COVID-19 Vaccine Information

There are several FDA-approved vaccines that are widely available in the U.S. and around the world.

The vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE has received full approval by the FDA. This vaccine, which shows to be more than 95 percent effective, may help prevent people 12 years old and older from getting seriously ill and hospitalized. Patients receive two doses of this vaccine 21 days apart.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is also available to children ages 5 to 11 under FDA’s emergency use authorization (EUA). The Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5 to 11 is administered in two separate doses, three weeks apart. Children in this age range receive a lower dose (10 micrograms) than individuals 12 years of age and older (30 micrograms).

The vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. has received emergency use authorization by the FDA. This vaccine, which is about 95 percent effective, can reduce infections among asymptomatic individuals and could potentially help prevent the spread of the virus from person to person. The Moderna vaccine is given to patients 18 years old and older in two different doses 28 days apart.

The Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine is the third to receive emergency use authorization by the FDA. This vaccine was found to be 66 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 illness and was also highly effective in preventing hospitalization and death in those who did get sick after exposure to the virus. According to the CDC, women younger than 50 years old should especially be aware of the rare risk of blood clots with low platelets after vaccination. This vaccine is administered to individuals 18 years old and older as a single injection.

COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shots

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved under emergency use authorization (EUA) a single COVID-19 booster shot from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson for vaccinated individuals over 18 years of age.

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccinated individuals who are 18 years of age and older can receive a single booster dose six months after receiving the second vaccine dose. Johnson & Johnson vaccine recipients 18 years of age and older can receive the booster dose two months after the single-shot vaccine. 

 
  • Benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine

    Vaccines have long been a tool to help mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. Vaccines help the body produce antibodies that can fight off a specific disease and has two benefits: It helps prevent people from getting infected and, therefore, it can also help reduce the spread of the disease. According to scientific data, the COVID-19 vaccine can help prevent serious complications from the virus, hospitalizations and even death.

  • Types of COVID-19 vaccines

    There are several vaccines that have been approved from emergency use authorization by the FDA that are widely available in the U.S. and around the world.

    The vaccine developed by Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE has received full approval by the FDA. This vaccine, which shows to be more than 95 percent effective, may help prevent people 12 years old and older from getting seriously ill and hospitalized. Patients receive two doses of this vaccine 21 days apart.

    The vaccine developed by Moderna Inc. has received emergency use authorization by the FDA. This vaccine, which is about 95 percent effective, can reduce infections among asymptomatic individuals and could potentially help prevent the spread of the virus from person to person. The Moderna vaccine is given to patients 18 years old and older in two different doses 28 days apart.

    The Johnson & Johnson (J&J) vaccine is the third to receive emergency use authorization by the FDA. This vaccine was found to be 66 percent effective in preventing COVID-19 illness and was also highly effective in preventing hospitalization and death in those who did get sick after exposure to the virus. According to the CDC, women younger than 50 years old should especially be aware of the rare risk of blood clots with low platelets after vaccination. This vaccine is administered to individuals 18 years old and older as a single injection.

    For more information on available vaccines, visit CDC.gov.

  • Is the vaccine safe?

    While scientists around the world have raced against time to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, the FDA’s rigorous review classifies them as safe and effective. The vaccines have shown promising results and no major side effects. To help track any issues, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has developed several tracking tools for people to share any side effects after getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

  • Is BayCare providing vaccines?

    BayCare does not provide COVID-19 vaccines or booster shots from Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. Vaccines, including the booster shots, are widely available through local community settings and retail pharmacies across the Tampa Bay area.

  • How many doses do you need?

    Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, three to four weeks apart. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires just a single dose.

  • Who should not get the vaccine?

    Vaccines have shown to be safe for people who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Individuals with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines should check with their physician before getting the vaccine.

  • What are the side effects?

    After the COVID-19 vaccination, some people have reported side effects that went away after a few days. This is a normal sign that your body is building protection. The side effects from COVID-19 vaccination may include redness or swelling where the shot was given, fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills and joint pain.

  • Can you get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

    COVID-19 vaccines will not give people COVID-19. The vaccine protects the human body from getting infected. It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination.

  • Does the vaccine have a cost?

    According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines will be given to every American at no cost. However, providers who administer the vaccine will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the shot to someone. Vaccine providers can get this fee reimbursed by the patient’s insurance or, for uninsured patients, by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Provider Relief Fund.

  • Should I stop my safety precautions?

    While vaccinations have started, people need to continue to practice safety measures.

COVID-19 Vaccine Options

Other COVID-19 vaccine options are provided throughout the area. For the most accurate information concerning other vaccine options and registration requirements, please select from the following:

Other Vaccine Resources

 

Coronavirus News and Updates


For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine developments, visit CDC.gov.