FAQ

+ Why is a vaccination important?

Vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent disease. Vaccines save millions of lives each year. When we get vaccinated, we aren’t just protecting ourselves, but also those around us.

+ How does a vaccine work?

Vaccines work by preparing the body’s immune system to recognize and fight off germs. They reduce your risk of getting a disease by working with your body’s natural defenses to build protection. When you get a vaccine, your immune system responds. It:

• Detects the invading germ, such as a virus or bacteria.

• Makes antibodies. Antibodies are proteins produced naturally by the immune system to fight disease.

• Remembers the disease and how to fight it. If you are exposed to the germ after getting the vaccine, your immune system can quickly destroy it before you become sick.

Our immune systems are designed to remember. After we get one or more doses of a vaccine, we are protected against the disease for a period of time. This is what makes vaccines so effective. Instead of treating a disease after it happens, vaccines can prevent us from getting sick in the first place.

+ How do vaccines protect communities?

When a person gets vaccinated, they are less likely to get a disease or pass the germ on to other people. When more people get vaccinated there are fewer people left for a germ to infect so it is harder for the germ to spread. This is called community immunity or “herd immunity.” Herd immunity is important because it protects people who can’t get the vaccine, for example, because they are too young or are very sick.

+ Can you get COVID-19 from a vaccine?

No. None of the COVID-19 vaccines being developed in the United States have the virus that causes COVID-19 in them. Sometimes people get a fever or feel tired for a day or so after getting a vaccine. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity. You can learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work at this CDC website.

It usually takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. If a person got infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after they got a shot they could still get COVID-19. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

+ Will getting the vaccine cause me to test positive on a COIVD-19 test?

No. Vaccines won’t cause you to test positive on a viral test (like the swab test) that looks for current COVID-19 infection. You may test positive on some antibody tests. This is because one of the ways that vaccines work is to teach your body to make antibodies.

+ If I already COVID-19, do I still need to get vaccinated?

Yes, you do need the vaccine even if you have had COVID-19. We don’t yet know how long you are protected after you have had COVID-19, so it is important to have the vaccine to strengthen your immunity.

+ What can I do now to help protect myself from getting COVID-19 since a vaccine is not yet available?

You should cover your mouth and nose with a face covering when around others, avoid close contact with people who are sick, practice physical distancing, and wash your hands often.

+ Should I get a flu shot?

Yes! It is likely that the viruses that cause influenza (flu) and COVID-19 will both be spreading this winter. A flu shot only protects you from the flu, but at least it means you won’t run the risk of getting flu and COVID-19 at the same time. This can keep you from having a more severe illness. Getting a flu vaccine now is more important than ever. If you are likely to get the COVID-19 vaccine soon, ask your doctor about the best time to get the flu shot. This is because the two vaccines may have to be given several weeks apart.