COVID-19 Vaccine: Facts About Safety

Posted on: May 5, 2021 - 1:08pm
vaccine safety

Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines, and these vaccines have undergone the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. This monitoring includes using both established and new safety monitoring systems to make sure that COVID-19 vaccines are safe. These vaccines cannot give you COVID-19. Learn more facts about COVID-19 vaccines.

Key Things to Know

  • COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.
  • You may have side effects after vaccination, but these are normal.
  • It typically takes two weeks after vaccination for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19. You are not fully vaccinated until 2 weeks after the 2nd dose of a two-dose vaccine or two weeks after a one-dose vaccine.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are more widely accessible. Everyone 16 years and older is now eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination. Find a COVID-19 vaccine near you.
  • People who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.

What We are Still Learning

  • We are still learning how well vaccines prevent you from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19 to others, even if you do not have symptoms.
  • We’re also still learning how long COVID-19 vaccines protect people.
  • We are still learning how many people have to be vaccinated against COVID-19 before most people can be considered protected (population immunity).
  • We are still learning how effective the vaccines are against new variants of the virus that causes COVID-19.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I trust that COVID-19 vaccines are safe?

COVID-19 vaccines are approved following the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) review process that includes research, regulatory review and approvals. There are two reasons why COVID-19 vaccines could be developed much faster than usual and still meet standards for safety. First, companies developed vaccines at the same time that they manufactured them, taking the risk that those vaccines might not be approved. Second, the FDA evaluated vaccines as the process went along. No corners were cut and there is ongoing safety monitoring.

Will the COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?

No. COVID-19 vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. All COVID-19 vaccines work with the body’s natural defenses to safely develop immunity to disease without ever entering the part of our cells where our DNA is kept. Read more about mRNA and how mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work (Spanish).

Can the COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?

No. None of the vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19. However, it takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity (protection against the virus) after vaccination. It’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick.

I’ve read about allergic reactions in people who have gotten the vaccine. How do I know it’s safe?

Allergic reactions to vaccinations are quite rare, so the general public should still get vaccinated. However, if you have a history of a severe allergic reaction to vaccinations, speak with a healthcare provider before scheduling a COVID-19 vaccine appointment.

What are the common side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

After getting vaccinated, you might have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. Common symptoms are pain, redness, and swelling in the arm where you received the shot, as well as tiredness, muscle pain, chills, and fever.

If I already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated?

Yes.  Although uncommon, it’s possible to get COVID-19 again.  Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can reduce your risk of getting infected or experiencing illness due to COVID-19 again.

How long does protection from COVID-19 last?

We don’t know how long protection lasts for those who are vaccinated. What we do know is that COVID-19 has caused very serious illness and death for a lot of people. If you get COVID-19, you also risk giving it to loved ones who may get very sick. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is a safer choice.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

For more questions or to speak with a Public Health Nurse, please contact the East Hartford Health Department at 860-291-7324.

To schedule a vaccine appointment with the East Hartford Health Department, please call 860-291-7458 Monday - Friday 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM.