COVID-19 Vaccine and Tests Available
November 22, 2021
KCH is now offering the Pfizer vaccine to anyone 5 years and older.
Please visit American Academy of Pediatrics for more information or call your local clinic for any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Booster doses of Pfizer & Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are now available for anyone over 18 who have had either two-dose series.
Call your local clinic to schedule an appointment for a booster dose.
KCH is now offering the Pfizer vaccine to anyone 5 years and older.
Please visit American Academy of Pediatrics for more information or call your local clinic for any questions or to schedule an appointment.
Booster doses of Pfizer & Moderna COVID-19 vaccine are now available for anyone over 18 who have had either two-dose series.
Call your local clinic to schedule an appointment for a booster dose.
Call your local KCH clinic to schedule an appointment for a vaccine.
(208) 263-7101 Sandpoint
(208) 267-1718 Bonners Ferry
(208) 448-2321 Priest River
Please note that:
(208) 263-7101 Sandpoint
(208) 267-1718 Bonners Ferry
(208) 448-2321 Priest River
Please note that:
- A photo ID & insurance card will be required at the time of vaccination.
- We will not administer 2nd dose vaccines to those who received their 1st dose at an alternate location.
- For example: If you received your 1st dose at Panhandle Health District, PLEASE return to PHD for your 2nd dose.
- Please do not request an appointment if you:
- Have a COVID-19 vaccine scheduled elsewhere
- Have already received a COVID-19 vaccine
- Are currently sick with COVID-19, or recently experienced a high risk exposure to COVID-19
FAQ
(The information provided below has been largely sourced from the CDC, Mayo Clinic and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
(The information provided below has been largely sourced from the CDC, Mayo Clinic and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
WHERE DO I GET THE VACCINE & HOW DO I PAY FOR IT?
Kaniksu Community Health has partnered with the Panhandle Health District to begin vaccinating members of the community according to state and federal guidelines. Vaccinations will continue throughout the next few months.
Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. However, KCH will be charging an administration fee for giving the shot to someone. This fee will be reimbursed by most insurances.
Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. However, KCH will be charging an administration fee for giving the shot to someone. This fee will be reimbursed by most insurances.
CAN MRNA VACCINES CHANGE A PERSON’S DNA?
No.
In order for mRNA to alter someone’s DNA, several events would need to occur. First, mRNA would need to enter the cell nucleus, where DNA resides. However, mRNA does not have the nuclear access signals that would allow it to enter. Put quite simply, mRNA vaccines can’t get into the nucleus. Second, even if mRNA did enter the nucleus, it would have to be converted to DNA. This would require an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the mRNA vaccines don’t contain. Third, the mRNA vaccines don’t contain an enzyme called integrase, which would also be needed for mRNA to insert itself into the DNA. In short, the mRNA vaccines lack all of the basic requirements necessary to alter DNA. They remain in the cell cytoplasm for just a few days before they are destroyed. One other thing to remember is that there are more than 200,000 cellular mRNAs making a host of proteins and enzymes. The mRNA vaccines introduce only a few copies of mRNA into cells.
In order for mRNA to alter someone’s DNA, several events would need to occur. First, mRNA would need to enter the cell nucleus, where DNA resides. However, mRNA does not have the nuclear access signals that would allow it to enter. Put quite simply, mRNA vaccines can’t get into the nucleus. Second, even if mRNA did enter the nucleus, it would have to be converted to DNA. This would require an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which the mRNA vaccines don’t contain. Third, the mRNA vaccines don’t contain an enzyme called integrase, which would also be needed for mRNA to insert itself into the DNA. In short, the mRNA vaccines lack all of the basic requirements necessary to alter DNA. They remain in the cell cytoplasm for just a few days before they are destroyed. One other thing to remember is that there are more than 200,000 cellular mRNAs making a host of proteins and enzymes. The mRNA vaccines introduce only a few copies of mRNA into cells.
WHAT IS COVID-19 M-RNA VACCINE, HOW DOES IT WORK, & WHAT IS IT USED FOR?
- COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine is a vaccine used for active immunization to prevent COVID- 19 disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus.
- COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine is given to adults and adolescents from 16 years (Pfeizer vaccine), and 18+ (Moderna vaccine).
- The vaccine triggers the body’s natural production of antibodies and stimulates immune cells to protect against COVID-19 disease.
- mRNA stands for messenger RNA, which is the blueprint for making proteins. DNA, which lives in the nucleus of cells, makes mRNA and ships it outside the nucleus to the surrounding cell cytoplasm. Once in the cytoplasm, mRNA is translated into a host of cell proteins and enzymes. Because our cells make proteins all the time, they also make mRNA all the time. Soon after making proteins, mRNA breaks down.
