VACCINE INFORMATION

Why should I get the Covid-19 vaccine?

The only safe way to end the pandemic is for the majority of people to get vaccinated.

The Covid-19 pandemic will continue to spread until the majority of the population is immune to the virus, also known as herd immunity. When herd immunity is achieved, those who are immune to a virus are effectively protecting people around them who are not able to achieve immunity. Herd immunity in the U.S. is projected to be achieved when at least 70% of the population (approximately 225 million people) has been vaccinated.

What were the results of the vaccine trials?

Pfizer vaccine trial:

• Demonstrated to be 95% effective in protecting against Covid-19 infection
  • This is significantly higher than the vaccines developed to treat many other illnesses.
• Majority of participants experienced mild to no side effects
  • Side effects were typical and lasted a short time (sore arm, fever, headache, body ache, fatigue)

Moderna’s vaccine trial showed similar results.

How will the vaccine be given?

Vaccines will initially be given to people 16 and older. Trials are currently underway for pregnant people and children ages 12-17. Eventually there will be trials for children under 12 and specific immunosuppressed groups.

• Vaccine includes two doses, spaced 3-4 weeks apart depending on which vaccine you receive (Pfizer or Moderna).
• Vaccine is given by injection into the upper arm, similar to a flu shot.

I already had Covid-19, do I still need to get vaccinated?

Yes. It’s important to get vaccinated even if you have previously had Covid-19.

• It’s unknown whether having Covid-19 infection gives you immunity.
• People have become re-infected with Covid-19 three months after having it.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been proven to be effective in protecting against Covid-19 infection.

If I get vaccinated, does that mean that I can return to normal life and stop taking precautions against Covid-19?

No. While highly effective the vaccine is not 100% protective.  Vaccinated persons may still get infected, and it is unknown whether vaccinated persons can become asymptomatically infected and shed virus that could infect other people. It is also not yet known whether booster vaccines will be needed to in order to continue having protection against Covid-19, nor how often those booster vaccines would be needed.

It is important to keep wearing masks and distancing even after you have been vaccinated, to help protect those who have not yet been vaccinated and to continue to protect yourself.

VACCINE SAFETY

Is the Covid-19 vaccine safe?

Yes, the vaccine is safe based on the clinical trial and expert review.

No steps were eliminated or skipped in vaccine development and testing and all usual safety protocols for new vaccines were followed.

Vaccine approval process:

The approval process included the review of physicians and scientists, including a special FDA advisory board on vaccines and an independent panel of scientists representing California, Nevada Oregon and Washington.

• The Pfizer vaccine was recommend for approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA’s) Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. This committee is comprised of a panel of outside, independent, technical experts from various scientific and public health fields. 
• The FDA then approved the Pfizer vaccine for emergency use after careful review of the safety data. FDA review teams are comprised of physicians, chemists, statisticians, pharmacologists/toxicologists, microbiologists, manufacturing and facility inspectors, and other experts.
• The vaccine has also been approved by an independent panel of scientists representing California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington that has reviewed its safety and efficacy. The review panel is comprised of nationally acclaimed scientists with expertise in immunization and public health.
• The vaccine from Moderna is currently undergoing this same review process.

Vaccine development timeframe:

While the vaccines were developed in a shorter timeframe than usual, evidence shows that these two vaccines are safe. Scientists and researchers were able to develop the vaccines more quickly than other vaccines because:

• According to the FDA, in public health emergencies, such as a pandemic, the development process may be atypical or expedited. 
• Significant resources from the government and vaccine manufacturers were put into this effort as the best way to end the pandemic.
• Steps that could be done at the same time safely were done in that manner.

If any concerning results or side effects occur during any drug trial, it is paused – this did not happen for either the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccine.

Vaccine facts:

Vaccines to prevent infectious diseases are given safely to millions of babies, children, adolescents and adults every year. Vaccines have prevented countless cases of disease and disability and have saved millions of lives.

Decades of work and research into genetic vaccines (mRNA), which is the process used to develop the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, led to their development.The mRNA vaccines are highly effective and safe across groups and ages. mRNA, which is what was used to develop the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, does not incorporate into our DNA and degrades naturally after a few days.

Is it safe to get the vaccine if I'm actively trying to get pregnant?

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), it's not necessary to delay getting pregnant after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. If you find out that you're pregnant after the first dose, it's recommended that you still get the second dose. Read the ACOG's full advisory here and talk to your doctor about what may be best for your situation. 

Is it safe to get the vaccine if I'm currently pregnant or lactating?

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has recommended that the vaccine be made available to pregnant and lactating women, as they believe it's safe. Read the ACOG's full advisory here and talk to your doctor about what may be best for your situation. 

Will the vaccine affect my future fertility?

Given the safety profile of the mRNA Covid-19 vaccines, it's not thought or expected that the vaccine would decrease your fertility in any way. Read the ACOG's full advisory here and talk to your doctor about what may be best for your situation.