COVID-19 Vaccine - Facts and FAQs

Vaccine Safety

Safety is a top priority in delivering a COVID-19 vaccine. Once a company develops a vaccine, it must go through a complex scientific testing process before it can be submitted to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA independently reviews the information from these tests to make sure the vaccine is safe and works well, and then decides whether the vaccine can be made available to the public through emergency use authorization.

After a vaccine is authorized for emergency use, multiple safety monitoring systems are in place to watch for possible adverse events. If an unexpected serious adverse event is detected, experts work as quickly as possible to determine whether it is a true safety concern.

 

For Additional Information

back to top

Authorized Vaccines

Several COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing your risk of severe illness or hospitalization from COVID-19. For more information on staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccines to maximize your protection, visit the CDC website.

If you have previously had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredients in a vaccine or have any concerns about your possible contraindications, be sure to check with your doctor for more information about your options.

Visit the CDC resources below for the most up to date information about the available COVID-19 vaccine. 

back to top

Dosing Recommendations

The COVID-19 vaccines recommendations will be different depending on your age and health status. There are several options for the COVID-19 vaccines. Staying up to date on the COVID-19 vaccines will give you the most protective benefits.

Staying up to date means getting all recommended COVID-19 vaccines, including a booster shot when eligible. Visit the CDC website to see the most recent COVID-19 vaccines recommendation.

Primary Series:

  • Two Dose Series: Pfizer (ages 12+), pediatric Pfizer (ages 5-11), Moderna (ages 18+), pediatric Moderna (ages 6months-5 years), Novavax (ages 18+)
    The Pfizer, Moderna and Novavax COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses for the primary series. If you received the Pfizer, Moderna or Novavax COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC website to see when you need to get your second dose.

    Getting the second dose is important to ensuring you receive the full protective benefits of the vaccine. COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable. That means you will need to get the same manufacturer for the second dose as you received for your first dose. If you go to a different provider than your first dose, be sure to check ahead to ensure they offer the manufacturer you need.

  • Three Dose Series: pediatric Pfizer (ages 6 months-4 years)
    The pediatric Pfizer vaccine for ages 6 months to 4 years requires three doses for the primary series. Visit the CDC website to see when your child will need his or her second and/or third doses.

  • Single Dose: Johnson and Johnson (Janssen)
    The Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine requires a single dose for the primary series.

Booster Doses

Depending on your age, and health status, what vaccine you received for your primary series, and when you first got vaccinated, the CDC may also recommends additional COVID-19 booster dose(s) to further enhance or restore protection that might have waned over time after your primary series vaccination.

To learn more information about the COVID-19 vaccines dosing recommendations, visit:

back to top


Frequently Asked Questions

Children and Teens

  1. Which vaccines can children under 12 get? Are they fully approved?

There are two different vaccines available for children of different ages.

The Pfizer vaccine has been granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) for children ages 6 months through 11 years old. The dosage for kids ages 5-11 is one-third of the adolescent (12-17) and adult dose. The dosage of for children 6 months-4 years is one-tenth of the adolescent (12-17) and adult dose, and requires a three-dose primary series. If you are unsure which option a provider is offering, be sure to ask.

The Moderna vaccine has been granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) for children ages 6 months through 5 years old. The dosage for kids ages 6 months-5 years is one-fourth of the adult dose.

There are more steps before the vaccines can get full approval.

Visit the CDC website for more information on which vaccines and how many doses are recommended by age.

  1. Why do vaccine doses change based on age?
  1. What does a child need to be up to date on the COVID-19 vaccine?
  1. Are the COVID-19 vaccines safe for children and teens?
  1. What are the side effects for children?
  1. Will this impact my child's reproductive development?
  1. How does the COVID-19 vaccine dosage work for children and teens?
  1. Can my child receive other vaccines like flu at the same time?
  1. What can I do to help prepare my child for their vaccination?
  1. If my child had COVID-19 already, do they still need the vaccine?

For more frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination for children and teens, visit the CDC's Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination for Children and Teens.

COVID-19 Variants

Please see COVID-19 variant FAQs.

Booster Shots and Additional Third Doses

  1. Who is eligible to get a booster shot?

Depending on your age, and health status, what vaccine you received for your primary series, and when you first got vaccinated, the CDC may also recommend additional COVID-19 booster dose(s) to further enhance or restore protection that might have waned over time after your primary series vaccination. For more information, visit the CDC's website on who boosters are recommended for and when to administer them.

