We now have a vaccine to address this unprecedented public health crisis.
Understandably, many have questions. Please find answers below.
Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?
A: Yes. The vaccines underwent clinical trials with thousands of participants representing a range of diverse groups and has been deemed safe by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S.
Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Those with a history of reactions to immunizations are encouraged to talk to their healthcare provider prior to receiving the vaccine.
Q: How was the COVID-19 vaccine made so quickly?
A: COVID-19 is not the first coronavirus. Scientists were able to apply 50 years of research to make a safe and effective vaccine, which received support for accelerated production.
Q: How do COVID-19 vaccines work?
A: The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines are messenger RNA vaccines (mRNA). mRNA provides the instructions your body needs to build a small protein that triggers an immune response to COVID-19 if you
become infected.
Q: If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need a vaccine?
A: Yes, you do. There is not evidence that recovering from a COVID-19 infection builds lasting immunity in the body. Some people have been infected with COVID-19 more than once/multiple times. It is recommended you
wait 90 days from recovery to receive the vaccine.
Q: Do I still have to wear a mask after I receive the vaccine?
A: Yes. It will take time to vaccinate enough people for immunity in the community. In the meantime, continue to be COVIDSAFE by wearing a mask, maintaining social distance, washing your hands, and avoiding large
gatherings.
Q: Are there side effects?
A: Common side effects include soreness in your arm, fatigue, body aches and fever. These are signs the vaccine is working.
Q: How much do COVID-19 vaccinations cost?
A: Free vaccinations are available from the County of San Diego (County) for all individuals currently eligible and interested in being vaccinated for COVID-19. Individuals in currently opened Phases and Tiers should first contact their medical provider to receive the vaccine directly at no-cost. For individuals unable to receive the vaccine from their provider, or if they do not have a healthcare provider, they may be vaccinated at a County-coordinated COVID-19 vaccination site at no-cost.
Q: How do I find out if I am eligible?
A: Updates on who is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine will be posted on the COVID-19 Vaccine page on https://coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine. Additionally, depending on which group you fall into, you may be notified
by your healthcare provider.
For more information on COVID-19 Vaccines, please visit:
www.coronavirus-sd.com/vaccine
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