The active ingredient in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines is Messenger RNA (or mRNA). Messenger RNA is a protein that helps the body make antibodies to the COVID-19 virus. Antibodies are like soldiers that fight the virus. The vaccine gets your body ready to fight for...
02. Vaccines
Is the vaccine safe for me if I have a medical condition?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and recommended for most people with any medical conditions. Vaccination helps to prevent severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. If you have a medical condition, speak with your healthcare provider about steps you can...
How do I know that this vaccine is safe?
All steps have been taken to ensure the vaccines are safe and effective. Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. The CDC recommends you get a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can....
Will this vaccine give me COVID-19?
No. The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any parts of the virus, so they can't give you COVID-19.
Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I am fully vaccinated?
Yes. In Illinois, as long as you can medically tolerate it, everyone 2 years and older should wear a mask over their nose and mouth in indoor public places. Masking is also recommended for crowded outdoor settings and activities that involve close contact with others...
Can I get COVID-19 again even if I already had it?
Yes, you can get COVID-19 even if you already had it. Getting the vaccine will give you a strong boost in long-term protection against severe illness, hospitalization or death.
When should I get vaccinated after having COVID-19?
As long as you are no longer in isolation or infectious, it is safe to get the vaccine. If you had symptoms of COVID-19, you are no longer infectious 10 days after your symptoms started. If you never had any symptoms of COVID-19, you are no longer infectious 10 days...
If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Having COVID-19 in the past does not give you lasting immunity. The COVID-19 vaccines can give you long-lasting immunity and also protect you against other COVID-19 variants.
Will my child experience side effects from the COVID vaccine?
Many people do not have any side effects after getting the vaccine. Some common side effects include: • pain, redness and swelling on the arm where you got the shot • tiredness • headache • muscle pain • chills • fever • nausea
Can my child contract COVID-19 from receiving the vaccine?
No. The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any parts of the virus, so they can't give your child COVID-19.