According to the Centers for Disease Control, studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine will also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Please continue to follow all recommended guidelines to protect yourself and slow the spread of germs and viruses.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COVID-19 VAccINE

Is the COVID-19 Vaccine safe?                                             
The COVID-19 Vaccine is safe, it does not contain live or dead cells of the virus, or any material that can damage your DNA.

Does the COVID-19 vaccine have a microchip to track people?
The COVID-19 vaccine does not have anything to track people or collect any information about the recipients.

Are there any side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?        
You may have some side effects, which are normal signs of your body building protection. These side effects include pain & swelling in the arm where you got the shot, fever, chills, tiredness, and headache. Side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away within a few days. If side effects persist contain your medical provider.

Does it matter which vaccine I get?
All three COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective and all reduce the risk of becoming infected with COVID-19. Most importantly, all have been shown to eliminate the risk of developing severe disease and death due to COVID-19. Getting vaccinated as soon as possible with whichever vaccine is available to you will help protect you and your family against this virus. 

Pfizer Vaccine
Moderna Vaccine
Johnson & Johnson Vaccine

Can the vaccine give me COVID-19?
No. None of the COVD-19 vaccines currently authorized for use or in development in the United States use the live virus that causes COVID-19. However, it typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick.

Can people who have already had the COVID-19 virus, get the vaccine?
Yes. The CDC recommends that you get vaccinated even if you have already had COVID-19 because you can catch it more than once. You can receive the vaccine any time after you are done with your isolation period and your symptoms have resolved, but since you have antibodies for that 90 day period and re-infection is not likely during that timeframe, you can also choose to wait until after 90 days to get immunized.

Can I get COVID-19 between the first and second doses of the vaccine?
Yes. It is therefore important that you continue to social distance, wear a mask and wash your hands.

Can I still get the COVID-19 virus after I’m vaccinated?
It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity after vaccination. That means it’s possible that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and get sick. However, if you still get infected after you get vaccinated, the vaccine may prevent serious illness.

Is it safe to get vaccinated if I have an underlying health condition?
Yes. COVID-19 vaccination is especially important for people with underlying health problems like heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, and obesity. People with these conditions are more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. It is recommended that people with these conditions get vaccinated. Individuals who have had prior allergic reactions to injectable medicines should consult with their medical providers before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

When will I be considered a fully vaccinated person?
People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after they have received the second dose in a 2-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna), or 2 weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson (J&J)/Janssen).

Do I need the COVID-19 vaccine to travel?                         
According to the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), "There are no vaccination requirements for visitors for the United States, and US residents traveling abroad" who wish to re-enter the country. Please visit the CDC webpage for travel for more information regarding COVID-19 and travel restrictions.

How do I schedule my vaccination?                         
Go to GetVaxBpt.com page.

Where can I get vaccinated?
Go to GetVaxBpt.com page.

When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated

Sources:
https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DDS/events2021/DPH_CovidVaccine_Safe_2-3-21.pdf
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/united-states
https://www.ynhhs.org/patient-care/covid-19/vaccine/about-the-vaccine.aspx