▼

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQ

Show All Answers

1. I don't have access to a computer, how can I schedule an appointment?

You can call our call center and they can assist you in completing preregistration over the phone. Additionally, if you have friends or family members with computer access, they can complete your preregistration for you.

2. I’ve already had COVID-19. Can I still get the vaccine?

Yes, the vaccine can be given to individuals who have already had COVID-19. However, anyone currently in quarantine, in isolation, or with symptoms, is not eligible for the vaccine. These individuals must wait until they are no longer sick AND the criteria to discontinue quarantine or isolation has been met before they can be vaccinated.

3. What is an mRNA vaccine and how does it work?

According to the CDC, mRNA vaccines are a new type of vaccine to protect against infectious diseases. To trigger an immune response, many vaccines put a weakened or inactivated germ into our bodies. mRNA vaccines do not work that way. Instead, they teach our cells how to make a protein—or even just a piece of a protein—that triggers an immune response inside our bodies. That immune response, which produces antibodies, is what protects us from getting infected if the real virus enters our bodies.

• According to the CDC, COVID-19 mRNA vaccines give instructions for our cells to make a harmless piece of what is called the “spike protein.” The spike protein is found on the surface of the virus that causes COVID-19. COVID-19 mRNA vaccines are given in the upper arm muscle. Once the instructions (mRNA) are inside the immune cells, the cells use them to make the protein piece. After the protein piece is made, the cell breaks down the instructions and gets rid of them.
• Next, the cell displays the protein piece on its surface. Our immune systems recognize that the protein doesn’t belong there and begin building an immune response and making antibodies, like what happens in natural infection against COVID-19.
• At the end of the process, our bodies have learned how to protect against future infection. The benefit of mRNA vaccines, like all vaccines, is those vaccinated gain this protection without ever having to risk the serious consequences of getting sick with COVID-19.

4. What are the side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Common side effects form the COVID-19 vaccine include: pain & swelling at the injection site and potentially fever, chills, tiredness and headache. These side effects should go away in a few days. More information about common vaccine side effects can be found here.

In most cases, discomfort from fever or pain is normal. Contact your healthcare provider:

• If the redness or tenderness where you got the shot increases after 24 hours
• If your side effects are worrying you or do not seem to go away after a few days.

If you get a COVID-19 vaccine and you think you are having a severe allergic reaction after leaving the vaccination site, seek immediate medical care by calling 911.

5. How long will it take for the vaccine to begin protecting me?

It normally takes two to three weeks for cellular immunity to develop and several weeks for a full antibody response.

6. With the availability of the vaccine does this mean the pandemic is over?

No. Even with a vaccine, the pandemic will not end immediately. It will take time for the vaccine to be widely available. And even then a majority of people will need to receive the vaccine to help prevent the spread of the virus. We must continue using other strategies such as wearing a mask and handwashing.

7. Can I receive a Moderna vaccine for my first shot and a Pfizer vaccine for my second shot?

No. Your first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine must be from the same manufacturer.

8. Can I get COVID-19 from the vaccine?

No. It is not possible to get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

9. Why can’t children under 16 receive the vaccine?

None of the vaccine manufacturers have tested the vaccine for use in individuals under 16. As more research is done this could change.

10. What does the Chester County Health Department do if there are doses left over at the end of a vaccine clinic?

The Health Department schedules appointments for every dose of vaccine we receive. We have refined our vaccination process to minimize the number of doses that remain at the end the day. However, there are times when there are doses remaining at the end of the day due to individuals not showing up for their appointment, last minute cancelations, or an extra dose in the vial. This number is currently averaging at around 3-5 doses at the end of each day. 

To ensure that no vaccine is goes unused, the Health Department is piloting a program to support a “stand-by” list of individuals eligible for Phase 1A that includes some first responders, community organization staff and clients, and some County employees who are local to the site and can arrive at a clinic within 15 minutes of being contacted. This list is strictly managed to ensure that only individuals who are eligible for Phase 1A are considered.  It is a comprehensive list, and, because the number of remaining end-of-day doses is small, the Health Department is not taking additional stand-by names for the list at this time.

11. Why should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Because controlling this pandemic means utilizing all tools available. Vaccines work with your immune system so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed. Getting the vaccine and following other preventative measures, like wearing a mask, washing your hands, and social distancing, helps reduce your chance of being exposed and spreading the virus to other people.

12. Will the vaccine prevent me from getting COVID?

The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are both approximately 95 percent effective in the prevention of COVID-19. Researchers compared how many in the vaccinated group and the placebo group went on to develop the disease. The vaccinated group had a much lower rate of infection than the placebo group.

13. How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine do I need to get?

The Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccine both require two doses. The Pfizer vaccine requires a booster after 21 days and Moderna requires a booster after 28 days. It is critical to receive both doses for the vaccine to be highly effective.

The Johnson & Johnson vaccine requires one dose.

14. What if I miss the second dose of the vaccine?

It is critical that you receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to provide maximum protection from the virus. You should schedule your second dose when you receive your first shot. The CDC recommends receiving your second dose within 42 days of your first dose. There is no need to restart your COVID-19 vaccination cycle if you receive the second dose after 42 days.

15. Will I need to receive the vaccine annually?

Research is still being done to find out how long the COVID-19 vaccine provides immunity.

16. Do I still need to wear a mask after getting the vaccine?

Yes, you should still continue to wear a mask and practice other mitigation strategies (social distancing, handwashing, etc.) after you get the vaccine.

17. I have a preference on which vaccine I receive. Can I submit my vaccine preference to the Health Department?

The Health Department cannot accommodate individual requests for a specific vaccine.