Fortunately, most people experience only mild side effects such as a sore arm or swelling at the site of the vaccine. Fever, chills, headache and feeling tired can also occur. This is a normal response to the vaccine. Symptoms usually begin about 1-2 days after the vaccine is given and then resolve after a day or two.

Yes, the evidence supports that these vaccines are safe and effective. While it seems like a lot has happened around these mRNA vaccines in the last year, the science of mRNA technology has been studied for over twenty years. The safety of the vaccines has been reviewed by both an independent group of experts called the Data and Safety Monitoring Board and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These safety reviews happen for every type of vaccine introduced, not just the COVID-19 vaccine, and there is a process to continue to monitor the safety of ALL vaccines (including the COVID-19 vaccine) even after they are approved.

Not yet- unfortunately, a vaccine does not mean that we can stop wearing masks and stop practicing social distancing. For that to happen, we need to establish herd immunity, which means that most of the population is immune to getting COVID-19. We develop immunity either by contracting the virus and recovering or by getting vaccinated . Since contracting the virus can have serious complications, we’d like to vaccinate as many as possible to establish herd immunity. Until then, even if you have been vaccinated, you should continue to wear a mask, wash your hands often, and practice social distancing.

We encourage you to speak to your primary care provider to answer any questions about the vaccine and how it relates to your specific health conditions.