How does the COVID-19 vaccine work?

mRNA vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) contain material from the virus that causes COVID-19 that gives our cells instructions for how to make a harmless protein that is unique to the virus. After our cells make copies of the protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine.

How do mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work?

Currently vaccines for COVID-19, the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, are the only authorized mRNA vaccines. These vaccines use mRNA that directs cells to produce copies of a protein on the outside of the coronavirus known as the “spike protein”.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine reduce the risk of getting "Long COVID"?

Reseach is showing that people who are vaccinated, even with just one dose, tend to have lower rates of long COVID-19 after catching the virus than those who are unvaccinated.

How does the COVID-19 vaccine help stop the spread of new strains?

As we vaccinate as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, we can stop the spread of the coronavirus. A reduction in transmission of the virus means fewer opportunities for it to mutate, which can help prevent the emergence of any other strains.

Is it normal to feel sick after having the COVID-19 vaccine?

It is normal to feel sick after getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

How do mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work?

What are the common side effects of COVID-19 vaccine?

Common symptoms include local pain, redness, swelling, systemic tiredness, headache, muscle pain, fever, and nausea. Regulating authorities are suggesting facial paralysis and swelling as possible orofacial adverse effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, which is assumed to occur rarely [6].

When do COVID-19 vaccine side effects appear?

You probably experienced COVID-19 vaccine side effects fairly quickly when you had your initial injections. The same is true for COVID-19 vaccine booster shots: Most people notice side effects within the first 24 hours. The symptoms typically only last a day or two. Some people don't notice any side effects.

Are the existing COVID-19 vaccines effective against new variants?

With each new variant, the COVID vaccines and their boosters remain our most powerful tool to fight all the strains of COVID-19 because the vaccines continue to significantly reduce the severity of the illness.

What does the COVID-19 vaccine prevent?

Scientists are monitoring how long COVID-19 vaccine protection lasts. COVID-19 vaccines work well to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. However, public health experts are seeing decreases in the protection COVID-19 vaccines provide over time, especially for certain groups of people.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine effective against the Delta variant?

COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Delta variant and other variants with widespread circulation in the United States. Current vaccines are expected to protect against severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths due to infection with the Omicron variant.

How many times can I get COVID-19?

'A long-term pattern' According to some infectious disease researchers, Covid-19 reinfections are likely to become more common as time goes on and different variants continue to circulate—with some people potentially seeing third or fourth reinfections within a year.

Should you get the COVID-19 vaccine if you already had COVID-19 and recovered?

If I already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get a COVID-19 vaccine? You should get a COVID-19 vaccine even if you already had COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from COVID-19 infection provides added protection to your immune system.

How long does it take for immunity to wane after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine?

A study published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that immunity against severe COVID-19 begins to wane four months after receiving a so-called "booster" third dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Is there a live virus in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines?

The mRNA vaccines do not contain any live virus. Instead, they work by teaching our cells to make a harmless piece of a “spike protein,” which is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. After making the protein piece, cells display it on their surface.

Are mRNA COVID-19 vaccines safe?

mRNA vaccines are safe and effective.
mRNA vaccines have been held to the same rigorous safety and effectiveness standards as all other types of vaccines in the United States.

Are mRNA boosters effective against COVID-19?

In this study, mRNA boosters were highly effective against infection with the delta variant but were less effective against infection with the omicron variant. However, these boosters led to strong protection against Covid-19–related hospitalization and death due to both variants.

Why don't you get sick after the COVID-19 vaccine?

But you don't actually get sick because your body is only exposed to a small portion of the virus and not the intact virus that can cause the disease. The antibodies against the spike protein remain in your body and are available and ready to protect you if you're exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Why should I get vaccinated against COVID-19?

Why should I get vaccinated if I might get COVID-19 anyway? COVID-19 vaccination significantly lowers your risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death if you get infected.

What are some of the reasons why should you get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Getting sick with COVID-19 can cause severe illness or death, and we can't reliably predict who will have mild or severe illness. If you get sick, you can spread COVID-19 to others

Can you mix and match the vaccines for your mRNA (Pfizer or Moderna) primary vaccination series?

No, vaccines used for the primary vaccination series should be same. However, if the mRNA vaccine product given for the first two doses is not available or is unknown, either Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA COVID-19 vaccines) may be administered.

How long does COVID-19 rebound last?

So far there have been no reports of severe illness in those who have experienced covid rebound, and most people seem to recover and stop testing positive around three days later without needing additional covid-19 treatment.

How long does COVID-19 rebound usually last?

How long will a rebound last? In the cases that have been described, rebound symptoms improved and/or positive tests became negative within 3 days for most people.

When do you feel side effects of Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine?

With most of the side effects occurring within one to two days following vaccination, Dr. Fryhofer recommends choosing a day or two when “you don't have a lot of important stuff going on, because you might not feel well.”

How do you know if you are allergic to the COVID-19 vaccine?

An immediate allergic reaction happens within 4 hours after getting vaccinated and could include symptoms such as hives, swelling, and wheezing (respiratory distress).

What are the common side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine?

Commonly reported side effects in the clinical trial included injection site pain (sore arm), redness and swelling, fatigue, headache, muscle and/or joint pain, chills, fever, swollen lymph nodes, nausea and decreased appetite.