The FDA approved two Covid-19 vaccines for the prevention of Covid-19 caused by SARS-Cov-2. These vaccines are considered highly effective (95% efficacy after two doses) and provides protection from Covid-19 within about 10 days of the first dose (Fitzgerald Health Education Associates (FHEA), 2020). The two doses are given three weeks apart. Both vaccines are messenger RNA (mRNA) type vaccines.
The vaccine contains messenger RNA and a small piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus’s mRNA that tells cells in the body to make the virus’s distinctive spike protein. After a person receives this vaccine, their body produces copies of the spike protein, which does not cause the disease, but triggers the immune system to learn to react defensively, producing an immune response to SARS-CoV-2
(FHEA, 2020).
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There are two different Covid-19 vaccines available, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The Pfizer vaccine was released first and has been mainly available for high-risk healthcare workers. The Moderna vaccine is also available and storage requirements are different compared to the Pfizer vaccine which makes it easier to ship, store and handle.
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CDC Vaccine Recommendation
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People who have had Covid-19 are still recommended to get the vaccine, only after recovery from the illness.
| • | It is recommended to still wear a mask and social distance even after getting vaccinated
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| • | The vaccine does NOT give you Covid-19, the vaccine gives your body a code which helps it recognize the virus, so your body can fight it off in the future.
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| • | CDC recommends that no other vaccine be given 14 days before or after you get the Covid-19 vaccine.
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| • | Side effects of Covid-19 vaccine include: arm soreness, redness or warmth to the touch at site of injection. Also low grade fever, headache, general fatigue. These symptoms typically resolve in a few days. |
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Vaccine Distribution/Prioritization
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