against other diseases such as Zika, flu, and HIV.

Besides being used in vaccines, viral vectors have also been studied for gene therapy, to treat cancer, and for molecular biology research.

Viral vector COVID-19 vaccines are given in a muscle in the upper arm. The vector virus in the vaccine is not the virus that causes COVID-19, but a different, harmless virus. It enters the muscle cells and uses the cells' machinery to produce a harmless piece of what is called a spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After the spike protein piece is made, our cells break down the vector virus and remove it.

Next, our cells display the spike protein on their surface. Our immune system recognizes that the spike protein does not belong there. This triggers our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it is an infection. This response is similar to what your body does if you get sick with COVID-19, but is temporary.

At the end of the immune building process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. People get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Any side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how Viral Vector COVID-19 vaccines work.

Developing COVID-19 Vaccines

While COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly, all steps have been taken to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Bringing a new vaccine to the public involves many steps including:

vaccine development,

clinical trials,

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization or approval,

and development and approval of vaccine recommendations through the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC.

As vaccines are distributed outside of clinical trials, monitoring systems are used to make sure that COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

When FDA authorizes or approves a COVID-19 vaccine, ACIP reviews all available data about that vaccine to determine whether to recommend it and who should receive it. These vaccine recommendations then go through an approval process that involves both ACIP and CDC.

Learn About Getting Your Vaccine

Do you need to wait to get vaccinated after getting COVID-19 or getting treatment for COVID-19?

How can you prepare for vaccination?

What can you expect during and after your vaccination?

Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine

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Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

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Learn about how COVID-19 vaccines will work with your body's natural defenses to safely develop protection (immunity) to this serious disease.

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Tri Lam - What are the side effects of COVID-19 Vaccine?

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Tri Lam - What are the side effects of COVID-19 Vaccine?

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https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/covid-19-vaccines-safety-side-effects-and-coincidence-2021020821906

https://www.usatoday.com/in-depth/graphics/2021/03/27/comparing-covid-19-vaccines/6806600002/

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Ashley Sousa- What are the side effects of the Covid-19 Vaccines. 

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Ashley Sousa- What are the side effects of the Covid-19 Vaccines. 

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What are the side effects of the Covid-19 Vaccines.

https://www.gavi.org/vaccineswork/side-effects-and-covid-19-vaccines-what-expect

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/global-covid-19-vaccine-summary-side-effects

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html

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How well do these vaccines work?  - --Joseph Christenson 

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How well do these vaccines work?  - --Joseph Christenson 

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Understanding How Covid-19 vaccine works

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

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Important update: Healthcare facilities

CDC has updated select ways to operate healthcare systems effectively in response to COVID-19 vaccination. Learn more

Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

What You Need to Know

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness.

Different COVID-19 vaccines may work in our bodies differently but all provide protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.

None of the COVID-19 vaccines can give you COVID-19.

Bringing new vaccines to the public involves various steps, all which must be followed to ensure they are safe and effective before they are made available for use.

How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 without us having to get the illness.

Different types of vaccines work in different ways to offer protection. But with all types of vaccines, the body is left with a supply of "memory" T-lymphocytes as well as B-lymphocytes that will remember how to fight that virus in the future.

It typically takes a few weeks after vaccination for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes. Therefore, it is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection.

Sometimes after vaccination, the process of building immunity can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal signs the body is building immunity.

Types of Vaccines: mRNA, Viral Vector, and Protein Subunit

Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines

There are different types of vaccines.

All COVID-19 vaccines prompt our bodies to recognize and help protect us from the virus that causes COVID-19.

Currently, there are three types of COVID-19 vaccines for use in the United States: mRNA, protein subunit, and viral vector vaccines.
As of May 6, 2023, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine, a viral vector vaccine, has expired and is no longer available for use in the United States.

None of these vaccines can give you COVID-19.

Vaccines do not use any live virus.

Vaccines cannot cause infection with the virus that causes COVID-19 or other viruses.

They do not affect or interact with our DNA.

These vaccines do not enter the nucleus of the cell where our DNA (genetic material) is located, so it cannot change or influence our genes.

mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna)

To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. Not mRNA vaccines. Instead, mRNA vaccines use mRNA created in a laboratory to teach our cells how to make a protein-or even just a piece of a protein-that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. This immune response, which produces antibodies, is what helps protect us from getting sick from that germ in the future.

About Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna

Research for mRNA technology

Researchers have been studying and working with mRNA vaccines for decades.

In fact, mRNA vaccines have been studied before for flu, Zika, rabies, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).

Beyond vaccines, cancer research has also used mRNA to trigger the immune system to target specific cancer cells.

First, mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle or upper thigh, depending on the age of who is getting vaccinated.

After vaccination, the mRNA will enter the muscle cells. Once inside, they use the cells' machinery to produce a harmless piece of what is called the spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After the protein piece is made, our cells break down the mRNA and remove it, leaving the body as waste.

Next, our cells display the spike protein piece on their surface. Our immune system recognizes that the protein does not belong there. This triggers our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection. This is what your body might do if you got sick with COVID-19.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. The benefit is that people get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Any side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work.

Protein subunit vaccines (Novavax)

Protein subunit vaccines contain pieces (proteins) of the virus that causes COVID-19. These virus pieces are the spike protein. The vaccine also contains another ingredient called an adjuvant that helps the immune system respond to that spike protein in the future. Once the immune system knows how to respond to the spike protein, the immune system will be able to respond quickly to the actual virus spike protein and protect you against COVID-19.

About Novavax

Research for protein subunit technology

Protein subunit vaccines have been used for years.

More than 30 years ago, a hepatitis B vaccine became the first protein subunit vaccine to be approved for use in people in the United States.

Another example of other protein subunit vaccines used today include whooping cough vaccines.

Protein subunit COVID-19 vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. After vaccination, nearby cells pick up these proteins.

Next, our immune system recognizes that these proteins do not belong there. Another ingredient in the vaccine, the adjuvant, helps our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it thinks is an infection. This is what your body might do if you got sick with COVID-19.

At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. The benefit is that people get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Many side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How Protein Subunit COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how Protein Subunit COVID-19 vaccines work.

Viral vector vaccines (Johnson & Johnson's Janssen)
As of May 6, 2023, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine has expired and is no longer available for use in the United States.
Viral vector COVID-19 vaccines use a modified version of a different virus (a vector virus) to deliver important instructions to our cells.

About Johnson & Johnson's Janssen

Research for viral vector technology

For decades, hundreds of scientific studies of viral vector vaccines have been done and published around the world.

Some vaccines recently used for Ebola outbreaks have used viral vector technology.

Several studies have focused on viral vector vaccines against other diseases such as Zika, flu, and HIV.

Besides being used in vaccines, viral vectors have also been studied for gene therapy, to treat cancer, and for molecular biology research.

Viral vector COVID-19 vaccines are given in a muscle in the upper arm. The vector virus in the vaccine is not the virus that causes COVID-19, but a different, harmless virus. It enters the muscle cells and uses the cells' machinery to produce a harmless piece of what is called a spike protein. The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After the spike protein piece is made, our cells break down the vector virus and remove it.

Next, our cells display the spike protein on their surface. Our immune system recognizes that the spike protein does not belong there. This triggers our immune system to produce antibodies and activate other immune cells to fight off what it is an infection. This response is similar to what your body does if you get sick with COVID-19, but is temporary.

At the end of the immune building process, our bodies have learned how to help protect against future infection with the virus that causes COVID-19. People get this protection from a vaccine, without ever having to risk the potentially serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19. Any side effects from getting the vaccine are normal signs the body is building protection.

How Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines Work

PDF infographic explaining how Viral Vector COVID-19 vaccines work.

Developing COVID-19 Vaccines

While COVID-19 vaccines were developed rapidly, all steps have been taken to ensure their safety and effectiveness. Bringing a new vaccine to the public involves many steps including:

vaccine development,

clinical trials,

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorization or approval,

and development and approval of vaccine recommendations through the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and CDC.

As vaccines are distributed outside of clinical trials, monitoring systems are used to make sure that COVID-19 vaccines are safe.

When FDA authorizes or approves a COVID-19 vaccine, ACIP reviews all available data about that vaccine to determine whether to recommend it and who should receive it. These vaccine recommendations then go through an approval process that involves both ACIP and CDC.

Learn About Getting Your Vaccine

Do you need to wait to get vaccinated after getting COVID-19 or getting treatment for COVID-19?

How can you prepare for vaccination?

What can you expect during and after your vaccination?

Getting Your COVID-19 Vaccine

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Understanding How COVID-19 Vaccines Work

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Learn about how COVID-19 vaccines will work with your body's natural defenses to safely develop protection (immunity) to this serious disease.

