Yes. While COVID-19 vaccines have been developed rapidly, no steps are skipped during clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccine safety checks like web surveys, monitoring, and others are in place and are ongoing.

For more information, refer to the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/safety-of-vaccines.html

Based on evidence from clinical trials, all of the COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective (>85%) in preventing severe COVID-19 infection, including infections that lead to hospitalization, emergency department or urgent care visits, and death. A recent "real-world", observational study confirmed that all of the vaccines remain highly effective (~90% for Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, ~70% for Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) in preventing severe COVID-19 infection.

For more information, refer to the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/effectiveness/work.html

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are mRNA vaccines that use material from the virus that causes COVID-19 to give our cells instructions on how to make a harmless protein that is unique to the virus. After our cells make copies of this protein, they destroy the genetic material from the vaccine. Our cells then remember how to fight the virus in the future.

The Janssen (Johnson & Johnson vaccine) is a vector vaccine that contains material from the virus that causes COVID-19 inside the shell of a modified version of a different virus than the one that causes COVID-19. Neither the material from the COVID-19 virus nor the modified version of the virus containing this material can cause an infection. Rather, this "viral vector" gives our cells the instructions on how to make a harmless protein that is unique to the COVID-19 virus. Our cells use these instructions to make copies of the protein and our body develops T- and B-lymphocytes that remember how to fight the virus if we are infected in the future.

For more information, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/how-they-work.html

There are a variety of benefits to getting the vaccine, including the health of you, your family, and your community. Other benefits:

• Possibly not getting the COVID-19 infection, or experiencing a milder course and less risk of complications.

• Protecting vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors.

• Slowing the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and being able to open up more activities.

Like all medicines and vaccines, the vaccine may cause side effects, although not everyone will get them. Typically side effects last from 24-48 hours after you get the vaccine. It is common to have more side effects after dose two than dose one. The most likely side effects are:

• Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site

• Fever

• Chills

• Fatigue

• Nausea

• Headache

• Muscle aches/pain

• Joint pain

• Underarm gland swelling on the side of the vaccination

No. The COVID-19 cannot cause you to become infected. While the COVID-19 vaccines use some material from the COVID-19 virus, this material is not an intact virus nor is it live. Therefore, the vaccines cannot give you COVID-19.

It is possible that a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after they receive the vaccine and then get sick because the vaccine did not have enough time to provide protection. Please make sure to continue to practice social distancing, wearing a mask, and washing your hands. You will require two (2) doses of the vaccine and could still potentially be a carrier of the virus to others who have not yet been vaccinated.

Yes. It is recommended that people who have had COVID in the past still get the vaccine because vaccination provides more protection against another COVID-19 infection than unvaccinated individuals who previously had COVID-19 infection. If you had COVID-19, it is recommended that you wait until your symptoms of COVID-19 are gone and you meet the criteria to end isolation/quarantince.

For more information, refer to the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.

Yes, but you need to wait 90 days after you have received monoclonal antibody treatment to receive the vaccine.

For more information, refer to the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.

Yes. Observational data demonstrate that while the absolute risk is low, pregnant people with COVID-19 have an increased risk of severe illness, including illness resulting in ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, or death. Additionally, they might be at an increased risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm birth.

Based on current knowledge, experts believe that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to pose a risk for people who are pregnant. Speak with your physician and/or fertility specialists to make the decision that is best for you.

Refer to the CDC website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.

No. You must continue the initial (primary ) COVID-19 vaccine series with the same brand of vaccine you received for your first dose. If your first dose was with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, you should receive the Pfizer vaccine for your second dose. If your first dose was with the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, you should receive the Moderna vaccine for your second dose.

However, for booster doses, a "mix and match" approach may be used, meaning your booster dose could be a different COVID-19 vaccine than you received for your primary series.

Refer to the CDC website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.

The second dose should be given as soon as possible. The first dose does not need to be repeated.

The risk for allergic reactions is very low, but some have been reported to the CDC. To make sure you are safely monitored, you should remain available for observation 15–30 minutes after receiving the vaccination. If you experience any flushing, itching, swelling, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, you should report it to the staff at the site immediately. These symptoms can indicate an allergic reaction may be occurring and should be evaluated without delay. Patients with a history of allergic reactions to different medications may be asked to remain available for a longer period of time for additional monitoring.

For individuals who experienced a severe allergic reaction to either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, it is recommended that you do not get another dose of that vaccine, even if this means you will not be able to complete your series. You may be eligible to receive the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor may refer you to an allergist.

Refer to the CDC website for more information: For more information, refer to the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety/allergic-reaction.html.

You may receive the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, including the influenza vaccine ("the flu shot"), at the same time.

Refer to the CDC website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.

Many individuals who completed their primary COVID-19 vaccination series (2 doses of either Pfizer or Moderna, 1 dose of Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) may be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster shot. The criteria vary based on the initial COVID-19 vaccine you received, your age, underlying medical conditions, and your home/work settings.

Refer to the CDC website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html.

Individuals with moderately or severely compromised immune systems (see list below) do not produce the same immune response for as long as individuals with healthy immune systems. Therefore, moderately or severely compromised individuals who completed their primary series with either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines (received 2 doses) should receive a 3rd dose of the same COVID-19 vaccine at least 28 days after the 2nd dose. If immunocompromised individuals received the Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccine (1 dose) for their primary series, a 2nd primary dose is not recommended but they may eligible for a booster dose.

• active cancer treatment

• organ transplant taking immunosuppressing medications

• stem cell transplant in the previous 2 years

• primary immunodeficiency

• advanced or untreated HIV infection

• active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that suppress your immune system

Refer to the CDC website for more information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/faq.html.

No. The mRNA vaccine will not change your DNA. Your body only uses it to make proteins. It does not enter the nucleus of your cell where your DNA lives.

There are no microchips, metals, or other ingredients in the COVID-19 vaccines that produce an electromagnetic field.

For more information, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain antifreeze (for example, ethylene glycol). Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines contain an additive (polyethylene glycol) that some have confused with antifreeze. Polyethylene glycol is an inactive additive in many medications, including acetaminophen (generic for Tylenol). Polyethylene glycol helps to allow the mRNA to enter the body's cells and provide the instructions to fight the COVID-19 virus.

For more information, visit the CDC website:

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Moderna.html

• https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Janssen.html

Yes. While the vaccine has very high efficacy, it is not 100%. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, you will need to be tested for COVID or other infections, as relevant.

Yes. You could still potentially be a carrier of the virus to others who have not yet been vaccinated.

Yes. You will still need to practice social distancing, which includes avoiding eating with others and avoiding socializing indoors with members not in your household. We need to allow for time for those who receive the vaccine to build immunity and also to allow for a large portion of the population to receive the vaccine. Continuing to practice prevention measures to help slow the spread of COVID-19 is important.

The federal government is making the vaccine available for free to individuals. Some vaccination providers may bill your insurance an administrative fee.