- COVID-19 mRNA vaccines take advantage of the cellular process of making proteins by introducing mRNA that contains the blueprint for one of the coronavirus proteins, specifically the spike protein. This is the protein that attaches coronavirus to our cells. If we can prevent virus-cell attachment by making antibodies against the spike protein, then we can prevent coronavirus from infecting cells. The mRNA that codes for the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein is taken up by specialized cells of the immune system, called dendritic cells, which put small pieces of the spike protein on their surface, travel to a nearby lymph node, and stimulate other cells of the immune system (B cells) to make antibodies. This is why some people who get the mRNA vaccine have swelling in the lymph nodes under the arm that was inoculated. The antibodies made during this process prevent virus-cell attachment in the future.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU RECEIVE THE COVID-19 VACCINE
If you are allergic to the active substance or any of the other ingredients of this medicine, please let your provider or the person administering the vaccine know. Signs of an allergic reaction may include itchy skin rash, shortness of breath and swelling of the face or tongue. Contact your doctor or healthcare professional immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have an allergic reaction, it can be life-threatening.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you are given the vaccine if you have:
- Had any problems following previous administration of COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine such as allergic reaction or breathing problems
- A severe illness with high fever. However, a mild fever or upper airway infection, like a cold, are not reasons to delay vaccination.
- A weakened immune system, such as due to HIV infection, or are on a medicine that affects your immune system
- A bleeding problem, bruise easily or use a medicine to inhibit blood clotting
- As with any vaccine, COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine may not fully protect all those who receive it. No data are currently available in individuals with a weakened immune system or who are taking chronic treatment that suppresses or prevents immune responses.
WHO SHOULD GET THE VACCINE & IS IT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?
Because SARS-CoV-2 virus can affect all people in all age groups, most people should get the COVID-19 vaccine, once supplies allow for their priority group to be vaccinated.
Who should NOT get the COVID-19mRNA vaccine?
Who should NOT get the COVID-19mRNA vaccine?
- A few groups should not get the vaccine, and some others should consult with their doctor or follow special procedures.
- Anyone with a severe allergy to an mRNA vaccine component (i.e., one that causes anaphylaxis or requires medical intervention).
- Those younger than 16 years of age.
- People currently isolating or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. These people can get vaccinated once they have finished isolation and their primary symptoms have resolved.
- Individuals with a history of severe allergy to any vaccine or injectable medication
- Pregnant women
- People with certain immune-compromising or autoimmune conditions
- Breastfeeding women
- People on anticoagulants
- Someone with a history of severe allergy (requiring medical intervention) to anything other than a vaccine or injectable medication can get the vaccine, but they should remain at the vaccination location for medical observation for 30 minutes after receipt of the vaccine.
- Pregnant women who develop a fever after vaccination should take acetaminophen.
- People who recently had COVID-19 and were treated with antibody-based therapies (e.g., monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma) should wait until 90 days after treatment to be vaccinated.
- People with a known COVID-19 exposure should wait until their quarantine is over before getting vaccinated (unless they live in a group setting, such as a nursing home, correctional facility, or homeless shelter, in which case they can be vaccinated during the quarantine period).
- People who got another vaccine (non-COVID-19 vaccine) should wait at least 14 days before getting COVID-19 vaccine. Likewise, if a person got the COVID-19 vaccine, they should wait at least 14 days before getting any other vaccines (non-COVID-19 vaccines).
OTHER MEDICATIONS AND THE COVID VACCINE
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines or have recently received any other vaccine.
PREGNANCY AND BREAST-FEEDING
Pregnant women were not included in the early COVID-19 vaccine studies, but some participants were either pregnant and did not know it or became pregnant during the course of the study. About two dozen women found out they were pregnant during the Pfizer vaccine trial and one dozen during the Moderna vaccine trial. As a result, we only have a small amount of data regarding the safety of these vaccines in pregnant women. The good news is that in this small group of women, no concerns were found and the vaccine worked, but it will be important to get data on larger numbers of women moving forward.
Despite the limited amount of data, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have recommended that pregnant women who are part of a group recommended to get the COVID-19 vaccine may be vaccinated if they choose to do so. These women should be supported in their decision-making efforts by their doctors and be provided with information related to the potential risks and benefits, but they do not have to wait to have a consultation with their healthcare provider before being vaccinated if they are comfortable doing so.
Two factors, in addition to the limited vaccine data, were important for informing these recommendations. First, some pregnant women will be at high risk for COVID-19, such as healthcare workers or those with certain health conditions. Second, pregnant women are at increased risk of developing complications, compared with their non- pregnant peers, when infected with COVID-19.
All pregnant women should know these two things:
A. Yes. Women who are trying to get pregnant can get the vaccine. Likewise, if a woman gets the first dose and then finds out she is pregnant, she can still get the second dose on time.
