Frequently Asked Questions
Is the vaccine safe?
COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large studies with thousands of adults of all ages, including those 65 and older. The vaccines were found to be safe and provided very strong protection in older adults. The risk of catching the virus and having a bad outcome is much higher than any risk from the vaccine.
Clinical trials involving many thousands of participants are used to investigate possible COVID-19 vaccines. These studies generate scientific data and other information that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses to determine vaccine safety and effectiveness. After the FDA makes its determination, an independent group of scientific experts – the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) – reviews available data before making vaccine recommendations to the CDC.
Both of these processes have been completed for three different vaccines:
Even after this approval, vaccine safety monitoring systems watch for adverse events (possible side effects). If an unexpected adverse event is observed, experts quickly study it further to assess whether it was caused by the vaccine and whether it is a true safety concern.
You can read more about the many strategies for ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States at the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html
Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 is the worst global pandemic in a century, and it has taken a devastating toll on our families and communities. COVID-19 vaccines protect you. The sooner most people are vaccinated and protected against COVID-19 disease, the sooner New Mexicans and all Americans can get back to normal life.
Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause COVID-19?
The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19; there is no live virus in it! A
Are there any short-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
While the COVID-19 vaccination will protect you from COVID-19, you may have some adverse reactions, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These should go away in a few days.
• On the arm where you got the shot: pain, swelling
• Throughout the rest of your body: fever, chills, tiredness, headache
What can I do if I have side effects?
• Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• For pain in the area where you got the shot, apply a cool wet washcloth and move the arm.
• For fever, drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly
When will the vaccine be available?
New Mexico is on a phased vaccination schedule. To see the full schedule go to:
https://cv.nmhealth.org/covid-vaccine/
What if I’ve already had COVID?
People who have already had the COVID-19 virus, with or without obvious symptoms, should be vaccinated. If a person currently has COVID-19, that person should not receive the vaccine until they have recovered from illness. Once the person does not have symptoms and is no longer required to isolate, they should get the vaccination. Testing to determine prior infection is not recommended.
How much will the COVID Vaccine cost?
There is no cost to receive the vaccine and you will not be billed directly. Your provider may bill your insurance company.
COVID-19 vaccines were tested in large studies with thousands of adults of all ages, including those 65 and older. The vaccines were found to be safe and provided very strong protection in older adults. The risk of catching the virus and having a bad outcome is much higher than any risk from the vaccine.
Clinical trials involving many thousands of participants are used to investigate possible COVID-19 vaccines. These studies generate scientific data and other information that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses to determine vaccine safety and effectiveness. After the FDA makes its determination, an independent group of scientific experts – the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) – reviews available data before making vaccine recommendations to the CDC.
Both of these processes have been completed for three different vaccines:
- Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine
- Moderna, Inc. Vaccine
- Johnson & Johnson’s COVID-19 vaccine
Even after this approval, vaccine safety monitoring systems watch for adverse events (possible side effects). If an unexpected adverse event is observed, experts quickly study it further to assess whether it was caused by the vaccine and whether it is a true safety concern.
You can read more about the many strategies for ensuring the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in the United States at the CDC’s website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/safety.html
Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?
COVID-19 is the worst global pandemic in a century, and it has taken a devastating toll on our families and communities. COVID-19 vaccines protect you. The sooner most people are vaccinated and protected against COVID-19 disease, the sooner New Mexicans and all Americans can get back to normal life.
Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause COVID-19?
The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19; there is no live virus in it! A
Are there any short-term side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
While the COVID-19 vaccination will protect you from COVID-19, you may have some adverse reactions, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These should go away in a few days.
• On the arm where you got the shot: pain, swelling
• Throughout the rest of your body: fever, chills, tiredness, headache
What can I do if I have side effects?
• Talk to your doctor about over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• For pain in the area where you got the shot, apply a cool wet washcloth and move the arm.
• For fever, drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly
When will the vaccine be available?
New Mexico is on a phased vaccination schedule. To see the full schedule go to:
https://cv.nmhealth.org/covid-vaccine/
What if I’ve already had COVID?
People who have already had the COVID-19 virus, with or without obvious symptoms, should be vaccinated. If a person currently has COVID-19, that person should not receive the vaccine until they have recovered from illness. Once the person does not have symptoms and is no longer required to isolate, they should get the vaccination. Testing to determine prior infection is not recommended.
How much will the COVID Vaccine cost?
There is no cost to receive the vaccine and you will not be billed directly. Your provider may bill your insurance company.
For additional information: https://grantcountycoronavirusupdate.org/
