COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

Every eligible patient should receive the vaccine when it becomes available. The vaccine has only been approved for patients age 16 years or older at this time. The vaccine has not yet been approved for children. Eligibility will be based on the phase of vaccine distribution. Phase one will include frontline healthcare workers, phase two will include patients with medical risks, and phase three will include the general patient population. It may be several months before the vaccine is available to the general population. Please watch our website for updated information on the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) carefully reviews all safety data from clinical trials and authorizes emergency vaccine use only when the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the potential risks. COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large clinical trials to make sure they meet safety standards. Many people were recruited to participate in these trials to see how the vaccines offer protection to people of different ages, races, and ethnicities, as well as those with different medical conditions.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) reviews all safety data before recommending any COVID-19 vaccine for use. 

FDA and CDC will continue to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines, to make sure even very rare side effects are identified.

I heard getting COVID-19 gives you better and longer immunity than the protection a vaccine can give. Can it actually make my illness worse if I do end up getting COVID-19? 

A COVID-19 infection puts you at risk for long-term health issues after recovery from COVID-19 disease. It is best to avoid contracting the disease.

Scientists are still learning more about the virus that causes COVID-19 and it is not known whether getting COVID-19 disease will protect everyone against getting it again, or, if it does, how long that protection might last.

The vaccine was tested in large clinical trials and is known to be effective in preventing COVID-19 infections.

While the vaccine is up to 95% effective. You will still need to practice precautions like wearing a mask in public, social distancing, and frequent hand washing.

Side effects typically occur 1-2 days after receiving the vaccine and resolve within a week. Side effects were more common following the second injection. The most common side effects of the vaccine were fatigue, headache, fever, muscle pain, chills and injection site. These side effects are a sign that the immune system is working. If these symptoms do not resolve within a week, you should contact your primary care provider. Severe reactions were uncommon and included anaphylaxis. Severe reactions should be reported to your primary care provider. The vaccine cannot cause the COVID-19 disease.

All but one of the COVID-19 vaccines currently use two shots. The same vaccine brand must be used for both shots. The first shot primes the immune system, helping it recognize the virus, and the second shot strengthens the immune response.