Q. Can I get the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine if
I am breastfeeding?
A. Yes. Although women who are breastfeeding were not included in the clinical trials, current data suggest that COVID-19 is not transmitted through breast milk, so it is not expected that vaccination would cause a concern either. On the other hand, some women who are breastfeeding, such as those in medical professions, will be at higher risk for exposure, so they could benefit from receiving the vaccine.
In addition, women do not need to delay breastfeeding for any period of time after they have been vaccinated.
Despite the limited amount of data, both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) have recommended that pregnant women who are part of a group recommended to get the COVID-19 vaccine may be vaccinated if they choose to do so. These women should be supported in their decision-making efforts by their doctors and be provided with information related to the potential risks and benefits, but they do not have to wait to have a consultation with their healthcare provider before being vaccinated if they are comfortable doing so.
Two factors, in addition to the limited vaccine data, were important for informing these recommendations. First, some pregnant women will be at high risk for COVID-19, such as healthcare workers or those with certain health conditions. Second, pregnant women are at increased risk of developing complications, compared with their non- pregnant peers, when infected with COVID-19.
All pregnant women should know these two things:
- Pregnant women who decide to get the COVID-19 vaccine should take acetaminophen if they develop a fever after vaccination, as fever during pregnancy can negatively affect a developing baby. Taking acetaminophen during pregnancy has been found to be safe.
- Likewise, regardless of whether a pregnant woman decides to be vaccinated, she should practice recommended public health measures, particularly because of the increased risk to pregnant women infected with COVID-19.
A. Yes. Women who are trying to get pregnant can get the vaccine. Likewise, if a woman gets the first dose and then finds out she is pregnant, she can still get the second dose on time.
Q. Can I get the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine if
I am breastfeeding?
A. Yes. Although women who are breastfeeding were not included in the clinical trials, current data suggest that COVID-19 is not transmitted through breast milk, so it is not expected that vaccination would cause a concern either. On the other hand, some women who are breastfeeding, such as those in medical professions, will be at higher risk for exposure, so they could benefit from receiving the vaccine.
In addition, women do not need to delay breastfeeding for any period of time after they have been vaccinated.
WHAT INGREDIENTS ARE IN THE MRNA VACCINES?
The mRNA vaccines contain:
mRNA – The mRNA is for the spike protein of SARS- CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Lipids – These are molecules that are not able to dissolve in water. They protect the mRNA so that it does not break down before it gets into our cells.
These lipid particles can be thought of as little “bubbles of fat” that surround the mRNA like a protective wall and make it easier for the mRNA to enter cells.
Salts – Salts, similar to table salt, are used to keep the pH of the vaccine close to that found in the body, so the vaccine does not damage cells
when it is administered.
Sugar – This ingredient is the same as the sugar you put in your coffee or on your cereal. In the vaccine, it helps keep the “bubbles of fat” from sticking to each other or to the sides of the vaccine vial.
mRNA vaccines do NOT contain:
mRNA – The mRNA is for the spike protein of SARS- CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Lipids – These are molecules that are not able to dissolve in water. They protect the mRNA so that it does not break down before it gets into our cells.
These lipid particles can be thought of as little “bubbles of fat” that surround the mRNA like a protective wall and make it easier for the mRNA to enter cells.
Salts – Salts, similar to table salt, are used to keep the pH of the vaccine close to that found in the body, so the vaccine does not damage cells
when it is administered.
Sugar – This ingredient is the same as the sugar you put in your coffee or on your cereal. In the vaccine, it helps keep the “bubbles of fat” from sticking to each other or to the sides of the vaccine vial.
mRNA vaccines do NOT contain:
- Blood products
- Antibiotics
- DNA
- Fetal cells
- Pork products
- Egg proteins
- Preservatives (e.g., thimerosal)
HOW MANY DOSES OF A COVID-19 MRNA VACCINE ARE NEEDED?
The mRNA vaccines require two doses. For the Pfizer vaccine, doses should be separated by 21 days. For Moderna’s vaccine, doses should be separated by 28 days. The two mRNA vaccines are NOT interchangeable. A person should be sure they know which one they got as the first dose and be clear about when they should return for the second dose, particularly because both doses of the vaccine are required to have the best protection. However, even if more than the recommended time interval has elapsed between the first and second dose, the series doesn’t need to be restarted. It can just pick up where it was left off.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Like all vaccines, COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Most side effects are mild or moderate and go away within a few days of appearing. If side effects such as pain and/or fever are troublesome, they can be treated by medicines for pain and fever such as paracetamol.
