COVID-19 Vaccine Basics part 2
What to expect when you get the vaccine
• People trained to give the vaccine will tell you about the process, discuss any potential risks or side effects, and answer questions.
• There are several COVID-19 vaccines available. The number of doses you need will depend on things like your age, the vaccine you first received, and whether you have certain health conditions that weaken your immune system. Refer to the table below.
• After getting their primary vaccine series, people age 5 years and older should get a booster dose, if eligible.
• It is important to get all vaccine doses recommended for you, including booster doses, to have the best protection against COVID-19. For more information refer to the table below and CDC: Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters or CDC: AtA-Glance COVID-19 Vaccination Schedules
• You will receive a vaccine card when you get your vaccine. This will have which vaccine you received. The person giving you the vaccine can tell you when you need to get another dose.
• You will be monitored after you get the vaccine for any serious side effects.
SIDE EFFECTS
Some people have side effects after getting the vaccine. Side effects usually last one or two days and usually do not prevent you from daily activities.
You may have:
A sore arm
Muscle aches
Tiredness
Headache
Fever/chills
If you have serious side effects, go to a hospital or call 911.
COVID-19 VACCINATION*
Age Pfizer Moderna Novavax Johnson and Johnson
6 months – 4 years:
[Pfizer] 3-dose primary series
[Moderna] 2-dose primary series
[Novavax] Not authorized
[Johnson and Johnson] Not authorized
5 – 11 years
[Pfizer] 2-dose primary series Booster recommended
[Moderna] 2-dose primary series
[Novavax] Not authorized
[Johnson and Johnson] Not authorized
12 – 17 years
[Pfizer] 2-dose primary series Updated (bivalent) booster recommended [Moderna] 2-dose primary series & Updated (bivalent) booster recommended and can only be Pfizer
[Novavax] 2-dose primary series & Updated (bivalent) booster recommended and can only be Pfizer
[Johnson and Johnson] Not authorized
18 years and older
[Pfizer] 2-dose primary series & Updated (bivalent) booster recommended and can be Pfizer or Moderna
[Moderna] 2-dose primary series & Updated (bivalent) booster recommended and can be Pfizer or Moderna
[Novavax] 2-dose primary series & Updated (bivalent) booster recommended and can be Pfizer or Moderna
[Johnson and Johnson] 1-dose primary series (limited situations) & Updated (bivalent) booster recommended and can be Pfizer or Moderna
*Some people with a weak immune system may be recommended to get an additional dose of vaccine as part of their primary vaccine series.