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1. Will the vaccine give me COVID-19 or make me sick?

No, none of the approved COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus and cannot give you COVID-19. 

COVID-19 vaccines teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. However, building immunity from a vaccine is a much safer option and these symptoms are normal signs that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. Learn more about how COVID-19 vaccines work.

2. How can I get notified about COVID-19 vaccine status updates?

Subscribe to receive local COVID-19 Status Updates by using our NotifyMe tool and selecting "COVID-19 Status Update" under the News Flash category. View a step by step Instructional Video on how to subscribe. 

3. If I already had COVID-19 should I still get the vaccine?

Yes. The protection someone gets from having an infection, called natural immunity, varies depending on the disease and from person to person. Since this virus is new, it is unknown how long natural immunity will last. As experts continue to study both the virus and the vaccines, we will continue to learn more. However, building immunity from a vaccine is a much safer option than to risk the complications from becoming ill from COVID-19. Learn more.

4. I’m a healthy adult, why should I get a vaccine?

There are many benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine when offered to you. Learn more.

5. I went all year without getting COVID-19, why should I get a vaccine now?

There are many benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine when offered to you. Learn more.

6. If I can build immunity to COVID-19 naturally, why should I get a vaccine?

There are many benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine when offered to you. Learn more.

7. Is the vaccine effective against new COVID-19 variants?

Data show that COVID-19 boosters help broaden and strengthen protection against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants. Learn when to receive a booster. 

Research is ongoing to fully understand these variants and how they affect vaccines. Learn more.

8. What are mRNA vaccines and how do they work?

The first 2 COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in the U.S. were messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines. Learn more about mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, here.

9. Can I still test positive for COVID-19 after getting the vaccine?

No. However, it typically takes a few weeks to build immunity after receiving a vaccine. That means it is possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick. In this case, the person would test positive for COVID-19 shortly after getting the vaccine. 

10. Does immunity after getting COVID-19 last longer than protection from COVID-19 vaccines?

The protection someone gets from having an infection, called natural immunity, varies depending on the disease and from person to person. Since this virus is new, it is unknown how long natural immunity will last. As experts continue to study both the virus and the vaccines, we will continue to learn more. However, building immunity from a vaccine is a much safer option than to risk the complications from becoming ill from COVID-19.

11. How long will immunity from the COVID-19 vaccine last?

As is the length of time someone who was ill with COVID-19 remains immune, how long COVID-19 vaccine gives someone immunity is also not yet known. As experts continue to study the vaccine, we will continue to learn more. However, building immunity from a vaccine is a much safer option. 

12. Will the COVID-19 vaccine stop the pandemic?

Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available. Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Vaccination will help you from getting COVID-19, and is a safer way to build protection than becoming sick with COVID-19. However, the combination of getting vaccinated and following recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.

13. What percentage of the population needs to be vaccinated to have herd immunity to COVID-19?

At this time, experts do not know what percentage of people need to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity to COVID-19. “Herd immunity” is when enough people have protection from either a previous infection, or have had a vaccination for that infection, to prevent the spread of an illness among the community. As a result, everyone within the community is protected even if some people don’t have any protection themselves. The percentage of people who need to have protection in order to achieve herd immunity varies by disease.

14. When can children get the COVID-19 vaccine?

COVID-19 vaccines are not currently approved for babies and young children. The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is not approved for people under the age of 5. The Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines are not approved for people under the age of 18. Learn more.  

15. Why should I get a vaccine if my children can’t get a vaccine yet? I’m still exposed to them.

There are many benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Learn more.