Maybe you’ve already received a dose, or some of your friends and family members have. As more and more people become eligible for the COVID‑19 vaccine, we want to help you make the best decisions for yourself and your loved ones.
We’re doing everything we can to keep communities healthy and strong; that includes protecting against illnesses like COVID‑19. Jackson Medical Group is here — as always — to help you make informed decisions about your health
Is the COVID‑19 vaccine safe?
Yes. COVID‑19 vaccines are important tools to prevent severe disease and end the pandemic. The COVID‑19 vaccine is safe and effective and can help ensure everyone’s safety and well‑being — especially the people hit hardest by the pandemic.
All approved COVID‑19 vaccines were carefully tested before they were authorized. Many people of different ages, races, ethnicities, and with different medical conditions participated in the studies.
Does the COVID‑19 vaccine have side effects?
For some people, COVID‑19 vaccines may cause mild side effects, especially after the second dose. Possible side effects include soreness in your arm, headaches, feeling tired, chills, fever, and nausea. These usually don’t last longer than a day or two. You can take antihistamines and pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin to help relieve discomfort from side effects if it’s safe for you to take these medicines normally.
Some people get a red, itchy, swollen, or painful rash where they got the shot (sometimes called “COVID arm”). The rash can pop up a few days to more than a week after you got your shot, and it can be pretty big. You can take an antihistamine or pain medicine to help with discomfort. If this happens to you, you should still get your second shot when it’s scheduled. Tell your provider that you got this rash or “COVID arm” — they may give you the second shot in your other arm.
Side effects do NOT mean that you have COVID‑19, and the vaccine can’t give you COVID‑19. In fact, these reactions are a sign that the vaccine is working and your immune system is doing what it’s supposed to do: building up protection against COVID‑19.
If I get the COVID‑19 vaccine, do I still have to wear a mask and socially distance?
It takes a few weeks after you finish getting your vaccine(s) for your body to build immunity against COVID‑19 — that means it’s still possible to get sick from COVID‑19 between, or right after, your vaccines. Scientists are still learning exactly how well the vaccine protects you and others, so it’s important to keep taking steps to prevent the spread of COVID‑19, even if you’re vaccinated, like wearing a tight-fitting mask over your nose and mouth, and practicing social distancing.