COVID-19 Vaccines Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question 1

Who can or should get an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine booster shot?

Accepted Answer

Currently, people are eligible to receive an additional shot of the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines include those who are: Ages 16 and older who are severely immunocompromised and received their second dose of Pfizer at least 28 days ago. Ages 18 and older who are severely immunocompromised and received their second dose of Moderna at least 28 days ago. Ages 18 and older or who work in high-risk settings and received their second dose of Pfizer at least six months ago. Ages 18 and older or who work in high-risk settings and received their second dose of Moderna at least six months ago. Ages 18 and older who received their dose of Johnson & Johnson at least two months ago. If you would like to know more about the FDA and CDC’s recommendations about booster doses, visit the FDA or CDC.

Question 2

How soon should I get the booster? How long should I wait after my second dose?

Accepted Answer

The FDA authorizes immunocompromised individuals to receive the third dose at least 28 days following the second dose of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. If you are immunocompromised and received your second dose more than 28 days ago, you can get a third dose. If you are not immunocompromised, you can get a booster shot if: You are over age 18 or work in a high-risk setting and you received your second shot of Pfizer or Moderna at least six months ago. You are over age 18 and received the Johnson & Johnson shot at least two months.

Question 3

Where should I get the booster?

Accepted Answer

You can get the booster either at a Penn Medicine facility or at a local facility or pharmacy.

Question 4

Can I get a booster if I'm immunocompromised and got the Johnhson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can get a booster if you received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.

Question 5

Should I have antibody test before I get the booster?

Accepted Answer

An antibody test is not necessary. It would not change the decision to give you an additional dose.

Question 6

What kind of side effects should I anticipate if I get an additional dose of vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Based on preliminary studies, the side effects appear to be similar to the initial vaccine reactions, although they may be more pronounced. These include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, as well as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever and nausea. So far, there have not been serious side effects to additional dosing, but we will monitor patients closely.

Question 7

Should I let my care team know if I get the booster outside of Penn Medicine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, please let your care team know if you get an additional dose of the vaccine, so we have an accurate report of your vaccination status in your health records.

Question 8

Will a vaccine prevent COVID-19?

Accepted Answer

Based on research, it is likely that COVID-19 vaccines will prevent people from getting and spreading the virus.Both the Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna vaccines are showing about 95 percent efficacy in their preliminary reviews. This means people who received these vaccines in clinical trials had a 95 percent lower risk of getting COVID than people in the trial’s control group who did not receive a vaccine. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine showed 72 percent efficacy in U.S. clinical trials.The clinical trials showed that all three vaccines were 100 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths from COVID.

Question 9

How will we know if the COVID vaccines are safe and effective?

Accepted Answer

The research shows that the vaccines are safe and effective.

Question 10

Is it possible to achieve immunity without a vaccine?

Accepted Answer

We think that having COVID-19 may protect you from getting it again, but we are unsure for how long. Some patients have had COVID more than once. It is recommended that people who have had COVID still get the vaccine.

Question 11

How long will a vaccine protect people?

Accepted Answer

The length of time that the vaccine's protection lasts is being researched. The FDA and CDC are recommending booster shots for certain people due to concerns that the effectiveness of the vaccine may decrease over time and may not protect against a new strain of the virus.

Question 12

Can someone get COVID from the vaccines?

Accepted Answer

It is impossible for the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson vaccines to give you COVID-19. None of the vaccines contain any live virus. Vaccines prime your immune system to recognize and fight off a disease, but they don’t actually cause an infection.

Question 13

Can the COVID vaccine alter your DNA?

Accepted Answer

No, the COVID vaccines do not change or interact with your DNA in any way. The mRNA never goes into the nucleus – the part of the cell contains all of your own DNA and instructions – so it is impossible for it to alter your DNA.

Question 14

What is the difference among the Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines?

Accepted Answer

The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech are mRNA vaccines that use tiny parts called messenger RNA (mRNA) carried in very tiny lipid particles. The Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines differ in the way the mRNA is built or the way the lipids are used. The two vaccines are also stored in different ways, but each requires two doses.The Johnson & Johnson vaccine is a vector vaccine, which places genetic material from the COVID - 19 virus inside a weakened version of the adenovirus that cannot cause illness.Adenoviruses are very common viruses that usually cause colds.The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires a single dose.

Question 15

How do mRNA vaccines work?