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Johns Hopkins Medical https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/is-the-covid19-vaccine-safe

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Featured Experts:

Yes. The two mRNA vaccines, Pfizer and Moderna, authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), are very safe and very good at preventing serious or fatal cases of COVID-19. The risk of serious side effects associated with these vaccines is very small.

Lisa Maragakis, M.D., M.P.H., senior director of infection prevention, and Gabor Kelen, M.D., director of the Johns Hopkins Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response, answer questions about the safety of the COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety - What We Know

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are strongly recommended as safe and effective at preventing serious illness or death from COVID-19.

From December 2020 to December 2021, about 470 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in the U.S.

Roughly 12 months of data, including data from tens of thousands of participants in clinical trials, show that the vaccines are safe and effective at preventing serious disease or death due to COVID-19.

Additional shots and boosters are also authorized for those who meet the guidelines.

mRNA technology used in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines has been in development for over 15 years.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines received full FDA approval, which means more data show how well that particular vaccine works.

Due to potential blood clots following administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, the CDC updated its recommendations in December 2021. The CDC noted that the two mRNA vaccines, from Pfizer and Moderna, are preferred over the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Are there risks or safety concerns regarding the COVID vaccines?

To help catch risks or safety concerns, the CDC and FDA monitor possible safety issues with the COVID-19 vaccines. This ongoing work has led to revised recommendations for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and information about rare side effects tied to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines.

Johnson & Johnson/Janssen. In December 2021, the CDC updated its recommendations and stated that either of the two mRNA vaccines is preferred over the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC explained that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are preferred due to a greater risk for developing rare but severe blood clots, called thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS), following administration of the J&J vaccine. The CDC noted that there are some situations when a J&J vaccine may still be used, if the recipient understands the risks and benefits of the J&J vaccine. Read about side effects related to the rare blood clot.

At Johns Hopkins Medicine, we offer Pfizer and Moderna vaccines throughout our vaccine clinics.

Pfizer and Moderna. After observing rare occurrences of myocarditis following the second injection of the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, the CDC released information for the public. Most of these myocarditis events happened in teens and young adults, and the majority of the cases were mild and cleared up on their own. Read about side effects related to myocarditis.

This review process continues to monitor vaccine safety. Potential risks of COVID-19 vaccines are reviewed and weighed against the benefits of protection that the vaccines offer as well as the known, serious risk of harm due to COVID-19.

What if I got a J&J vaccine? Should I worry about blood clots?

If you received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than three weeks ago, you do not need to watch for side effects related to blood clots.

If you received the J&J vaccine within the last three weeks, you should watch for possible symptoms of TTS and get medical help immediately if you have any of the following:

Severe or persistent headaches or blurred vision

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Leg swelling

Persistent abdominal pain

Easy bruising or tiny blood spots under the skin near the injection site

Is there a risk of an allergic reaction to a COVID vaccine?

According to the CDC, anyone who has a severe allergy (e.g., anaphylaxis) to any of the mRNA vaccine ingredients should not receive this vaccine. The CDC says people with allergies to certain foods, insects, latex and other common allergens can safely receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Those with a history of severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to injectables or other vaccines should discuss the vaccination with their doctor, who can evaluate and assess their risk.

The COVID-19 Vaccines: What you need to know | Las vacunas anticovid-19: información imprescindible

How was the COVID-19 vaccine developed so quickly?

The relatively quick development of these vaccines does not mean safety measures were skipped. There are several reasons why the COVID-19 vaccines were developed faster than other vaccines:

The technologies used to develop the COVID-19 vaccines have been in development for years to prepare for outbreaks of infectious viruses. The manufacturing processes were ready very early in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Countries shared genetic information when it was available about SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, which gave vaccine developers an early start at finding a vaccine.

The testing processes for the vaccines didn't skip any steps, but the vaccine developers conducted some stages of the process simultaneously to gather as much data as quickly as possible.

Governments gave money to vaccine developers in advance, so the companies had resources they needed.

Some types of COVID-19 vaccines were created using messenger RNA (mRNA), a new technology that allows a faster approach than the traditional way vaccines are made.

Social media enabled companies to reach out to and enroll study volunteers, and plenty of people wanted to help, so there were enough research participants to test the COVID-19 vaccines.

