Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe?

Yes, the vaccine is safe. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a process to ensure all vaccines are safe before they can be used in the United States. All available vaccines have undergone clinical trials and approval for both safety and effectiveness.

 

Can children get the vaccine? 

The vaccine is now available for children ages 12 and older. Studies are ongoing for children under the age of 12.

 

Where can I get a vaccine?

These websites have helpful info and tools to help you find out where to get a vaccine:

• vaccinefinder.org
• vaccines.gov/get-vaccinated/where
• coronavirus.idaho.gov/covid-19-vaccine/

 

You can also learn more from:

• Health care providers
• State and local health agencies
• Pharmacies
• Through public service announcements, and
• Traditional and social media sources

How many doses are needed to be effective?

The number of doses needed depends on which vaccine you receive. Ask the vaccine administrator the name of the vaccine manufacturer that was given to you and how many doses are necessary. Upon receipt of the first dose, it is recommended to get a completed COVID-19 vaccination record card for your personal records. Vaccination providers must complete these cards with accurate vaccine information (i.e. vaccine manufacturer, lot number, date of first dose administration, and second dose due date), and give them to each person who gets the vaccine to ensure a basic vaccination record is provided.

 

How much will the vaccine cost?

There is no cost for the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

What are the side effects of receiving the vaccine?

During the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) review and approval process, safety and effectiveness are measured. After getting vaccinated, you may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. The most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. You may also have. Most side effects are often mild and last a few days.

 

Can I get COVID-19 infection directly because of receiving the vaccine?

No. The live COVID-19 virus is not present in any vaccine currently available and there is no risk from becoming infected as a direct result of getting the vaccine. After getting vaccinated, you may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. The most common side effects are pain and swelling in the arm where you received the shot. You may also have fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. Most side effects are mild and last a few days.

 

Will I still need to wear a mask, practice social distancing, wash my hands, and limit my exposure to others after I get a vaccine?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued guidance on what you can do once you become fully vaccinated. For up to date information, visit the CDC website. The CDC also recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases. They include:

• Washing your hands often with plain soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not available, the CDC recommends using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering or non-surgical mask when around others.
• Avoid crowds and practice social distancing (stay at least 6 feet apart from others).

I already had COVID-19 and recovered. Do I still need to get a vaccine?

Yes. Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the possibility of reinfection, you should be vaccinated even if you have had COVID-19. This is because experts don’t yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19.

 

If you have COVID-19 you should wait to get vaccinated until you are no longer sick and are not in isolation. Talk to your doctor if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.

 

If I am pregnant, can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes, if you are pregnant, you can safely get the vaccine. Due to the way the COVID-19 vaccine works, experts don’t think there is a risk for pregnant women. There aren’t a lot of studies in pregnant women. To date, they have not found any safety concerns for pregnant women. Clinical studies to look at the safety and how well the vaccine works in pregnant women are being done now and more are planned.

 

You should speak to your doctor to help you decide whether to get vaccinated. Each person is different. Talking to your doctor is not needed before you get the vaccine, but it is a good idea.

 

If I am nursing my baby, can I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. Nursing women were not involved in the studies, but experts think that the COVID-19 vaccine should be given to nursing women who are able to get it. The benefits of getting the vaccine are thought to be more than the risk of not getting it. You do not need to stop nursing to get the vaccine. You can keep breast feeding after you get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Molina Coronavirus Chatbot

Click on the robot icon at the top of the screen for help with specific Coronavirus questions.

 

Nurse Advice Line

You can also call our 24-hour nurse line at (888) 275-8750 (TTY 711) for advice. Open seven days a week.