COVID-19

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a new respiratory illness first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China, but has now spread to other parts of the world, including the United States. 

The virus that causes COVID-19 is called SARS-CoV-2 and is spread between people who are in close contact with each other (within about six feet), mostly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

People are thought to be most contagious when they are the sickest (symptomatic); however, growing evidence suggests that COVID-19 may be spread by people before they start showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) or by people who have the virus but never show symptoms (asymptomatic). The virus can also live on certain surfaces for a period of time which can make it possible for people to get COVID-19 if they touch a contaminated object and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes. That is why it is important to take preventive steps to avoid getting sick. 

Some people who get COVID-19 may be asymptomatic but for those experiencing symptoms, the following, varying from mild to severe, may appear 2-14 days after exposure: 

• Fever 
• Cough 
• Shortness of breath 

In addition, other symptoms can include: 

• Fatigue (tiredness)
• Body aches
• Chills
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Sore throat
• Nasal congestion
• Loss of smell
• Loss of taste 

This Self-Checker tool from the CDC can help you make decisions and seek appropriate medical care. 

Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, if you are sick with COVID-19 or start experiencing its symptoms, follow these steps:  

• Stay home: Most people with COVID-19 get a mild form of the illness that may include fever, coughing, and other symptoms listed above. People with mild symptoms can usually get better at home without medical care. Do not leave your home, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.  
• Stay in touch with your doctor: Call your doctor before going to their office. If you do not have a regular doctor, call your local health department or hospital to find out where you can go to seek medical care. Be sure to get care immediately if you have trouble breathing, since that is a more serious symptom, or if you have any emergency warning signs, or think it is an emergency.  
• Avoid public transportation: Avoid using public transportation, ride sharing, or taxis.  
• Stay away from others: Separate yourself from other people or pets in your home and stay in a specific “sick room” and use a separate bathroom, if possible. Clean high-touch areas in your “sick room” and bathroom and let someone else clean other areas of the house.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes: Cover your cough or sneezes with a tissue and throw away the tissue in a lined trash. Immediately wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Clean your hands often: Wash your hands with soap and water often. Only use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. 
• Avoid sharing personal items: Do not share dishes, utensils, glasses, cups, towels or bedding when you are sick. Always make sure to wash your household items with soap and water. 
• Wear a cloth mask or covering: If you are sick and you must be around others even at home, wear a cloth mask or face covering over your nose and mouth. 
• Monitor your symptoms: Common symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and cough. Trouble breathing is a more serious symptom that means you should get medical attention immediately.  

Learn more about what to do if you are sick or put in home isolation. While clinical trials are underway to help identify an effective treatment, there is currently no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.

Anyone, no matter their age, can become sick with COVID-19. However, older adults (over 65 years of age) and people with compromised immune systems or chronic conditions, such as diabetes and lung disease, may be at higher risk for developing more serious symptoms or complications from COVID-19. If you or your loved ones are at higher risk, stay home as much as possible, consult with your doctor about additional steps to take to protect yourself and follow these prevention measures to decrease your risk of getting sick with COVID-19: 

• Ensure you have enough food at home and that your prescriptions are refilled and up to date. 
• Avoid large crowds. 
• Avoid nonessential travel. 
• Stay at home as much as possible. 

Webpages 

• General Information on Coronavirus Disease 2019 | CDC 
• People Who Need to Take Extra Precautions | CDC 

Infographics  

• What You Need to Know About the Coronavirus Disease 2019 | CDC 
• Symptoms of COVID-19 | CDC 
• Steps to Help Prevent COVID-19 if You are Sick | CDC 
• 10 Things You Can do to Manage Your COVID-19 Symptoms at Home | CDC 
• What You Can do if You are at Higher Risk for Severe Illness from COVID-19 | CDC  
• COVID-19 | World Health Organization (WHO) 

The COVID-19 vaccines are a type of medicine that work by teaching our body how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. The COVID-19 vaccines will help protect us from getting COVID-19, becoming very sick with the virus, needing to be hospitalized, or dying from COVID-19.

