For answers to commonly asked questions about COVID-19 vaccine and vaccination check out our FAQ. If you have a question that's not answered in the FAQ, let us know. Your feedback will help us add more questions and answers that best address what patients, visitors and community members want to know.
What are the Pfizer, Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines?
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are unapproved mRNA vaccines that may prevent COVID-19. The Janssen vaccine is an unapproved adenovirus vector vaccine that uses a modified inactivated (“replication-incompetent”) adenovirus serotype 26 virus to carry the genetic instructions to cells to produce and express the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that stimulates an immune response. There is no FDA-approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The FDA has authorized the emergency use of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines to prevent COVID-19 under an EUA.
Do the vaccines contain live vaccines?
No, the vaccines do not contain any live virus.
Will vaccination prevent me from getting COVID-19?
The vaccine may prevent you from getting COVID-19. There is no U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccine to prevent COVID-19.
How are the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines administered?
The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a 2-dose series, 3 weeks apart, into the muscle of the upper arm.
The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a 2-dose series, 1 month apart, into the muscle.
The Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a single dose.
What are the commonly reported side effects of vaccines?
Common side effects include localized symptoms (pain, redness and swelling), and systemic symptoms (fatigue, headache, myalgia, nausea, fever).
I’ve already had COVID-19, do I need a vaccine?
The CDC states that it cannot comment on whether people who had COVID-19 should get a COVID-19 vaccine. There is not enough information currently available to say if or for how long after infection someone is protected from getting COVID-19 again.
How much does a vaccine cost and is it covered by health insurance?
There is no charge for the vaccine itself. There is an administration fee of $22 per dose* that will be covered in full by your insurance carrier or the federal government if you do not have insurance.
* The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses.