  1. How can I get a booster shot?
  1. Why is a booster dose recommended?
  1. What is the difference between people who need a booster dose and people who need an additional third dose?
  1. What is the additional dose recommendation for people who are severely immunocompromised?
  1. Where should someone go if they are recommended for a third dose?
  1. Will it cost anything to have a booster shot or a third dose of vaccine?
  1. What should immunocompromised people who received the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine do?

For more on this topic, see the CDC website.

Medical Conditions and Other Considerations

  1. Can I get a COVID-19 vaccine if I would like to have a baby one day?

Yes. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for people who are trying to get pregnant now or might become pregnant in the future, as well as their partners. People who are trying to get pregnant now or might become pregnant in the future should stay up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines, including getting a COVID-19 booster shot when it’s time to get one.

To learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for people who would like to have a baby, visit the CDC website.

  1. What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding/chestfeeding?
  1. Do COVID-19 vaccines affect male fertility?
  1. What if I am immunosuppressed?
  1. What if I have chronic medical conditions?
  1. What if I have severe allergies?
  1. hould I wait to get my screening mammogram if I was recently vaccinated?
  1. Who should not get the vaccine?

Vaccine Safety

  1. Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause heart inflammation?

Federal health officials are actively investigating and monitoring very rare occurrences of heart inflammation (myocarditis and pericarditis) after vaccination with mRNA vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna).

The risk of heart inflammation is small. The CDC recommends that recently vaccinated people seek medical attention if they develop any chest pain, shortness of breath, or have feelings of a fast-beating heart, particularly in the first week after vaccination.

CDC continues to recommend that everyone eligible should get vaccinated for COVID-19. The known risks of COVID-19 illness and its related, possibly severe complications, such as long-term health problems, hospitalization, and even death, far outweigh the potential risks of having a rare adverse reaction to vaccination, including the possible risk of myocarditis or pericarditis.

To see the most up to date information about myocarditis and pericarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, visit:  

  1. What is the risk for the rare nerve disorder that has been linked to the J&J vaccine?
  1. Will a COVID-19 vaccine alter my DNA?
  1. How has mRNA technology been used prior to COVID-19 vaccines?
  1. How have viral vector vaccines been used prior to COVID-19?
  1. What do we know about the long-term effects of getting a COVID-19 vaccine?
  1. How should I report side effects from the vaccine?
  1. What is vSafe?
  1. How will adverse events and vaccine safety be monitored?
  1. Can I get the Pfizer vaccine if I received Moderna for my first dose or vice-versa?
  1. What side effects could there be from the vaccine?

General Topics

  1. What services are there for people who are medically homebound or need help accessing transportation to a vaccination site?

If you or a loved one are in a long-term care or skilled nursing facility, check first to see if they have a vaccine provider serving residents. Mobile vaccination providers may be an option for individuals who are medically homebound, including residents of long-term care, assisted living or group homes, and unable to travel to a pharmacy or vaccination site. For eligibility requirements and a searchable map of mobile providers in your area, go here.

For transportation assistance to a site:

  • If you have AHCCCS, ALTCS, or another insurance provider: Check with your insurance company to see if they can provide you with medical transportation to an existing vaccine site.
  • If you are age 60 or older: contact the Area Agency on Aging at 602-264-4357 for transportation options to an existing site.

If you are able to get transportation to a pharmacy or clinic, search for the vaccine location closest to you on this map.

  1. I lost my vaccination card. How can I get a copy of my records?
  1. Will getting a COVID-19 vaccine cause me to test positive for COVID-19 on a viral test?
  1. Where can people call if they don’t have computer access and need help with locating COVID-19 testing or vaccine?
  1. Should I get an antibody test after vaccination to find out if my vaccine worked?
  1. Should I be vaccinated if I already had COVID-19 and recovered?
  1. Can I be vaccinated while I am sick with COVID-19?
  1. Can a COVID-19 Vaccine Make Me Sick with COVID-19?
  1. How much will it cost to be vaccinated?
  1. Can I get another vaccine at the same time I get my COVID-19 shot?
  1. For vaccines requiring 2 doses, if I get COVID-19 after my first dose, should I receive the second dose?
  1. Can I take pain relief medication before my vaccination?
  1. If I am up to date on the COVID-19 vaccines, do I still have to quarantine if I’m exposed to someone with COVID-19?

Scheduling

  1. How do I get vaccinated?

Most vaccination sites have online appointment systems where you can check availability. Some vaccinators may offer scheduling assistance over the phone or take walk-ins. You can find providers offering vaccine on our locations page.

  1. What if I am not able to schedule my second dose within the recommended timeframe?

Still Have Questions?

If you have questions, please submit your question here or call us at 602-506-6767.