Getting vaccinated is a powerful tool that will help save lives and end the pandemic sooner. When more of us are vaccinated, the more we protect ourselves and our loved ones against COVID-19 and other variants

The Pfizer and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines use messenger RNA also called mRNA. mRNA COVID-19 vaccines teach our body to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, protecting us from getting sick all together or getting too sick. mRNA does not interact or change our DNA and mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any live virus so you cannot get sick with COVID-19 from these vaccines. To learn more, click here.

The Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccine does not use messenger RNA, instead it uses a viral vector to create a strong immune response in our body that will recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Like messenger RNA vaccines, the viral vector in the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine does not interact or change our DNA and does not contain any live virus so you cannot get sick with COVID-19 from this vaccine. To learn more, click here.

To learn more about the ingredients used in the COVID-19 vaccines, visit the CDC website here.

No, the Pfizer, Moderna, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 which means these vaccines cannot give us COVID-19 and they cannot transmit the virus.

No, the mRNA in the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines and the viral vector in the Johnson & Jonhson vaccine do not interact or change our DNA. The mRNA and the viral vector act like “coaches” to teach our bodies how to fight the virus effectively.

To learn more about the Pfizer and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, click here.

To learn more about the Johnson & Jonson COVID-19 vaccine, click here.

A vaccine booster is an additional vaccine given after the original vaccine dose(s) to maintain the same level of  immunity for a longer period of time. The Pfizer COVID-19 booster being recommended is the same exact one as the first two doses. Public health officials have reviewed available data on the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and have determined that a COVID-19 vaccine booster is beneficial for certain populations. Because immunity from the initial vaccine dose(s) naturally starts to wear off, a vaccine booster will strengthen your immunity.

Currently, only certain populations who received both doses of their Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at least 6 months ago are eligible for a COVID-19 booster shot.

-Adults 65 years and older.

-Adults 18 years and older who have underlying medical conditions like cancer, kidney disease, severe respiratory illnesses, diabetes, heart disease, HIV, weakened immune system, and liver disease.

-Adults 18 years and older who work in high-risk settings like first responders, education staff, food and agricultural workers, manufacturing workers, corrections workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, public transit workers, grocery store workers.

-Adults 18 years and older who live in high-risk settings such as long-term and health care facilities, schools, correctional facilities, homeless shelters.

As more data and information become available, additional populations will be considered to receive a COVID-19 vaccine booster in the future. The Pfizer, Moderna, and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines continue to be effective and the best way to protect you and your family against the COVID-19 virus and its variants.

Both the US Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ensure that the authorized COVID-19 vaccines for emergency use, and those fully approved are safe and effective for our community. Because vaccines are given to millions of people to prevent serious diseases, they are held to very high safety standards.

The COVID-19 vaccines undergo rigorous testing that includes vaccinating tens of thousands of people who participate in clinical studies to generate the information needed for the FDA to determine their safety and how well they work. After the FDA authorizes a COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use, the CDC then reviews the COVID-19 vaccine available information before giving recommendations for public use. Even after the COVID-19 vaccines are fully approved, as is the case for the Pfizer vaccine, the FDA continues to monitor public safety.

The common side effects among adults, teens, and children eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine include:

· Pain, redness, and swelling in the arm where you got the vaccine

· Fatigue or tiredness

· Headache

· Muscle aches or pains

· Chills

· Fever

· Nausea

It is normal for these side effects to last for a few days after receiving either of the COVID-19 vaccines. These side effects mean that the vaccine is working.

Some people might not present any side effects, which is normal as well. The COVID-19 vaccine is still building the immunity we need to recognize and fight COVID-19 even if you don’t show side effects.

For the Pfizer and the Moderna vaccine that require a second dose, some people may feel side effects for a few days after either or both doses.

Similar side effects have been reported for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, and like the Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, these side effects usually start within a day or two of getting the vaccine, but they go away in a few days.

If you have questions about symptoms or any other side effects after you receive a COVID-19 vaccine, ask your health care provider. You can also download v-safe in your smartphone. V-safe is a tool that checks in on you after your COVID-19 vaccination.

You can also download v-safe in your smartphone. V-safe is a tool that checks in on you after your COVID-19 vaccination.