Because SARS-CoV-2 is so contagious and widespread, many volunteers who got the vaccines were exposed to the virus, and with so many exposures, it took a shorter time to see if the vaccines worked.

Companies began manufacturing vaccines ahead of their authorization or approval so some supplies would be ready if authorization occurred.

What steps are taken to help make sure the COVID-19 vaccines are safe?

Safety is always a top priority as federal agencies work with vaccine manufacturers and independent scientific organizations to develop, study, authorize and approve new vaccines. Here are some of the steps taken for COVID-19 vaccines, as well as other vaccines:

Careful testing. All vaccines go through clinical trials to test safety and effectiveness. For the COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA set high safety standards for vaccine developers to meet. This graphic from the National Institutes of Health shows the four phases a vaccine goes through before it is released to the public.

Authorization for emergency use. If a vaccine or medicine is needed to address an emergency situation such as the COVID-19 pandemic, once it is shown to be safe and effective, the FDA can grant it an emergency use authorization (EUA). An EUA allows a vaccine, treatment or medication to be used before the formal FDA approval.

Continuous monitoring for problems and side effects. Once a vaccine gets an EUA and is being given to people, the FDA and the CDC continue to watch carefully in case problems arise. Data on the vaccine's safety record accumulates over time, as more and more people who receive it report on their experience and any side effects. One important way to report adverse events after vaccination is through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

Learn more from the CDC about the safety steps for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Demographics of the COVID-19 Vaccine Trials

Do I still have to wear a mask if I get a vaccine?

The CDC continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 and makes recommendations for wearing face masks, both for those who are fully vaccinated as well as people who are not fully vaccinated.

The CDC also recommends that masks and physical distancing be required when going to a doctor's office, hospital or long-term care facility, including all Johns Hopkins hospitals, care centers and offices.

Johns Hopkins Medicine's mask safety guidelines have not changed, and we still require everyone to wear masks inside all of our facilities.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

You cannot and will not get COVID-19 from any of the vaccines. The COVID-19 vaccines do not have any virus or other infectious material in them.

What about the safety of COVID-19 vaccination for diverse groups of people?

The FDA and other reviewers closely consider diverse populations and include them in the trials. The clinical trials for the first two COVID-19 vaccines included members of underrepresented minorities and older age groups, and people with conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart and respiratory conditions.

Does Johns Hopkins Medicine recommend that I get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, we recommend that everyone who is eligible get vaccinated with one of the currently authorized mRNA COVID-19 vaccines: Pfizer or Moderna. We view both as highly effective in preventing serious disease, hospitalization and death from COVID-19 (including disease caused by the very contagious delta and omicron variants of the coronavirus), and we believe that their benefits outweigh their risks.

At Johns Hopkins Medicine, we offer Pfizer and Moderna vaccines throughout our vaccine clinics.

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Our experts answer some frequently asked questions about vaccine safety.

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WHO gives nod to AstraZeneca vaccine and its 'tremendous potential'

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WHO gives nod to AstraZeneca vaccine and its 'tremendous potential'

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https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-coronavirus-who-astrazeneca/keep-using-astrazeneca-vaccine-who-urges-world-idUSKBN2BB1UL

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GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization's vaccine safety panel said on Friday that available data from AstraZeneca's COVID-19 shot do not point to any overall increase in clotting conditions but it would continue to monitor for any adverse effects.

"The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (including Covishield) continues to have a positive benefit-risk profile, with tremendous potential to prevent infections and reduce deaths across the world," the WHO's global advisory committee on vaccine safety said in a statement.

Covishield refers to AstraZeneca vaccine produced by Serum Institute of India.

The WHO panel of 12 independent experts, who met virtually on Tuesday and on Thursday, reviewed safety data from Europe, the United Kingdom, India, and WHO's global database.

"While very rare and unique thromboembolic events in combination with thrombocytopenia, such as cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST), have also been reported following vaccination with the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Europe, it is not certain that they have been caused by vaccination," it said.

Europe was pushing to get its vaccination drive back on track on Friday after European and British regulators had also said the benefits of AstraZeneca's shot outweighed risks.

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WHO gives nod to AstraZeneca vaccine and its 'tremendous potential'

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GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Health Organization's vaccine safety panel said on Friday that available data from AstraZeneca's COVID-19 shot do not point to any overall increase in clotting conditions but it would continue to monitor for any adverse effects.