Side effects may occur with following frequencies:
Most side effects are mild or moderate and go away within a few days of appearing. If side effects such as pain and/or fever are troublesome, they can be treated by medicines for pain and fever such as paracetamol.
Side effects may occur with following frequencies:
- Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people
- pain at injection site
- tiredness
- headache
- muscle pain
- chills
- joint pain
- fever
- Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
- injection site swelling
- redness at injection site
- nausea
- Uncommon: may affect up to 1 in 100 people
- enlarged lymph nodes
- feeling unwell
IS THE VACCINE SAFE & EFFECTIVE?
We understand that there may be concern over the safety and effectiveness of a COVID-19 vaccine. We have closely examined the FDA’s process for overseeing the many different vaccine trials. The FDA is required to make decisions that are guided by science and data regarding authorization or approval of COVID-19 vaccines. We have confidence in the FDA’s approval process and are committed to safety, quality and high reliability.
You cannot develop COVID-19 from these vaccines.
Two companies, Pfizer and Moderna, have made mRNA vaccines. Both vaccines were found to be about 95% effective at preventing COVID-19. This high level of protection extended to people over 65, people with a variety of medical conditions that put them at risk of severe disease, and people with different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Both vaccines were released to the public in December 2020. During 2021 and 2022, studies will determine whether this high level of protection lasts.
You cannot develop COVID-19 from these vaccines.
Two companies, Pfizer and Moderna, have made mRNA vaccines. Both vaccines were found to be about 95% effective at preventing COVID-19. This high level of protection extended to people over 65, people with a variety of medical conditions that put them at risk of severe disease, and people with different racial and ethnic backgrounds. Both vaccines were released to the public in December 2020. During 2021 and 2022, studies will determine whether this high level of protection lasts.
WHAT DOES THE MANUFACTURER HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THEIR VACCINE?
Click this link to download their fact sheet. fact_sheet-recipients_and_caregivers_of_moderna_vaccine.pdf
WHAT ARE THE PHASES OF THE VACCINE ROLLOUT AND WHO IS ELIGIBLE IN EACH PHASE?
Because the supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States is expected to be limited at first, CDC is providing recommendations to federal, state, and local governments about who should be vaccinated first. CDC’s recommendations are based on recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), an independent panel of medical and public health experts.
The recommendations were made with these goals in mind:
CDC recommends that initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccine be allocated to healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents. This is referred to as Phase 1a. CDC made this recommendation on December 3, 2020.
Groups who should be offered vaccination next (Phases 1b and 1c)
CDC recommends that, in the next phases (Phase 1b and Phase 1c), vaccination should be offered to people in the following groups. CDC made this recommendation on December 22, 2020.
Phase 1b
The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as large quantities of vaccine are available. As vaccine supply increases but remains limited, ACIP will expand the groups recommended for vaccination.
The recommendations were made with these goals in mind:
- Decrease death and serious disease as much as possible.
- Preserve functioning of society.
- Reduce the extra burden COVID-19 is having on people already facing disparities.
CDC recommends that initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccine be allocated to healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents. This is referred to as Phase 1a. CDC made this recommendation on December 3, 2020.
Groups who should be offered vaccination next (Phases 1b and 1c)
CDC recommends that, in the next phases (Phase 1b and Phase 1c), vaccination should be offered to people in the following groups. CDC made this recommendation on December 22, 2020.
Phase 1b
- Frontline essential workers such as fire fighters, police officers, corrections officers, food and agricultural workers, United States Postal Service workers, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, and those who work in the educational sector (teachers, support staff, and daycare workers.)
- People aged 75 years and older because they are at high risk of hospitalization, illness, and death from COVID-19. People aged 75 years and older who are also residents of long-term care facilities should be offered vaccination in Phase 1a.
- People aged 65—74 years because they are at high risk of hospitalization, illness, and death from COVID-19. People aged 65—74 years who are also residents of long-term care facilities should be offered vaccination in Phase 1a.
- People aged 16—64 years with underlying medical conditions which increase the risk of serious, life-threatening complications from COVID-19.
- Other essential workers, such as people who work in transportation and logistics, food service, housing construction and finance, information technology, communications, energy, law, media, public safety, and public health.
The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get a COVID-19 vaccination as soon as large quantities of vaccine are available. As vaccine supply increases but remains limited, ACIP will expand the groups recommended for vaccination.
WHAT DOES THE CDC CONSIDER A CHRONIC CONDITION/HIGH RISK INDIVIDUAL?
Adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. Severe illness from COVID-19 is defined as hospitalization, admission to the ICU, intubation or mechanical ventilation, or death.
Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
Adults of any age with the following conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19:
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
- Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from solid organ transplant
- Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
- Severe Obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2)
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease
- Smoking
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Asthma (moderate-to-severe)
- Cerebrovascular disease (affects blood vessels and blood supply to the brain)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system) from blood or bone marrow transplant, immune deficiencies, HIV, use of corticosteroids, or use of other immune weakening medicines
- Neurologic conditions, such as dementia
- Liver disease
- Overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m2, but < 30 kg/m2)
- Pulmonary fibrosis (having damaged or scarred lung tissues)
- Thalassemia (a type of blood disorder)
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus
8 THINGS THE CDC WHATS YOU TO KNOW ABOUT THE VACCINE
The safety of COVID-19 vaccines is a top priority.
The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Learn how federal partners are working together to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
CDC has developed a new tool, v-safe, as an additional layer of safety monitoring to increase our ability to rapidly detect any safety issues with COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. Two doses are needed.
Depending on the specific vaccine you get, a second shot 3-4 weeks after your first shot is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer against this serious disease. Learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated.
CDC is making recommendations for who should be offered COVID-19 vaccine first when supplies are limited.
To help guide decisions about how to distribute limited initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccine, CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have published recommendations for which groups should be vaccinated first. Learn more about who should be vaccinated first when vaccine supplies are limited.
There is currently a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, but supply will increase in the weeks and months to come.
The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as large enough quantities are available. Once vaccine is widely available, the plan is to have several thousand vaccination providers offering COVID-19 vaccines in doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers.
After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection.
The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Learn more about what side effects to expect and get helpful tips on how to reduce pain and discomfort after your vaccination.
Making COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations
CDC makes vaccination recommendations, including those for COVID-19 vaccines, based on input from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Learn more
Cost is not an obstacle to getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers may be able to charge administration fees for giving the shot. Vaccination providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fundexternal icon.
The first COVID-19 vaccine is being used under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many other vaccines are still being developed and tested.
Learn more about FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization authority and watch a video on what an EUA is.
If more COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved by FDA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will quickly hold public meetings to review all available data about each vaccine and make recommendations for their use in the United States. Learn more about how CDC is making COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
All ACIP-recommended vaccines will be included in the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program. CDC continues to work at all levels with partners, including healthcare associations, on a flexible COVID-19 vaccination program that can accommodate different vaccines and adapt to different scenarios. State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments have developed distribution plans to make sure all recommended vaccines are available to their communities.
COVID-19 vaccines are one of many important tools to help us stop this pandemic.
It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.
CDC will continue to update this website as vaccine recommendations and supply change.
The U.S. vaccine safety system ensures that all vaccines are as safe as possible. Learn how federal partners are working together to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
CDC has developed a new tool, v-safe, as an additional layer of safety monitoring to increase our ability to rapidly detect any safety issues with COVID-19 vaccines. V-safe is a new smartphone-based, after-vaccination health checker for people who receive COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. Two doses are needed.
Depending on the specific vaccine you get, a second shot 3-4 weeks after your first shot is needed to get the most protection the vaccine has to offer against this serious disease. Learn more about the benefits of getting vaccinated.
CDC is making recommendations for who should be offered COVID-19 vaccine first when supplies are limited.
To help guide decisions about how to distribute limited initial supplies of COVID-19 vaccine, CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices have published recommendations for which groups should be vaccinated first. Learn more about who should be vaccinated first when vaccine supplies are limited.
There is currently a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccine in the United States, but supply will increase in the weeks and months to come.
The goal is for everyone to be able to easily get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as large enough quantities are available. Once vaccine is widely available, the plan is to have several thousand vaccination providers offering COVID-19 vaccines in doctors’ offices, retail pharmacies, hospitals, and federally qualified health centers.
After COVID-19 vaccination, you may have some side effects. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection.
The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may feel like flu and might even affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days. Learn more about what side effects to expect and get helpful tips on how to reduce pain and discomfort after your vaccination.
Making COVID-19 Vaccination Recommendations
CDC makes vaccination recommendations, including those for COVID-19 vaccines, based on input from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Learn more
Cost is not an obstacle to getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Vaccine doses purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars will be given to the American people at no cost. However, vaccination providers may be able to charge administration fees for giving the shot. Vaccination providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient’s public or private insurance company or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fundexternal icon.
The first COVID-19 vaccine is being used under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many other vaccines are still being developed and tested.
Learn more about FDA’s Emergency Use Authorization authority and watch a video on what an EUA is.
If more COVID-19 vaccines are authorized or approved by FDA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) will quickly hold public meetings to review all available data about each vaccine and make recommendations for their use in the United States. Learn more about how CDC is making COVID-19 vaccine recommendations.
