According to the Center for Disease Control and the Pima County Health Department, the vaccines have passed the same testing and safety trials required for the approval of other vaccines and medications. While the timeline has been shorter for this vaccine to make it through the process, no steps were skipped, or standards weakened.
No. The vaccines do not contain the live COVID virus, even in a weakened form. The vaccine acts by teaching your body to recognize a part of the virus, triggering your own immune response. There is nothing in the vaccine that can give you COVID.
The vaccine may cause some short-term reactions like what you may have experienced after getting other vaccines. Soreness at the site of the shot, maybe running a fever for a day or so are normal reactions that show that your immune system is doing its job. Some people have reported getting headaches or having flu-like symptoms for a day or two. Again, this is a normal reaction.
COVID-19 infection has the potential to cause severe illness up to and including death and is far more dangerous. It is important to get the second shot even if you experience some of the side effects unless directed by your healthcare provider to not complete the series.
You will be monitored for at least 15 minutes after getting the vaccine as a safeguard against allergic reactions.
If you develop symptoms, as mentioned above, after receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine, you may return to work once you feel well enough to return to work and are fever free for 24 hours.
If you should happen to develop respiratory symptoms with a cough and shortness of breath, or lose your sense of taste and smell, you may have COVID-19, and you would need to home isolate, test, and consult your healthcare provider for direction.
Unless, you have a history of severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to vaccines or one of the ingredients of the vaccines, the answer in general is no.
If you have questions about your health issues and getting the vaccine, you should discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.
By the way, these vaccines do not contain egg products, gelatin and the vial stoppers do not contain latex. They are safe for all those with those allergies.
Because reinfection appears uncommon in the first 90 days after a person tests positive for COVID-19, it is recommended that 90 days pass prior to receiving the first vaccine. This recommendation also applies to individuals who test positive after they receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine but before receipt of the second dose. Speak with your health care provider for specific concerns you may have.
The CDC’s most recent guidance states that fully vaccinated individuals who are exposed to COVID-19 (close contact) do not need to quarantine.
Although the chance of getting COVID-19 post vaccination is low, those who are fully vaccinated who develop COVID-19 symptoms, should isolated themselves, contact their provider and be tested.