Currently, there are two COVID-19 vaccines that have received authorization for emergency use, and one that has been fully approved by the US Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These are:

• The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, fully approved on August 23, 2021. This vaccine is often referred to as the “Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.”
• The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, approved for emergency use on December 18, 2020.
• The Johnson & Johson COVID-19 vaccine, approved for emergency use on February 27, 2021.

The US Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Pfizer full approval for its COVID-19 vaccine for people aged 16 and older. This means that the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine underwent FDA’s standard process for reviewing the quality, safety, and effectiveness. The additional information Pfizer presented to the FDA to receive full-approval builds on the extensive data and information previously submitted that supported its authorization for emergency use.

Once we have access to a COVID-19 vaccine, it is important we get the vaccine that is available to us. However, some COVID-19 vaccination sites do allow you to choose which vaccine to get based on availability. Ask your COVID-19 vaccine provider about your options.

Both vaccines use the messenger RNA (mRNA) technology which will teach our body to fight a COVID-19 infection in two ways. First, by recognizing the virus, and second, by fighting the virus. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines offer excellent protection against COVID-19.

The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine received full approval for people 16 and older by the US Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on August 23, 2021. The Pfizer vaccine continues to be available under emergency use authorization for people 12 through 15.

Moderna also continues to be available under emergency use authorization for people 18 and older.

Both the Moderna and the Pfizer vaccines require two vaccine doses. The interval between Moderna doses is 28 days, and the interval for the Pfizer doses is 21 days.

Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses for them to be most effective. The first dose helps our body recognize the virus and gets our immune system ready, while the second dose strengthens that immune response. Our immunity will be much higher after the second dose because our body will be more prepared to fight COVID-19. It’s important to keep your appointment for the second dose to be fully protected against COVID-19.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a one dose vaccine that works similarly to the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is a viral vector vaccine that creates a strong immune response that will help our body fight the virus that causes COVID-19. It meets the same safety, quality, and effectiveness standards of the US Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and it received authorization for emergency use by the FDA on February 27, 2021. Just like the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine is very effective at preventing severe illnesses, hospitalizations, and death due to COVID-19. It’s important to note that you cannot get COVID-19 from any of the COVID-19 vaccines.

The US Federal Food and Drug Administration   (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a warning for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine about a small risk of developing a rare condition which involves blood clots with low platelets. Most reports of this rare but serious condition have been in adult women younger than 50. After a detailed examination, the FDA and the CDC determined that the benefits of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine outweigh known and potential risks. However, it is important for women younger than 50 to be aware of this increased risk and know that there are other available COVID-19 vaccine options for which this risk has not been seen.

The CDC and the FDA are also monitoring reports of Guillain–Barré Syndrome in people whole received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, a rare disorder that affects our nerves, resulting in muscle weakness or paralysis. Most reports have been seen in men, many 50 of age and older. Most people recovered within two weeks, but some have permanent nerve damage. Health experts still consider the Johnson & Johnson vaccine to be a safe and effective way to protect yourself against COVID-19.

You can always reach out to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about any of the COVID-19 vaccines, including the Pfizer or the Moderna vaccines.

No, the current recommendation is to take two doses of the same vaccine provider. For example, if you receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for the first dose, make sure to receive the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for the second dose. It is important to stick with one vaccine from one provider. Remember to save the name of the COVID-19 vaccine you receive for when you get the second dose. Ask your health care provider who is administering the vaccine to give you a record or a vaccine card.

If you receive the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, this is a one dose vaccine, so you do not need to return for a second dose. After one dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, you will be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

There are several ways to find vaccine providers in your area, the best way is to visit Vaccines.gov or call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 888-720-7489). Vaccines.gov a free online service where you can search for pharmacies and providers that offer vaccination near you. Information about where COVID-19 vaccines are available is updated daily.

Also, most retail pharmacies are distributing the Pfizer, the Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines Visit your local retail pharmacy’s website to see if vaccination walk-ins or appointments are available. For information on locations near you, visit the following retail pharmacy websites in addition to your local grocery store pharmacies:

· CVS
· Walgreens
· Walmart

No, the COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in the United States whether you have insurance or not. However, your insurance company or state’s relief fund will be billed a fee for the vaccine administration. Be sure to bring your insurance card with you if you have health insurance. If you do not have health insurance, you can still get the vaccine.