Accepted Answer

The COVID vaccines prevent or lessen illness from the coronavirus. Both the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have mRNA, which make the virus’ spike protein. This protein lets the virus attach to cells in our body. When we get the vaccine, we develop antibodies to the spike protein. This stops the virus from attaching to cells when exposed to the virus. Other parts of the body that prevent infection are made active by the vaccines to protect against future COVID-19 infection.

Question 16

How do vector vaccines work?

Accepted Answer

The Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine is a vector vaccine. Vector vaccines use genetic material from the COVID-19 virus that is placed inside a weakened version of another virus, such as the virus that causes the common cold. The weakened virus is then injected into your body, delivering information from the COVID virus. That information instructs your cells to copy the spike protein that is unique to COVID-19 and create antibodies against the virus.

Question 17

Are these vaccines fully approved by the FDA for use?

Accepted Answer

Vaccines for COVID-19 will start out being used under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the FDA. An EUA makes the vaccine available for public health emergencies. It means that the vaccine is available outside of a research study but is not yet approved. This is the usual first step for a new vaccine. The vaccine can continue to be used as long as people benefit from it. The research continues as it moves toward full approval.Currently, the Pfizer/BioNtech mRNA vaccine is being used under an EUA for children 5 to 11 and adolescents 12 to 15. It has full FDA approval for people 16 or older.

Question 18

Who does the COVID vaccine protect?

Accepted Answer

The vaccine has been shown to work well for people ages 5 and older, including pregnant women.

Question 19

Should older adults get the vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is especially important for older adults to get the vaccine because they have the highest risk of being very sick or dying from COVID-19.

Question 20

Can children get the vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Yes. For children ages 5-11, we are planning to make the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine available in the coming weeks at certain family medicine practices and at future community clinics. We encourage parents to take advantage of vaccine information and availability through their local pharmacy, their child’s pediatrician and other community vaccination events, as well. Currently, we are offering the Pfizer vaccine to adolescents 12 to 15 years old in several Penn Medicine locations.

Question 21

Who is the vaccine good for?

Accepted Answer

Studies show that COVID vaccines are likely safe and will work for almost everyone. The Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine is FDA approved for people 16 and older and received Emergency Use Authorization from the FDA for children 5 to 11 years old and adolescents 12 to 15 years old.

Question 22

What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant?

Accepted Answer

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, you can and should receive the vaccine. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and other pregnancy experts recommend COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant and lactating people. Vaccination during pregnancy may help transfer protective antibodies to the baby through the placenta and breastmilk. These antibodies may lower the chance of the baby getting the COVID-19 disease.

Question 23

If I already had COVID-19, should I still get the COVID vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, some people can get COVID again. It is also not known how long someone is protected from getting the virus again.

Question 24

If I complete the vaccine series, will I still need to wear a mask and social distance?

Accepted Answer

The CDC released masking recommendations that state that fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask or physically distance. However, CDC explicitly states that these new recommendations are NOT intended for healthcare settings. In all Penn Medicine locations, we require staff, patients and visitors to continue to wear masks, regardless of their vaccination status.We recommend continuing to wear masks, wash hands, and socially distance as much as possible, even after getting the vaccine, to help bring the pandemic under control.

Question 25

Can I choose which vaccine to get?

Accepted Answer

You may request which vaccine you would like to receive, and we will do our best to provide that one to you at that time of your appointment. If you receive an mRNA vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech) that is delivered in two doses, your second dose will need to be from the same manufacturer as your first dose.The Moderna,Pfizer - BioNTech and Johnson & Johnson vaccines all were 100 percent effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths from COVID - 19 during clinical trials.

Question 26

Can I get other vaccines, like the flu shot, at the same time as a COVID-19 vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is safe for you to receive a COVID-19 vaccine at the same time as another vaccine, such as a flu shot. You do not need to space out or wait a period of time between receiving a COVID vaccine and your flu shot. The COVID vaccine and the other vaccine will be just as effective if you receive them at the same time as they will at different times.Additionally,if you had COVID - 19,you do not need to wait before getting a flu shot.

Question 27

Is the vaccine safe for me if I have allergies?

Accepted Answer

We know that the great majority of people, even those with severe allergies, have tolerated the COVID vaccine. People with allergies to environmental allergens (such as pollen), foods, latex, oral medications and stinging insects can receive the COVID vaccine. The vaccine does not contain egg, gelatin or latex. CDC recommends not to receive a COVID vaccine if you had a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in the vaccine or anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) to the first dose of an mRNA vaccine. If you have a history of an immediate allergic reaction to polyethylene glycol (also known as PEG), or to polysorbate, you should not receive the vaccine. If you have questions about if you should receive the vaccine, please talk to your health care provider.

