COVID-19 Vaccine Information

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• Wear a mask when social distancing is hard to maintain.
• Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet from those outside your household.
• Frequently wash your hands and try not to touch your nose and mouth.