In the United States, anyone who is 12 years of age or older is eligible to get a COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccines are safe for most people, including those with pre-existing conditions (including hypertension, diabetes, asthma, auto-immune disorders, pulmonary, liver and kidney disease, and other stable and controlled chronic infections). If you have any questions or concerns about whether you should be vaccinated or what type of COVID-19 vaccine would be best, you should talk to your doctor or primary care provider.

Yes, you can receive the COVID-19 vaccine if you are pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and every single major organization for women’s health are strongly recommending that all pregnant women be vaccinated against COVID-19. Because pregnant people are especially vulnerable to severe illness from COVID-19,  getting a COVID-19 vaccine is important to protect them and their developing baby from the virus.

Evidence about the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines among pregnant people is growing. However, public health experts know for certain that the benefits of receiving a COVID-19 vaccine far outweigh any of the known potential risks of vaccination during pregnancy.

If you have any concerns about getting vaccinated while pregnant or have questions of which vaccine would be best and when you should be getting vaccinated, you can always talk to your health care provider to make a decision that is best for you.

Yes, even if you had COVID-19 before, you can still get one of the COVID-19 vaccines available. We still don’t know how long natural immunity to COVID-19 lasts and it is possible to get COVID-19 twice. The recommendation is to wait at least four weeks after full recovery from COVID-19 infection to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Yes, the COVID-19 vaccines are available for the undocumented community. Public health employees should not discriminate against undocumented individuals from getting the COVID-19 vaccines. Also, the Biden administration has stated that ICE and CBP will not be at vaccination sites. Some personal information might be requested to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and the personal information requested will vary by site, but rest assured that this information is kept private and will not be shared with other entities. We understand that fear is a reality for the undocumented community when giving out their personal information, so if you have concerns about sharing personal information, speak to allies or a local trusted source in your community. You can also visit www.immigrationlawhelp.org for additional resources

Always seek the advice of your health care provider with any questions you may have regarding your medications while receiving the COVID-19 vaccine and if you have any medical contraindications to any of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Living with a chronic condition increases the risk of getting very sick from COVID-19, so yes, it is generally recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine. However, if you have a chronic or underlying medical condition, it’s best to have a conversation with your health care provider to make a decision that is right for you.

Currently, the Pfizer is the only approved for people 12 and older in the United States.  Both Pfizer and Moderna are performing studies on their vaccines among 6-month-old babies to 11-year-old children, and it’s expected that Pfizer will submit their vaccine for authorization among 5-11 year-olds sometime in the Fall or Winter of 2021.

If you live in an area of substantial or high transmission. The CDC recommends that fully vaccinated people continue to wear masks indoors in public settings to maximize protection against the Delta variant. All teachers, students, and school staff will also be required to wear a mask at all times indoors in public settings.

The new masking guidelines are there to protect all of us from the COVID-19 Delta variant, which is more contagious and aggressive. There is a small chance that vaccinated people can get a mild infection and be able to spread the COVID-19 Delta variant to others.

You may also choose to wear a mask, regardless of the level of transmission in your area, If you or someone in your household has a weakened immune system or is unable to get vaccinated yet.

To learn more about guidelines after you have been fully vaccinated, click here.Keep in mind that each local and state guidance and regulations might be different, so it is important to double check and see what the guidance is for your county and state health department.

Vaccination in the United States is voluntary. It is a personal decision. If you choose to get vaccinated, it will help protect you from getting COVID-19 or getting very sick with the virus. It will also contribute to greater immunity and fewer cases in your community and across the country. The more people get vaccinated, the sooner this pandemic will end.

The federal government cannot mandate for the general population to get a COVID-19 vaccine. However, at the state and local level some employers, colleges, and universities might require you to get a COVID-19 vaccine to ensure your safety and that of your peers at your workplace or campus. For example, in the past, hospitals have required some staff to show proof of certain vaccinations. Similarly, vaccine requirements have been seen for students.

Even though COVID-19 vaccines will not be required for the general population, some private and public entities will try to motivate people to get vaccinated by starting programs that require proof of vaccination to enter a gym or dine indoors, for example.