How do COVID-19 Vaccines protect us?

When we get vaccinated against COVID-19, it activates our immune response without the danger of an actual infection. This helps our bodies learn to fight off a virus.
 

It’s not possible to get COVID-19 from a vaccine. Most vaccines for COVID-19 teach your body to protect against a harmless spike-shaped protein (without using the virus at all).

How are vaccines tested before I get them?

Because vaccines are given to millions of people to prevent serious diseases, they’re held to very high safety standards before they’re authorized by the FDA.

The clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccines were as big and thorough as recent studies for other licensed vaccines.

Medical experts also made sure that the trials

for COVID-19 vaccines included adults of diverse

backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and underlying

conditions.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Getting immunized against COVID-19 will protect most people from getting sick or becoming seriously ill.

Protecting yourself also helps protects the people

around you, including those who are most vulnerable.

Getting immunized is important because COVID-19 can have serious and life-threatening complications.

How will most people feel after getting immunized against COVID-19?

It’s normal to experience some discomfort after getting a vaccine. These signals may include soreness or some swelling in your arm. You may also feel tired, have a headache, fever, or chills. Ask your doctor if you have questions.
 

These signals actually mean the vaccine is working

– and your body is creating a protective immune

response without any danger of getting a COVID-19

infection.

Should I get vaccinated if I have pre-existing conditions like hypertension, high blood 

pressure, etc.?

Yes, vaccination is an important consideration for

adults of any age with certain health concerns like

hypertension and high blood pressure because they

may be at increased risk for severe illness from the

virus that causes COVID-19.
 

People with these underlying medical conditions can

receive COVID-19 vaccines provided they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine.

How quickly can vaccines help us get back to our lives?

Once enough people get vaccinated, experts are

hopeful we can end this pandemic as we know it in

this country.
 

Until then, we should all keep doing the things that

help protect against the virus as people are getting

vaccinated.
 

This includes wearing a mask, continuing to practice

social distancing, and washing your hands frequently.