What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

COVID-19 is a virus that causes illness. COVID-19 affects the lungs and sometimes other parts of the body. People who get COVID-19 may feel fine and not know they have the virus. Others will be sick like having the flu. Some people with COVID-19 are very sick, and some will die from the virus. When a person who has COVID-19 breathes, coughs, or sneezes, people who are near them can breathe in the virus and become ill.

How do the COVID-19 vaccines keep me from getting sick?

The COVID-19 vaccines tell your body how to make antibodies that fight COVID-19. These antibodies lower your chance of getting the virus. If you do get COVID-19, the antibodies in your body will help keep you from getting very sick or dying. The COVID-19 vaccines do not use the COVID-19 virus. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccines.

How good are the COVID-19 vaccines at protecting me from COVID-19?

People who get a COVID-19 vaccine are very unlikely to get really sick or die from having COVID-19. If you are exposed to COVID-19 after you have the vaccine, there is a chance you could still get the virus. This is called a breakthrough infection. If that happens, you may feel fine or you might feel like you have a cold or the flu. You can pass the virus to other people if you have a breakthrough infection so you will need to wear a mask for up to 14 days if that happens.

Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe?

The COVID-19 vaccines were tested for safety the same way all vaccines are tested before they are used. The COVID-19 vaccines have been given to millions of people safely. It is very rare for people to have a reason that would make it unsafe for them to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Can the COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility or other problems for my health?

The COVID-19 vaccines do not hurt your chance of getting pregnant in the future or cause miscarriage if you are pregnant. Studies have found 2 serious problems that might be caused by the vaccines: blood clots and swelling in the heart. Both of these problems are very rare. These problems are also more likely to happen after getting COVID-19 than after getting a COVID-19 vaccine. The chance of getting COVID-19 and being very sick or dying is much higher than the chance of getting either of these very rare problems from a COVID-19 vaccine.

How are the COVID-19 vaccines given?

The COVID-19 vaccines are given as 1 or 2 shots depending on the type you are given. If you get a COVID-19 vaccine that is given as 1 shot, you are fully vaccinated (protected from COVID-19) 2 weeks after the shot. If you get a COVID-19 vaccine that is given as 2 shots, the second one is given 3 to 4 weeks after the first. You are fully vaccinated 2 weeks after your second shot.

How do I find out where to get a COVID-19 vaccine near me? You can: Check with your local drugstore Look on www.vaccines.gov Text your ZIP code to 438829 Call 1-800-232-0233 Contact your state or local health department

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine is free. You do not have to pay even if you have health insurance.

What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines?

Most people have a little soreness in the arm where the shot was given. Some people also have tiredness, nausea, headache, muscle aches, chills, or fever. These symptoms happen because your body is making the antibodies that protect you. It is normal to have these symptoms. They will last a few days at most.

How can having COVID-19 during pregnancy affect me or my baby?

Pregnant women who get COVID-19 are more likely to be sicker and need to be in the hospital for treatment than women who are not pregnant. Overall, the chance of dying from COVID-19 is very low. But pregnant women who get COVID-19 have a higher chance of dying than women who are not pregnant. Having COVID-19 in pregnancy may increase the chance of preterm birth, stillbirth, and your baby being smaller than normal. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine before or during pregnancy is the best way to help keep you and your baby safe from the virus.

Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The COVID-19 vaccines are safe for you and your baby when you are pregnant. The antibodies your body makes after getting the vaccine will protect you and your baby. The antibodies also get into breast milk so if you feed your baby your breast milk, this will protect your baby against COVID-19. All of the COVID-19 vaccines can be given to pregnant women.

Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level: 6.7

Approved August 2021.

This handout may be reproduced for noncommercial use by health care professionals to share with patients, but modifications to the handout are not permitted. The information and recommendations in this handout are not a substitute for health care. Consult your health care provider for information specific to you and your health.