Question 28

What is polyethylene glycol?

Accepted Answer

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a common ingredient in a wide variety of vaccines and FDA-approved medications. It is found in the colonoscopy preparation, Golytely, in the constipation treatment, MiraLax, as well as in IV medications such as PEGylated medications. It is also in a steroid injection, Depo Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate). Reactions to PEG are rare, but anaphylaxis has been reported. Polysorbate is not an ingredient in either of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna), but it is closely related to PEG. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine contains polysorbate.

Question 29

Who may not be eligible or may need further evaluation for the mRNA COVID vaccine?

Accepted Answer

According to CDC guidelines, you may not be eligible to get the mRNA vaccine (or a second dose of the vaccine) if you have experienced any of the following allergic reactions. Severe allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylaxis) after a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components.Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to a previous dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or any of its components. Immediate allergic reaction of any severity to polysorbate. A history of an allergic reaction to an injectable medication. If you have experienced any of these reactions, please talk to your health care provider before getting a first or second dose of the vaccine.

Question 30

If I have allergies, what happens when I receive the COVID vaccine?

Accepted Answer

If you decide to get the vaccine at a Penn Medicine vaccination site, you will be asked some questions about your allergy history before the vaccination. If you have had anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) due to any cause, the vaccination team will decide if you need longer monitoring, or if you need to see your primary provider or allergy doctor before vaccination particularly if you report a history of an allergy to an injectable medication.There are safeguards in place at Penn Medicine in case anyone experiences an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Everyone is monitored immediately after they receive the shot: At least 30 minutes for people who have a history of severe allergic reactions. At least 15 minutes for all other individuals.

Question 31

What should I do if I had an allergic reaction to the first mRNA vaccine shot?

Accepted Answer

We have a virtual urgent care service, called Penn Medicine OnDemand, which you can use as a resource at any time if you develop a reaction that concerns you. If you received the COVID vaccine and developed a reaction within 4 hours of being vaccinated, you should call Penn Medicine OnDemand at 215-615-2222. Not all reactions are truly allergic reactions; a provider will first get information about your reaction and decide how to best manage it. If you have severe symptoms with wheezing, throat tightness, nausea and hives, seek emergency care. It is common to experience a reaction (or, side effect that is not considered allergic) to the vaccine. Side effects include fever, chills, muscle aches, headache and soreness at the injection site. These symptoms commonly begin happening at any time point after receiving the shot and typically last 2 to 3 days. If symptoms persist longer or you develop a high fever, please call Penn Medicine OnDemand.

Question 32

What should I do if I have an unusual reaction to the Johnson & Johnson vaccine?

Accepted Answer

It is common for people to have mild symptoms – such as tiredness, headache, muscle pain, chills, fever, nausea, and redness or soreness around the injection site – between 24 and 48 hours after receiving the Johnson & Johnson COVID vaccine. If you recently received the J&J vaccine, you will most likely not experience any serious, adverse effects. If you develop severe headache, abdominal pain, leg pain or shortness of breath within three weeks of being vaccinated with the J&J vaccine, you should contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Make sure you tell the health care provider that you received the J&J vaccine. Health care providers are asked to report adverse events to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

Updated COVID Vaccines

Who can or should get an updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine?

What updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines are available in the United States?

Is the new COVID vaccine a booster?

Is there an efficacy difference between Moderna and Pfizer?

How many doses are required for the updated fall 2023 COVID vaccine?

Are the updated COVID vaccines FDA approved or will an Emergency Use Authorization be required?

Should I let my care team know if I get the updated 2023-24 COVID-19 vaccine outside of Penn Medicine?

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety and Prevention

Is it safe to get the updated COVID vaccine if I am pregnant?

Is it possible to achieve immunity without an updated vaccine?

How long will the updated COVID-19 vaccines protect people?

Getting Vaccinated

Where should I get my COVID vaccine?

Can I get the updated COVID vaccine if I have never been vaccinated for COVID before?

Can children get the vaccine?

Which COVID vaccines will be available at Penn Medicine locations?

Is there an observation period required after vaccination?

When should I get the updated COVID-19 vaccine if I recently had a COVID-19 infection?

If I recently received the bivalent vaccine, when should I get this new, updated COVID vaccine?

Can I get the flu shot and COVID vaccine at the same time?

Can I get the RSV vaccine at the same time as the flu and COVID vaccines?

Should I bring my COVID vaccine card?