Vaccine FAQs
Ready to Get Vaccinated?
Getting vaccinated is easy! Simply:
-
Click on a link below to find a vaccination site near you.
-
Book an appointment for your vaccination. (Some sites even take walk-ups!)
-
Show up for your appointment with your government-issued ID, such as a driver license or passport.
​
If you need a ride to and from your vaccination appointment, visit VaccineRydes.com to get a FREE ride from Lyft.
Have Questions?
Take a look at the frequently asked questions below about vaccinations to help with your decision making.
​
Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?
Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history.
​
Why should anyone get vaccinated?
Here are 5 important reasons to get vaccinated:
-
Vaccines protect you, your family, and your community from any symptomatic COVID-19.
-
Vaccines are up to 95% effective in preventing ANY symptoms of COVID-19.
-
Vaccines reduce the chance of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
-
Vaccines can help protect children from getting COVID-19.
-
Being unvaccinated may increase your risk of getting COVID-19 and serious long-term complications.
​
How do the vaccines work?
The vaccines teach your body how to recognize and respond to COVID-19.
​
Was vaccine development rushed?
Lots of government and private funding, plus more cooperation across scientific labs nationally and internationally, equalled multiple expensive clinical trials happening at the same time and quicker development. Still, although the vaccines were developed and tested quickly, it was all done safely. There was no “skipping” of steps.
​
Can I choose which vaccine I get?
Yes. All currently authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective, and CDC does not recommend one vaccine over another. The most important decision is to get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as possible. Widespread vaccination is a critical tool to help stop the pandemic.
​
After I get the vaccine shot(s), when am fully vaccinated?
It typically takes 2 weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19. You are not fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after the second dose of a 2-dose vaccine or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine.
​
What are the side effects of the vaccination?
Most side effects are mild, may occur over a few days, and can be stronger after your second dose. Common side effects include pain or muscle ache, fatigue, headache, nausea, chills, and fever. After vaccination, medical personnel will monitor you for 15 minutes to ensure you get any necessary treatment if you have a reaction.
​
Serious side effects are rare. The vaccine is safe for you if you have seasonal, pet, or food allergies.
If you have a history of anaphylaxis (severe allergic reactions), previous vaccine reactions, are allergic to polysorbate or ethylene glycol, talk to your doctor.
There is no evidence the vaccine affects fertility.
Talk to your doctor if you are immunocompromised or are taking medication that affects your immune system, have been unable to receive vaccinations in the past because of a blood thinner or a bleeding disorder, have a fever, are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.
​
Should I get the vaccine even if I already had COVID-19?
Yes. Protection from the vaccine is safe and can prolong your immunity. You can wait up to 90 days after infection for vaccination but can receive it as soon as local regulations allow.
​
Can I get vaccinated if I'm pregnant?
Yes. If you are pregnant, you can receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy can protect you from severe illness from COVID-19. If you have questions about getting vaccinated, a conversation with your healthcare provider might help, but is not required for vaccination.
​
Do I still need to wear a mask after getting the vaccine?
Yes. The vaccines protect YOU from getting sick from COVID-19, but it is unclear whether you may still get mild or symptom-free cases, then transmit COVID-19 to others. Continue to follow public health guidelines, such as wearing a mask, social distancing, and avoiding indoor crowds.
​
Can I get vaccinated for free?
Yes! The federal government is providing the vaccine free of charge to all people living in the United States, regardless of their immigration or health insurance status.
​
For more information on COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC website.
Vaccine Myths vs. Facts
Don't let rumors and false information keep you from getting vaccinated. The CDC separates the myths from the facts.
Can receiving a COVID-19 vaccine cause you to be magnetic?
No. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will not make you magnetic, including at the site of vaccination which is usually your arm. COVID-19 vaccines do not contain ingredients that can produce an electromagnetic field at the site of your injection. All COVID-19 vaccines are free from metals.
​
Is it safe for me to get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day?
Yes. If you are trying to become pregnant now or want to get pregnant in the future, you may get a COVID-19 vaccine when one is available to you.
​
There is currently no evidence that COVID-19 vaccination causes any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence that female or male fertility problems are a side effect of any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines.
​
Do any of the COVID-19 vaccines authorized for use in the United States shed or release any of their components?
No. Vaccine shedding is the term used to describe the release or discharge of any of the vaccine components in or outside of the body. Vaccine shedding can only occur when a vaccine contains a weakened version of the virus. None of the vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. contain a live virus. mRNA and viral vector vaccines are the two types of currently authorized COVID-19 vaccines available.
​
Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?
No. COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. Both mRNA and viral vector COVID-19 vaccines deliver instructions (genetic material) to our cells to start building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. However, the material never enters the nucleus of the cell, which is where our DNA is kept.
​
Is there a microchip in the COVID-19 vaccines?
No. There is not a microchip in the vaccines. This false rumor started after comments about digital vaccine records. State electronic immunization records help patients and physicians track vaccines they have received. There are no electronic components in the vaccines.
