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COVID-19 Vaccine Facts
Source: Mayo Clinic
Looking to get the facts about the new COVID-19 vaccines? Here's what you need to know about the different vaccines and the benefits of getting vaccinated.
Vaccines to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are perhaps the best hope for ending the pandemic. But you likely have questions. Find out about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines, how they work, the possible side effects and the importance of continuing to take infection prevention steps.
What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine? COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications and lead to death in some people. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. If you get COVID-19, you could spread the disease to family, friends and others around you.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body without your having to become sick with COVID-19.
A COVID-19 vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19. Or, if you get COVID-19, the vaccine might keep you from becoming seriously ill or from developing serious complications.
Getting vaccinated also might help protect people around you from COVID-19, particularly people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
What COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and how do they work?
COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective.
Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine: The FDA has given full authorization (as of 8/23/21) for ages 16 and older and emergency use authorization for ages 6 months to 15 for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Data has shown that the vaccine starts working soon after the first dose and has an efficacy rate of 95% seven days after the second dose. This means that about 95% of people who get the vaccine are protected from becoming seriously ill with the virus. This vaccine is for people age 12 and older. It requires two injections given 21 days apart.
Moderna vaccine: Moderna has full FDA approval of its COVID-19 vaccine. Data has shown that the vaccine has an efficacy rate of 94.1%. This vaccine requires two injections given 28 days apart.
Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA). Coronaviruses have a spike-like structure on their surface called an S protein. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give cells instructions for how to make a harmless piece of an S protein. After vaccination, cells begin making the protein pieces and displaying them on cell surfaces. Your immune system will recognize that the protein doesn't belong there and begin building an immune response and making antibodies.
Can a COVID-19 vaccine give you COVID-19?
No. The COVID-19 vaccines currently being developed in the U.S. don't use the live virus that causes COVID-19.
Keep in mind that it will take a few weeks for your body to build immunity after getting a COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, it's possible that you could become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or after being vaccinated.
What are the possible side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine? A COVID-19 vaccine can cause mild side effects, including:
If you have a reaction that prevents you from being able to eat, sleep or work, contact your doctor. Also, contact your doctor if you have a reaction that lasts longer than three days.
Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. If you have any of these signs, seek care immediately.
How are the COVID-19 vaccines being distributed?
Initially, COVID-19 vaccines were distributed via a phased approach that prioritized high risk groups. However, in Ohio, the COVID-19 vaccine has now been made readily available to anyone who is eligible to receive it (currently persons ages 6 months and older).
Is there anyone who should not get a COVID-19 vaccine?
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is not available to children under 6 months of age.
Research demonstrates the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and part of a group recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits.
COVID-19 vaccination also might not be recommended for people with certain health conditions. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about getting the vaccine.
Also, if you have a history of allergic reactions, talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine. You might need to be observed for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine.
Vaccines to prevent the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are perhaps the best hope for ending the pandemic. But you likely have questions. Find out about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccines, how they work, the possible side effects and the importance of continuing to take infection prevention steps.
What are the benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine? COVID-19 can cause severe medical complications and lead to death in some people. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. If you get COVID-19, you could spread the disease to family, friends and others around you.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body without your having to become sick with COVID-19.
A COVID-19 vaccine might prevent you from getting COVID-19. Or, if you get COVID-19, the vaccine might keep you from becoming seriously ill or from developing serious complications.
Getting vaccinated also might help protect people around you from COVID-19, particularly people at increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
What COVID-19 vaccines have been approved and how do they work?
COVID-19 vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective.
Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine: The FDA has given full authorization (as of 8/23/21) for ages 16 and older and emergency use authorization for ages 6 months to 15 for the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Data has shown that the vaccine starts working soon after the first dose and has an efficacy rate of 95% seven days after the second dose. This means that about 95% of people who get the vaccine are protected from becoming seriously ill with the virus. This vaccine is for people age 12 and older. It requires two injections given 21 days apart.
Moderna vaccine: Moderna has full FDA approval of its COVID-19 vaccine. Data has shown that the vaccine has an efficacy rate of 94.1%. This vaccine requires two injections given 28 days apart.
Both the Pfizer/BioNTech and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA). Coronaviruses have a spike-like structure on their surface called an S protein. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give cells instructions for how to make a harmless piece of an S protein. After vaccination, cells begin making the protein pieces and displaying them on cell surfaces. Your immune system will recognize that the protein doesn't belong there and begin building an immune response and making antibodies.
Can a COVID-19 vaccine give you COVID-19?
No. The COVID-19 vaccines currently being developed in the U.S. don't use the live virus that causes COVID-19.
Keep in mind that it will take a few weeks for your body to build immunity after getting a COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, it's possible that you could become infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or after being vaccinated.
What are the possible side effects of a COVID-19 vaccine? A COVID-19 vaccine can cause mild side effects, including:
- Pain, redness or swelling where the shot was given
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Joint pain
If you have a reaction that prevents you from being able to eat, sleep or work, contact your doctor. Also, contact your doctor if you have a reaction that lasts longer than three days.
Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. If you have any of these signs, seek care immediately.
How are the COVID-19 vaccines being distributed?
Initially, COVID-19 vaccines were distributed via a phased approach that prioritized high risk groups. However, in Ohio, the COVID-19 vaccine has now been made readily available to anyone who is eligible to receive it (currently persons ages 6 months and older).
Is there anyone who should not get a COVID-19 vaccine?
The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is not available to children under 6 months of age.
Research demonstrates the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnant or breastfeeding women. However, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and part of a group recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine, talk to your health care provider about the risks and benefits.
COVID-19 vaccination also might not be recommended for people with certain health conditions. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about getting the vaccine.
Also, if you have a history of allergic reactions, talk to your doctor before getting the vaccine. You might need to be observed for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine.