About the COVID-19 Vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine can help you avoid getting COVID-19, a disease caused by a new type of coronavirus. This handout tells you more about the COVID-19 vaccine.
Why get vaccinated?
The COVID-19 virus can cause serious, life-threatening problems, and there is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you, your child, or others. COVID-19 spreads from person to person.
If you or your child get the COVID-19 virus, you both could spread the disease to family, friends, and others around you. Getting the vaccine as soon as possible helps protect your child from getting sick from the COVID-19 virus.
If they still catch COVID-19 after getting the vaccine, their symptoms will probably be less severe than if they had not gotten the vaccine.
Can someone get COVID-19 from the vaccine?
No, you cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine. The three vaccines that have been approved for use contain no active or killed virus particles.
Will the vaccine prevent me from getting COVID-19?
The currently approved vaccines prevent about 95% of people from getting sick from the COVID-19 virus. If your child still gets COVID-19 after getting the vaccine, their symptoms will probably be less severe than if they had not gotten the vaccine.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and works well. The risk of serious problems from getting COVID-19 is much higher than the risk of serious problems from getting the vaccine. So it’s safer to get the vaccine than it is to catch COVID-19. It will take a while for everyone to get the vaccine, so it is still important for everyone, including people who have gotten the vaccine, to continue:
- wearing a mask
- washing hands often
- staying at least 6 feet away from others
Can all kids get the COVID-19 vaccine?
At this time, there are three main vaccines available:
- Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine: This vaccine can be used for people over 5 years of age. This requires 2 shots at least 21 days apart.
- Moderna COVID-19 vaccine: This vaccine can be used for people over 18 years of age. This requires 2 shots at least 28 days a part.
- Johnson and Johnson vaccine: This vaccine can be used for people over 18 years of age. This requires 1 shot.
If my child has had an allergic reaction to a shot in the past, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
People who have had an allergic reaction to any vaccine or shot should talk to their Primary Care Provider before getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Your Primary Care Provider can help you figure out if it would be safe to get the vaccine.
If someone has already had COVID-19, should they still get the vaccine?
The vaccine may still help people who have already gotten sick from the COVID-19 virus. Doctors and scientists do not know how long someone is protected from getting sick again after having COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccine appears to be safe in people who have already gotten sick from COVID-19. The CDC recommends that the vaccine be given to people who have had COVID-19.
If you still have COVID-19 symptoms, you should not get the vaccine until your symptoms go away and your doctor says it is safe.
If someone is immunocompromised, should they get the vaccine?
People who are immunocompromised might be at increased risk for severe COVID-19. We don’t have enough data right now to be certain the new COVID-19 vaccines are safe or effective for immunocompromised patients. It is possible the vaccine may not work as well in immune-compromised patients, so it is important to continue all of the current guidance to protect yourself against COVID-19, even after getting vaccinated.
Right now, the CDC suggests that immune-compromised people may still receive the COVID-19 vaccine if they have no health reasons not to get the vaccine.
What if I have more questions about the vaccine?
The health and safety of you and your family are important to us. Thank you for partnering with us during this difficult time. Our providers are here for our patients and their families. If you have questions, please ask your care team.