All ACIP-recommended vaccines will be included in the U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Program. CDC continues to work at all levels with partners, including healthcare associations, on a flexible COVID-19 vaccination program that can accommodate different vaccines and adapt to different scenarios. State, tribal, local, and territorial health departments have developed distribution plans to make sure all recommended vaccines are available to their communities.
COVID-19 vaccines are one of many important tools to help us stop this pandemic.
It’s important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to help stop this pandemic as we learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work in real-world conditions. Cover your mouth and nose with a mask when around others, stay at least 6 feet away from others, avoid crowds, and wash your hands often.
CDC will continue to update this website as vaccine recommendations and supply change.
FACT VS MYTH - WHAT THE MAYO CLINIC WANTS YOU TO KNOW
Let's set the record straight on some of the myths circulating about COVID-19 vaccines.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine is not safe because it was rapidly developed and tested.
Fact: Many pharmaceutical companies invested significant resources into quickly developing a vaccine for COVID-19 because of the world-wide impact of the pandemic. The emergency situation warranted an emergency response but that does not mean that companies bypassed safety protocols or didn't perform adequate testing.
Mayo Clinic will recommend the use of those vaccines that we are confident are safe. While there are many COVID-19 vaccine candidates in development, early interim data are encouraging for the Pfizer vaccine which likely is to be the first authorized for emergency use by the FDA in the late December/early January timeframe. This vaccine was created using a novel technology based on the molecular structure of the virus. The novel methodology to develop a COVID-19 vaccine allows it to be free from materials of animal origin and synthesized by an efficient, cell-free process without preservatives. This vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTecH has been studied in approximately 43,000 people.
To receive emergency use authorization, the biopharmaceutical manufacturer must have followed at least half of the study participants for at least two months after completing the vaccination series, and the vaccine must be proven safe and effective in that population. In addition to the safety review by the FDA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization has convened a panel of vaccine safety experts to independently evaluate the safety data from the clinical trial. Mayo Clinic vaccine experts also will review the available data. The safety of COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA.
Myth: I already had COVID-19 and I have recovered, so I don't need to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it's available.
Fact: There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again. This is called natural immunity. Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this. Mayo Clinic recommends getting the COVID-19 vaccine, even if you’ve had COVID-19 previously. However, those that had COVID-19 should delay vaccination until about 90 days from diagnosis. People should not get vaccinated if in quarantine after exposure or if they have COVID-19 symptoms./p>
Myth: There are severe side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Fact: There are short-term mild or moderate vaccine reactions that resolve without complication or injury. The early phase studies of the Pfizer vaccine show that it is safe. About 15% of people developed short lived symptoms at the site of the injection. 50% developed systemic reactions primarily headache, chills, fatigue or muscle pain or fever lasting for a day or two. Keep in mind that these side effects are indicators that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and are common when receiving vaccines.
Keep in mind that these side effects indicate that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. These side effects are common with vaccinations.
Myth: I won't need to wear a mask after I get vaccinated for COVID-19.
Fact: It may take time for everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccination to get one. Also, while the vaccine may prevent you from getting sick, it is unknown at this time if you can still carry and transmit the virus to others. Until more is understood about how well the vaccine works, continuing with precautions such as mask-wearing and physical distancing will be important.
Until more is understood about how well the vaccine works, continuing with precautions, such as wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing, will be important.
Myth: More people will die as a result of a negative side effect to the COVID-19 vaccine than would actually die from the virus.
Fact: Circulating on social media is the claim that COVID-19's mortality rate is 1%-2% and that people should not be vaccinated against a virus with a high survival rate. However, a 1% mortality rate is 10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu. In addition, the mortality rate can vary widely and is influenced by age, sex and underlying health condition.
While some people that receive the vaccine may develop symptoms as their immune system responds, remember that this is common when receiving any vaccine and not considered serious or life-threatening. You cannot get COVID-19 infection from the COVID-19 vaccines; they are inactivated vaccines and not live viruses.
It's important to recognize that getting the vaccine is not just about survival from COVID-19. It's about preventing spread of the virus to others and preventing infection that can lead to long-term negative health effects. While no vaccine is 100% effective, they are far better than not getting a vaccine. The benefits certainly outweigh the risks in healthy people.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine was developed to control the general population either through microchip tracking or "nanotransducers" in our brains.
Fact: There is no vaccine microchip, and the vaccine will not track people or gather personal information into a database.
This myth started after comments made by Bill Gates from The Gates Foundation about a digital certificate of vaccine records. The technology he was referencing is not a microchip, has not been implemented in any manner and is not tied to the development, testing or distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines will alter my DNA.
Fact: The first COVID-19 vaccines to reach the market are likely to be messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. According to the CDC, mRNA vaccines work by instructing cells in the body how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. Injecting mRNA into your body will not interact or do anything to the DNA of your cells. Human cells break down and get rid of the mRNA soon after they have finished using the instructions.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines were developed using fetal tissue.
