What does the FDA approval of the Pfizer vaccine mean?
On Aug. 23, 2021, The U.S. Food & Drug Administration granted full approval to the COVID-19 Pfizer BioNTech vaccine for individuals 16 and older. The vaccine will now be marketed to individuals 16 and older under the brand name COMIRNATY (Koe-mir-na-tee). The FDA based its approval on Pfizer’s Biologics License Application (BLA), and its updated analysis of […]
Read MoreWhat should I do if I have a fear/anxiety of needles?
It has been estimated that up to 25% of adults have a fear of needles, with most needle fears developing during childhood. If you are anxious about receiving the vaccine and may experience lightheadedness, dizziness, or pass out, it is important to inform the vaccinator before receiving your shot. It is especially important to inform […]
Read MoreWill the vaccines work against new variants of the COVID-19 virus?
All viruses change over time, and these changes (or variants) are expected. Scientists are working to learn more about new COVID-19 variants and their effects on vaccines. Recent studies suggest that the germ-fighting cells created by vaccination are also able to fight against many of the variants. We do know that some of the new […]
Read MoreWhat are the long-term effects?
No permanent long-term side effects of any of the three current COVID-19 vaccines have been identified. Serious side effects that could cause a long-term health problem are extremely unlikely following any vaccination, including COVID-19 vaccination. Fortunately, we have decades of vaccine safety data from other vaccines and we know that long-term side effects are quite […]
Read MoreAre there any individuals who should not get the vaccine?
You should not get the COVID-19 vaccine: If you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) or an immediate allergic reaction (within 4 hours – includes hives, swelling, wheezing) – to any ingredient in a COVID-19 vaccine If you have an allergy to polysorbate 80, do not take the J&J vaccine; discuss with your medical […]
Read MoreAre there known side effects to the vaccine?
The side effects have been minimal and temporary for all three vaccines, generally going away within 24 hours. Side effects are normal signs that your body is building protection. The CDC reports it has seen no trends of serious or long-term side effects. To report serious side effects, call 1-800-822-7967 or vaers.hhs.gov/reportevent . Pfizer-BioNTech Side Effects: […]
Read MoreSince the vaccine was developed quickly, how do I know it’s safe?
Over 250 million doses of the vaccine have been given in the U.S. since December 2020. According to the CDC, COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective! All vaccines are rigorously tested for safety and effectiveness. More than 100,000 people volunteered in clinical trials for three vaccines—Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson—to make sure the vaccines […]
Read MoreHow was the COVID vaccine developed so quickly?
The vaccine was developed in a much shorter period of time, due to the obvious need to address the public health threat the pandemic posed to the nation. A shorter development and review time does not mean the vaccine is unsafe. Scientists had a head start: COVID-19 vaccines are built on years of work to […]
Read MoreHow effective is the vaccine?
All three vaccines, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson&Johnson are highly effective at preventing COVID-19 related death and hospitalization. Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna are 95% effective against all forms of COVID infections, and the J&J/Janssen vaccine is 74% effective. In comparison, the annual flu vaccine is typically between 40% and 60% effective in preventing influenza. It is unknown […]
Read MoreWhat is a vaccine?
A vaccine is a substance that teaches your body to recognize that a foreign invader such as a virus or bacteria has entered the body. Once the body recognizes the invader, the body’s immune system is activated, and fighter cells and proteins fight the virus or the bacteria. A vaccine is much like a decoy, […]
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