Show All Answers

1. Will there be a choice of which COVID vaccine I get?

Yes. While there is currently more than one vaccine brand available to Americans, local health departments, healthcare providers, pharmacies, and clinics may have the Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson and Johnson vaccine. Talk to your healthcare provider about which vaccine is right for you. In general, side effects and effectiveness for the currently available vaccines are very similar.

2. Does the vaccine give me full protection from COVID-19?

The COVID-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTec and from Moderna that are now being used are expected to protect more than 90% of people who get both doses.

We do not yet know how long the protection lasts after a two-dose series. With other vaccines, most people do not get the disease at all and those who do, have only mild cases. It is possible that you might need to get a booster dose of this vaccine at some time in the future. More information on the COVID-19 vaccine will be made available as scientists learn more about the long-term protective effects.

And finally, a single dose of one of the current two-dose COVID-19 vaccines will not provide the vaccine’s full protection. 

3. How long will it take for me to receive a vaccine?

Vaccine is in short supply throughout the state.  We do not currently have a timeline but we encourage you to register so you will be in the vaccine appointment database for notification when it is available.

4. Can unemployed, retired/essential workers receive a vaccine?

Unemployed individuals are not eligible at this time. Phase 1b includes front line essential workers in sectors essential to the functioning of society and are at substantially higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 through their current employment. However, retired or unemployed essential workers 65 years or above can obtain vaccination.

5. Will I still need to wear a mask and socially distance after I receive vaccine?

It is important to remain vigilant in COVID-19 prevention. Continue to protect yourself and others: wear a mask, wash your hands, stay at least six feet away from others, and avoid gatherings with anyone who is not a member of your household. 

6. Do I need to get the vaccine if I have already recovered from COVID 19?

It is recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if you had COVID-19 and recovered. Studies have shown that COVID-19 reinfection is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection, but likely immunity decreases after 90 days. However, If you have not completely recovered or are still experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, you should talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination.

7. Should I be getting the COVID-19 vaccine if I have other medical conditions?

If you have an underlying medical condition such as diabetes, asthma or obesity, you may be at higher risk for severe COVID-19 disease. When COVID-19 vaccine is made available to you, you are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect yourself from serious COVID-19 illness.

8. What if I have had allergic reactions to vaccine in the past, should I get the COVID 19 vaccine?

If you have had a severe allergic reaction in the past to other vaccines or injectable therapies, you should ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor will help you decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.

9. Is the COVID-19 vaccine effective?

Both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines went through extensive clinical trials. In fact, Pfizer is 95% effective and Moderna is 94% effective against COVID-19. While no vaccine has a 100% guarantee, the COVID-19 vaccine lessens the chance of illness, hospitalization and death.