Fact: Current mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do not require the use of fetal cell cultures in the production process.
Myth: COVID-10 vaccines cause infertility or miscarriage.
Fact: No, COVID-19 vaccines have not been linked to infertility or miscarriage.
A sophisticated disinformation campaign has been circulating online, claiming that antibodies to the spike protein of COVID-19 produced from these vaccines will bind to placental proteins and prevent pregnancy. This disinformation is thought to originate from internet postings by a former scientist known to hold anti-vaccine views.
These postings are not scientifically plausible, as COVID-19 infection has not been linked to infertility. Also, no other viral infection or vaccination-inducing immunity by similar mechanisms has been shown to cause infertility. Antibodies to the spike protein have not been linked to infertility after COVID-19 infection. There is no scientific reason to believe this will change after vaccination for COVID-19.
While there are no formal studies, the best evidence comes from women who got sick with COVID-19 while pregnant. While data clearly indicate pregnant women are at higher risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection, there is no evidence of increased miscarriage rates.
During natural infection, the immune system generates the same antibodies to the spike protein that COVID-19 vaccines would. Thus, if COVID-19 affected fertility, there already would be an increase in miscarriage rates in women infected with COVID-19. This has not happened.
Myth: I am allergic to eggs so I shouldn't get the COVID-19 vaccine
Fact: Neither the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine nor the Moderna vaccine contain egg.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines must be stored at extremely low temperatures because of preservatives in the vaccines.
Fact: Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have reported that their vaccines contain no preservatives.
Different vaccines have different storage requirements. For instance, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine must be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70 degrees Celsius), while Moderna has said that its vaccine needs to be stored at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius). Both of these vaccines use messenger RNA, or mRNA, to teach your cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response to COVID-19. However, messenger RNA is fragile and can break down easily. Storing messenger RNA vaccines, like these COVID-19 vaccines, in an ultracold environment keeps them stable and safe.
You should not worry about these temperatures. Vaccines are thawed before injection.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine is not safe because it was rapidly developed and tested.
Fact: Many pharmaceutical companies invested significant resources into quickly developing a vaccine for COVID-19 because of the world-wide impact of the pandemic. The emergency situation warranted an emergency response but that does not mean that companies bypassed safety protocols or didn't perform adequate testing.
Mayo Clinic will recommend the use of those vaccines that we are confident are safe. While there are many COVID-19 vaccine candidates in development, early interim data are encouraging for the Pfizer vaccine which likely is to be the first authorized for emergency use by the FDA in the late December/early January timeframe. This vaccine was created using a novel technology based on the molecular structure of the virus. The novel methodology to develop a COVID-19 vaccine allows it to be free from materials of animal origin and synthesized by an efficient, cell-free process without preservatives. This vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTecH has been studied in approximately 43,000 people.
To receive emergency use authorization, the biopharmaceutical manufacturer must have followed at least half of the study participants for at least two months after completing the vaccination series, and the vaccine must be proven safe and effective in that population. In addition to the safety review by the FDA, the Advisory Committee on Immunization has convened a panel of vaccine safety experts to independently evaluate the safety data from the clinical trial. Mayo Clinic vaccine experts also will review the available data. The safety of COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be closely monitored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the FDA.
Myth: I already had COVID-19 and I have recovered, so I don't need to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it's available.
Fact: There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again. This is called natural immunity. Early evidence suggests natural immunity from COVID-19 may not last very long, but more studies are needed to better understand this. Mayo Clinic recommends getting the COVID-19 vaccine, even if you’ve had COVID-19 previously. However, those that had COVID-19 should delay vaccination until about 90 days from diagnosis. People should not get vaccinated if in quarantine after exposure or if they have COVID-19 symptoms./p>
Myth: There are severe side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines.
Fact: There are short-term mild or moderate vaccine reactions that resolve without complication or injury. The early phase studies of the Pfizer vaccine show that it is safe. About 15% of people developed short lived symptoms at the site of the injection. 50% developed systemic reactions primarily headache, chills, fatigue or muscle pain or fever lasting for a day or two. Keep in mind that these side effects are indicators that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and are common when receiving vaccines.
Keep in mind that these side effects indicate that your immune system is responding to the vaccine. These side effects are common with vaccinations.
Myth: I won't need to wear a mask after I get vaccinated for COVID-19.
Fact: It may take time for everyone who wants a COVID-19 vaccination to get one. Also, while the vaccine may prevent you from getting sick, it is unknown at this time if you can still carry and transmit the virus to others. Until more is understood about how well the vaccine works, continuing with precautions such as mask-wearing and physical distancing will be important.
Until more is understood about how well the vaccine works, continuing with precautions, such as wearing a mask and practicing physical distancing, will be important.
Myth: More people will die as a result of a negative side effect to the COVID-19 vaccine than would actually die from the virus.
Fact: Circulating on social media is the claim that COVID-19's mortality rate is 1%-2% and that people should not be vaccinated against a virus with a high survival rate. However, a 1% mortality rate is 10 times more lethal than the seasonal flu. In addition, the mortality rate can vary widely and is influenced by age, sex and underlying health condition.
While some people that receive the vaccine may develop symptoms as their immune system responds, remember that this is common when receiving any vaccine and not considered serious or life-threatening. You cannot get COVID-19 infection from the COVID-19 vaccines; they are inactivated vaccines and not live viruses.
It's important to recognize that getting the vaccine is not just about survival from COVID-19. It's about preventing spread of the virus to others and preventing infection that can lead to long-term negative health effects. While no vaccine is 100% effective, they are far better than not getting a vaccine. The benefits certainly outweigh the risks in healthy people.
Myth: The COVID-19 vaccine was developed to control the general population either through microchip tracking or "nanotransducers" in our brains.
Fact: There is no vaccine microchip, and the vaccine will not track people or gather personal information into a database.
This myth started after comments made by Bill Gates from The Gates Foundation about a digital certificate of vaccine records. The technology he was referencing is not a microchip, has not been implemented in any manner and is not tied to the development, testing or distribution of COVID-19 vaccines.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines will alter my DNA.
Fact: The first COVID-19 vaccines to reach the market are likely to be messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. According to the CDC, mRNA vaccines work by instructing cells in the body how to make a protein that triggers an immune response. Injecting mRNA into your body will not interact or do anything to the DNA of your cells. Human cells break down and get rid of the mRNA soon after they have finished using the instructions.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines were developed using fetal tissue.
Fact: Current mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do not require the use of fetal cell cultures in the production process.
Myth: COVID-10 vaccines cause infertility or miscarriage.
Fact: No, COVID-19 vaccines have not been linked to infertility or miscarriage.
A sophisticated disinformation campaign has been circulating online, claiming that antibodies to the spike protein of COVID-19 produced from these vaccines will bind to placental proteins and prevent pregnancy. This disinformation is thought to originate from internet postings by a former scientist known to hold anti-vaccine views.
These postings are not scientifically plausible, as COVID-19 infection has not been linked to infertility. Also, no other viral infection or vaccination-inducing immunity by similar mechanisms has been shown to cause infertility. Antibodies to the spike protein have not been linked to infertility after COVID-19 infection. There is no scientific reason to believe this will change after vaccination for COVID-19.
While there are no formal studies, the best evidence comes from women who got sick with COVID-19 while pregnant. While data clearly indicate pregnant women are at higher risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection, there is no evidence of increased miscarriage rates.
During natural infection, the immune system generates the same antibodies to the spike protein that COVID-19 vaccines would. Thus, if COVID-19 affected fertility, there already would be an increase in miscarriage rates in women infected with COVID-19. This has not happened.
Myth: I am allergic to eggs so I shouldn't get the COVID-19 vaccine
Fact: Neither the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine nor the Moderna vaccine contain egg.
Myth: COVID-19 vaccines must be stored at extremely low temperatures because of preservatives in the vaccines.
Fact: Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have reported that their vaccines contain no preservatives.
Different vaccines have different storage requirements. For instance, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine must be stored at minus 94 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 70 degrees Celsius), while Moderna has said that its vaccine needs to be stored at minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius). Both of these vaccines use messenger RNA, or mRNA, to teach your cells how to make a protein that will trigger an immune response to COVID-19. However, messenger RNA is fragile and can break down easily. Storing messenger RNA vaccines, like these COVID-19 vaccines, in an ultracold environment keeps them stable and safe.
You should not worry about these temperatures. Vaccines are thawed before injection.
IF I HAD COVID-19, DO I NEED THE VACCINE?
Yes. People who had COVID-19 are recommended to get the vaccine after they have recovered. The Pfizer vaccine trial included people who were previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, and the vaccine was found to be safe and highly effective. Because we do not know how long antibodies last after infection and a small number of people have had more severe second bouts of infection, the vaccine can be beneficial in boosting a person’s existing immunity from infection.
CAN A PERSON SPREAD THE VIRUS AFTER THEY ARE VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19?
mRNA vaccines against COVID-19 have been shown to be highly effective at preventing disease, but they might not prevent infection without symptoms. What this means is that if a vaccinated person can still be infected, even without symptoms, they could spread the virus. Studies will soon be completed to determine whether this is possible. However, given this uncertainty, vaccinated people should still use masks and practice social distancing measures.
