Questions/Answers On The COVID-19 Vaccine

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 04:14:57 +0000

Q&A Funished by Orlando Health

How do COVID-19 Vaccines Work?
COVID-19 vaccines help our bodies develop immunity to the virus that causes the disease without us actually getting sick from it.

Why should I get a vaccine?

Ending the COVID-19 pandemic requires using all available tools. Vaccination is one of many steps that will protect you and those around you from the disease, which can cause severe illness or death. Getting a vaccine prepares your immune system to fight the virus if you are exposed. Use it in combination with wearing a mask, washing your hands and maintaining adequate physical space.

How do I protect myself until I can get a vaccine?

You can protect yourself before and after getting the COVID-19 vaccine by following these CDC recommendations, which include:

Wearing a mask
Washing your hands often
Maintaining adequate physical space between you and others

Are there any side effects to the vaccine?

The most commonly reported side effects for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine were pain at the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, joint pain and fever. These typically lasted several days. More people experienced these side effects after the second dose than after the first one.

How long does the vaccine last?

Because the COVID-19 vaccines are so new, there’s not yet enough data available to determine how long they will provide protection.

Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccines?

None of the COVID-19 vaccines currently in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. The goal of vaccination is to teach our immune systems how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Sometimes this process can cause symptoms, such as fever. These symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building immunity.

Will the vaccine provide me with immediate protection from COVID-19?

It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible to get COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. This is because the vaccine has not had enough time to provide protection.

If I’ve had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get a COVID-19 vaccine? –

How long someone is protected from COVID-19 after recovering from the disease is still uncertain. Known as natural immunity, this protection doesn’t seem to last very long based on early evidence. More studies are needed to help determine this.

How soon after getting the COVID-19 vaccine can I stop wearing a mask and avoiding close contact with others?

Getting a COVID-19 vaccine prepares your immune system to fight the virus if you are exposed. It should be used in combination with wearing a mask, washing your hands and maintaining adequate physical space to help prevent the spread of the disease.

Will I test positive on COVID-19 viral tests after receiving the vaccines?

The vaccines we expect Americans to receive won’t cause you to test positive on COVID-19 viral tests, like the PCR or antigen tests used for diagnosing COVID-19. If your body develops an immune response, which is the goal of vaccination, there is a possibility you may test positive on some antibody tests. Antibody tests indicate you had a previous infection and that you may have some level of protection against the virus.

Orlando Health continues to vaccinate:

Team members, volunteers, and providers on its medical staffs
Front-line healthcare professionals not affiliated with Orlando Health
Residents and staff at nursing homes and assisted living facilities

For additional Q&A and continuing updates on when and how the COVID-19 vaccines will be available in the local communities, visit the Orlando Health website Orlando Health

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Questions/Answers On The COVID-19 Vaccine