Frequently Asked Questions

DO I STILL NEED TO TAKE COVID PRECAUTIONS (MASKS, SOCIAL DISTANCING) AFTER I RECEIVE THE VACCINE?

YES! Although the COVID-19 vaccines have up to a 95% efficiency rate, no vaccine can ever reach 100% because of the many factors that can contribute to contracting a disease. Since the vaccine can take up to two or three weeks to reach its full immunity, it is still possible for you to spread the virus. It's crucial that the general public continues following these safety procedures and public health guidelines because it will be months before everyone has access to the vaccines. It's also important to note that scientists are still unsure of how long the vaccine can last and protect you from the COVID-19 virus.

WHY ARE THERE SIDE EFFECTS?

There are side effects for the COVID-19 vaccine, and all other vaccines or drugs available today, because no pharmaceutical product comes with zero side effects. After any vaccination, your body needs time to build protection and a proper immune response. Having side effects is a normal sign that your body is generating an immune response. It's much more worth it to have mild symptoms or soreness for one or two days rather than suffer from a dangerous, and very contagious, COVID-19 virus.

WHY SHOULD I TRUST THIS VACCINE?

A lot of people are hesitant about receiving this vaccine because of the new technology, side effects, and suspiciously quick process in developing the vaccine. However, the COVID-19 vaccines have been tested on nearly 44,000 volunteer participants and the vaccine has been extremely successful among those tens of thousands of people. The FDA also conducts many trials to make sure the vaccines are safe for the public. When developing other vaccines, a large issue that often arises is that there are not enough participants to test the vaccine on—but because of this pandemic, there has been an overwhelming number of volunteers. Also, the seasonal flu shot is developed in the same amount of time as the COVID-19 vaccines have been developed, so the process was not rushed and the FDA and biotechnology companies have been very careful with the development of these vaccines.

IF I ALREADY GOT COVID-19 AND RECOVERED, DO I STILL NEED TO GET VACCINATED?

It is possible to get re-infected with COVID-19. You may have partial immunity to the virus from already having it once, but this immunity does not last very long and you are still vulnerable to contracting the virus again. In order to protect yourself and others, you should still get vaccinated.

WHERE AND WHEN CAN I GET VACCINATED?

Currently, healthcare workers and people ages 65 and older have access to the vaccine. The other tiers will eventually be able to get vaccinated, but there is a limited supply of vaccines and we must continue wearing masks and social distancing to avoid the pandemic from worsening. To find out which tier you belong in (for California residents), click here. Vaccines are currently being distributed at healthcare facilities and vaccine clinics, but local pharmacies are planning on providing vaccines once there is a greater supply. To find a vaccination location near you, click here.

I GOT VACCINATED. NOW WHAT?

First, pat yourself on the back for doing your part to help end this pandemic! After getting vaccinated, make sure to continue wearing your mask and following social distancing guidelines while the vaccine reaches its full immunity (which can take a few weeks) and continue being a good public health role model for others who have yet to get vaccinated. We also hope you encourage others to get vaccinated so that everyone can be safe from COVID-19.