Vaccination FAQs and Information

Vaccine FAQ

The following Q+A is derived from the NYC Department of Health fact sheet about Covid-19 vaccines.

Q: Do the vaccines work?

A: Yes; both vaccines approved for emergency use by the FDA have been shown to be at least 94% effective at preventing severe Covid-19.

Q: Are they safe?

A: Yes! You cannot get Covid-19 from the vaccines; they do not contain the virus, but teach your body how to respond to Covid-19 effectively should you get infected. Researchers have been developing vaccines for viruses of the same type for decades, so they did not start from scratch.

Q: Are there side effects?

A: As with any vaccine, it's normal to experience side effects like bruising or soreness in the arm where you got the shot, body aches, tiredness, or a mild fever. These are unpleasant but not life threatening side effects that will go away quickly and help prevent you and others from spreading Covid!

Q: How much does it cost, and who can get it?

A: The vaccine will be available to different groups in phases. You can check who's eligible at this site. Eventually it will be available to all New Yorkers 16 and older. There is no cost to get the vaccine. You do not need to share your immigration status to be vaccinated, and your identity is confidential.

Q: Where can I get a vaccine?

A: If you're eligible, check with your healthcare provider to see if they offer the vaccine. You can also find locations that are giving vaccines here.

Q: Should I still get a vaccine even if I've had Covid-19?

A: Yes, you should still get a vaccine if you've had Covid-19 before. It is possible to get Covid-19 multiple times; the vaccine may boost your ability to effectively fight the virus if you contract it again.

Q: Once I get vaccinated, can I stop social distancing or wearing a mask?

A: No! We don't have enough information to know when it's safe to stop social distancing or wearing masks. The vaccine protects those who have it from severe infection, but may not prevent someone who's vaccinated and then exposed to Covid-19 from spreading it to others. Wait until public health officials give the okay to stop following these guidelines!