COVID-19 Vaccine

The Moderna or Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines will be administered through two doses. After the first dose is given via injection, the second dose will be given from three weeks to a month later.  Before getting your vaccine, tell your vaccination provider about your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have any allergies
• Have a fever
• Have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
• Are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system
• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have received another COVID-19 vaccine

Potential side effects of the vaccines include: 

• Injection site reactions: pain, tenderness and swelling of lymph nodes in the same arm of the injection, swelling, hardness and redness
• General side effects: fatigue, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, chills, nausea, vomiting and fever

Allergic reactions:

There is a remote chance that the  vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. Allergic reactions would occur within a few minutes - an hour after getting a dose of the vaccine. Your vaccine provider may ask you to stay at the vaccination site for monitoring afterwards. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• A fast heartbeat
• Swelling of your face and throat
• A bad rash all over your body
• Dizziness and weakness

If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest hospital.

You should not get the vaccine if you:
• had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of the vaccine
• had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of the vaccine

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding and meet the criteria for vaccination, can get the vaccine based on preference and provider recommendation. 

When you receive your first dose, you will get a vaccination card to show when you return for your second dose of the vaccine. Remember to bring your card when you return for a second dose or for a booster.

It is your choice to receive or not receive the vaccine. Should you decide not to receive it, it will not change your standard medical care.

No, the COVID-19 vaccines do not contain SARS-CoV-2 and cannot give you COVID-19. 

Until we have built a strong enough immunity to this disease, your best protection from COVID-19 will continue to be a combination of getting the vaccine, wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet away from others, avoiding crowds and washing your hands often.