COVID-19 Vaccine

Thousands of children participated in the vaccine clinical trials. With continuous monitoring and millions of doses administered to adults, the vaccines have proven to be very safe. There are common, minor short-term side effects but nothing long-term has been identified.

Although children have a significantly lower risk of severe disease and death from COVID-19, both can happen. In addition, there can be long-term illness associated with initial COVID-19, including in children, so prevention is key.

It's normal for vaccine effectiveness to decrease with time. How long you're protected after a COVID-19 vaccine will continue to be better defined, but it's known to last about four-to-six months after vaccination.

The science used to create the COVID-19 vaccines isn't new — it's rooted in years of research. Every step of the vaccine process went through the same rigorous safety assessments by the FDA as all other vaccines. You can visit the CDC website for more information on vaccine safety.

Side effects are generally mild and occur within the first few days of getting the vaccine. Common side effects include pain in the arm where the shot was given, chills, headache, fatigue and muscle pain. For more information, visit the CDC website.

If you're wondering how to prepare for your vaccine, including information about taking over-the-counter pain medications, read about what to do before your vaccination appointment.

The CDC says pregnant people have an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to non-pregnant individuals. COVID-19 during pregnancy can also increase the risk of preterm birth. Due to support from The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine, it's recommended all pregnant individuals be vaccinated against COVID-19. All data indicates the vaccine is very effective and safe during pregnancy.