Are the vaccines safe for women who are pregnant? The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are considered low-risk for people who are pregnant. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that COVID-19 vaccines should NOT be withheld from pregnant women who meet criteria for vaccination based on priority groups.

Do I need to obtain clearance or a letter from my Ob-Gyn? A conversation with your clinician may be helpful, but no clearance or letter is required.

Are the vaccines safe for women who want to become pregnant? COVID-19 vaccination is recommended to be offered to women considering or actively pursuing pregnancy. Pregnancy testing is not recommended prior to vaccination. If pregnancy is identified after the first dose, the second dose should be taken.

What are some of the things for me to consider regarding the vaccine and pregnancy? Level of exposure risk and community prevalence are important considerations. Pregnant women are vulnerable to more severe illness from COVID-19 compared to nonpregnant women of reproductive age.

Is it safe for me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if I have underlying health conditions? While persons with all health conditions have not been included in the vaccine studies, based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug Administration and clinical societies, it is thought that the benefit of receiving the vaccine outweighs the potential risk.

Is it safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if I have an autoimmune condition, such as Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis? Persons with autoimmune conditions who have no contraindications to vaccination may receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine. Discuss with your provider if you need to decrease the dose or hold your medications during the vaccine time frame.

Is it safe for me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if I have history of Guillain-Barré syndrome? To date, no cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) have been reported following vaccination among participants in the Pfizeror Moderna COVID-19 vaccines clinical trials. Persons with a history of GBS may receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a contraindication to vaccination.

Is it safe for me to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if I have history of Bell's palsy? Cases of Bell’s palsy were reported following vaccination in participants in both the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines clinical trials. However, the FDA does not consider these to be above the frequency expected in the general population and has not concluded that these cases were causally related to vaccination. Post-authorization safety surveillance will be important to further assess any possible causal association. In the absence of such evidence, persons with a history of Bell’s palsy may receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine unless they have a contraindication to vaccination.

Is it safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if I receive immunotherapy for my allergy? While these is no evidence from the clinical trials on this specific condition, you should receive COVID-19 vaccination if you have no contraindications to vaccination. If you have a history of severe allergy to prior vaccinations, discuss your particular situation with your doctor so that a plan can be made for vaccination under the safest possible conditions.

Is it safe to receive the COVID-19 vaccine if I receive immunotherapy for my allergy? While there is no evidence from the clinical trials on this specific condition, you should receive COVID-19 vaccination if you have no contraindications to vaccination. If you have a history of severe allergy to prior vaccinations, discuss your particular situation with your doctor so that a plan can be made for vaccination under the safest possible conditions.

What should I consider regarding my history of allergies? What steps should I take? People with history of immediate or severe reactions to medications or vaccines should consult with their doctor about receiving the vaccine. It is important to let the vaccination team know about this because you will be monitored for 30 minutes for a potential reaction. All vaccination teams have trained personnel and are equipped with medications and protocols to handle a severe reaction.

Are patients with history of immediate allergic reactions to vaccines or injectable therapies able to get vaccinated? It is reasonable to discuss benefits and risks with your provider. If you do not have a contraindication for the vaccine and if vaccination is decided, you should be observed for 30 minutes.

Are patients with egg or gelatin allergy candidates for mRNA COVID-19 vaccination? Pfizer and Moderna vaccines do NOT contain eggs or gelatin; thus, persons with allergies to these substances do not have a contraindication.

What would make the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine inadvisable? If you develop a severe allergic reaction or immediate allergic reaction (hives, swelling, wheezing) within 4 hours after getting the first mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get the second dose of vaccine. Similarly, if you have a prior immediate allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol or polysorbate, should not receive vaccination.

Who is the vaccine recommended for? ACIP recommended use of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in persons 16 years of age or older under the Emergency Use Authorization.

Do I really need both shots? Can’t I just get the first one and have pretty good protection? The trials were for two doses. It’s not approved as a one-dose vaccine. In other words, the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) does not allow for giving just one dose. Needs to be 21 days apart, but can be longer.

If I get one vaccine for the first shot, can I get the other vaccine for the second shot? No. You will receive a vaccination card and details about the specific vaccine you received.

What side effects are there from the vaccine? Local reactions included redness, swelling, pain at the injection site. Systemic reactions included fever, fatigue, headache, chills. The median onset for this was 1-2 days after either dose. Lasted a median duration of one day.

How can the vaccine be safe if it was developed so fast? Researchers used existing networks to conduct vaccine trials. Manufacturing began while clinical trials were still underway. mRNA vaccines are faster to produce than traditional vaccines. FDA and CDC prioritized review and authorization.

Is it safe? COVID-19 vaccines are held to the same safety standards as all vaccines.

Do I still need to wear a mask and social distance if I get the vaccine? Yes. Protection from the vaccine is not immediate. The vaccine is a 2-dose series and will take 1-2 weeks following the second dose to be considered fully vaccinated. Vaccinated persons should continue to follow all current guidance to protect themselves and others.

How long am I protected with the vaccine? We don’t know yet. The companies are continuing to follow people who were in the trials.

When will life get back to normal? It depends on what we do now. Wearing masks, social distancing, washing hands, rapid testing and getting the vaccine when available.