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Frequently Asked Questions
Is my child up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines?
Please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website for the most up to date COVID-19 vaccine schedule and recommendations: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters | CDC.
Can my child receive the vaccine if they have symptoms of COVID-19?
If your child has symptoms of COVID-19 or is currently considered a close contact of someone with COVID-19, vaccination should be delayed until they have recovered from their illness and criteria is met for them to discontinue isolation.
Should my child receive the vaccine if they have already had COVID-19?
Yes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) encourages vaccination regardless of history of prior symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.
What is in the vaccines?
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines use messenger RNA (mRNA) packaged inside lipid nanoparticles and the Novavax vaccine uses protein subunits to teach the immune system how to generate antibodies against one of the proteins on the surface of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
Do the vaccines work?
In early clinical trials, the Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccines prevented approximately 95% of COVID-19 disease in people who were vaccinated. In early clinical trials, the Novavax vaccine prevented approximately 90% of symptomatic COVID-19 disease in people who were vaccinated.
Are they safe?
Mild side effects are common. These side effects are common and may occur after any vaccine. Although uncomfortable, these side effects are a sign that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and is learning to recognize the virus for the future. The short-term safety of these vaccines is clear.
Can a COVID-19 vaccine make me sick with COVID-19?
No. The vaccine only contains the genetic instructions to make a protein of the virus. It does not contain a whole virus that can replicate inside of your body. So, the vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
How long will the vaccines work?
We don’t know yet. As clinical trials progress, we’ll know more about how long immunity lasts and if booster doses will be necessary. Please remain vigilant to the practices which have proven successful throughout the pandemic – wear a mask in all settings, wash your hands frequently, maintain social distancing and avoid large social gatherings.
What can I do if my child is not feeling well?
If your child is experiencing a cough or fever, or if you have questions about COVID-19, please click here to learn more about where to go, when to go, and how to get a test.