
New appointments are often posted in the middle of the night or during traditional work hours. The current vaccination program disadvantages people who work hourly jobs and lack reliable internet access at home, said Benjamin, a former Maryland state health secretary. For instance, nighttime appointments should be available for those who can’t take off work during the day. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association. Vaccination sites should be highly accessible, and appointments need to be convenient, said Dr. This site is regularly updated with answers to common questions.Karen Kennedy, waiting on a bus after work, will be getting the COVID-19 vaccine from LifeBridge Health where she works as a copy center operator. If you have additional questions, see the CDC’s Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination. If there is a safety issue, FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will look into it immediately, determine if it is vaccine-related, and, if necessary, change how the vaccine is used.Įven after receiving the vaccine it is still important to continue following CDC guidelines for wearing a mask, social distancing, handwashing, and other hygiene measures until public health officials say otherwise. Studies to understand if the vaccines are safe for specific groups, such as pregnant women and children under 16-years old, are happening now. The FDA requires safety monitoring after emergency use authorization. Thus far, over 11 million Americans have received the vaccine. There is a slight chance that very rare side effects will be seen as we vaccinate more people. We don’t know exactly how long protection lasts for those who get infected or those who are vaccinated.ĬOVID-19 vaccines have been tested for safety in very large studies-more than 70,000 people have volunteered for these studies so far. Could it cause problems that we don’t know about yet? What about long-term issues?īoth COVID-19 and the vaccine are new. These side effects are signs that your immune system is doing exactly what it is supposed to do-working and building up protection to disease.

Getting the vaccine is a much safer choice. We know COVID-19 can cause serious illness and potentially death. If you get COVID-19 you risk giving it to loved ones who may get very sick. Is the vaccine that helpful? Don't I become immune if I get COVID-19? The vaccine is safe and effective for adults of different ages, sexes, races and those with underlying health conditions. As of 1/15/21, over 11 million Americans have received a COVID-19 vaccination. Studies found no serious safety concerns for those who received it. Nearly 74,000 people were part of the first clinical trials for safety and effectiveness. The FDA safety review procedures are no different for COVID-19 vaccines than for other vaccines and drugs. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use authorization.

How do we really know if COVID-19 vaccines are safe?ĬOVID-19 vaccines have met all the safety milestones set by the U.S. The vaccine is the biggest piece to stopping the pandemic and returning to normal life. Getting the vaccine not only protects you from getting COVID-19, but it also greatly reduces the risk that you spread the virus to your family and friends. Below are answers to the most common questions. You may have general questions about the COVID-19 vaccine. Appointments for other sites are available via Maryland's COVID-19 Vaccination Website.Ĭommon Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination.If you are interested in a vaccine appointment, please contact your doctor.
